A green card interview is conducted by a USCIS officer or consular official at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad. The purpose is to review your application, verify the information you submitted and assess your eligibility.
The interviewing officer will ask questions related to your current job, income and career prospects. Some of these questions may seem personal.
Be Prepared
The interviewer may ask about any criminal activity, immigration violations, or interactions with law enforcement that could impact your ability to become a permanent resident. It is important to answer these questions sincerely and honestly, even if they seem negative or may harm your case.
Also, prepare to discuss any documentation that demonstrates your marital relationship is bona fide. This will include evidence of courtship, wedding celebrations, joint bank accounts and investments, travel records, and more. It is essential that all of your responses are completely consistent with the information in your submitted documents. The USCIS officers take sham marriage investigations very seriously and will be looking for any discrepancies between your answers and the facts presented in the documentation. This can lead to a denial of your permanent residence application on the spot.
Be Honest
During the interview, you and your spouse will be asked questions related to your life together. The officer will want to get a sense of whether or not your marriage is legitimate and that you are not seeking to bypass immigration law.
Therefore, it is important to be honest and not lie during the interview. Lying during a green card interview is considered material misrepresentation and can lead to your visa being denied.
If a question is too personal or you feel uncomfortable answering it, do not be afraid to let the officer know. It is better to say that you cannot remember than to make something up. A USCIS officer is trained to spot inconsistencies and blatant lies. They have seen plenty of fraud and dishonesty, so being open and honest is the best policy.
Be Polite
When the interviewing officer asks questions about your personal life, such as what are important celebrations in your household, what religion you practice, and more, it is best to be polite and only answer the question that was asked. Getting chatty and offering up information that wasn’t requested can raise red flags and cause misunderstandings.
Additionally, when answering any questions, it is better to be honest and open about any blemishes on your record than to lie or be evasive. USCIS officers are trained to spot inconsistencies and dishonesty. They will take it into consideration when reviewing your application and can stall the process or even deny you. A little bit of honesty goes a long way in the green card interview.
Be On Time
The government will send you a notice of the interview, and it is important that you attend. If you fail to attend the interview, your application will likely be denied.
Depending on your situation, both you and your sponsor may need to come in for the interview, especially for marriage-based applications. The government will want to ensure that your marriage is authentic.
The officer will ask questions about your relationship such as what cultural traditions do you practice in your household and how do you celebrate significant events in your life? The officer will also ask about your employment, children’s schooling and any other relevant information. It is very important to be on time for the interview as being late will give a bad impression.
Bring an Interpreter
Many green card interviewees have language barriers and must rely on an interpreter to communicate with the interviewing officer. It is best to push for an interpreter, even if the interviewing officer may initially give you pushback.
If an interpreter is needed, you should seek out professional interpreting services that specialize in USCIS interviews. They will have a pool of certified interpreters to choose from. Before the interview, you and your interpreter should practice with each other so that both of you feel comfortable answering questions together during the actual interview.
After the interview, USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) to ask for additional information that will help make a final decision on your case. It is important to submit any RFEs in a timely manner so that your application can be processed quickly.