How to Prepare for Your Green Card Interview
Most green card applicants, those applying for lawful permanent residence status in the U.S., are required to attend an interview prior to green card approval. If you are overseas for the green card application process, the interview will take place at a U.S. consulate. If you are in the U.S. seeking permanent residence status, known as “adjustment of status,” you will attend an interview at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. The interview is an important step in the approval process and should be approached with care.
Preparing for Your Green Card Interview
Be sure to show up on time and prepared to your green card interview. Do everything in your power to make it to your scheduled interview time. USCIS officers are extremely difficult to get into contact with and requests for changes in interview times and dates are generally not well received. Should you fail to show up at your scheduled interview time, you may have to wait a long time to get rescheduled.
Be prepared for your interview by reviewing your application beforehand. The contents of your application will most certainly come up in the interview. Review the application forms whether you or someone else prepared them. Bring copies of all of your forms and original documents. You should be prepared to answer questions about these documents without the need to reference them. Your interviewer will appreciate prompt and concise responses. Maintain a calm and polite, almost businesslike, demeanor. High volumes of applicants are met with every day. The USCIS officer will appreciate a well-organized and prepared applicant.
In addition to your application and supporting documentation, be prepared to alert the officer of any changes that need to be made to the information in your forms. You may have had a name change or a change in address. Let the officer know about these kinds of changes and bring supporting documentation.
Always tell the truth in the interview. Should you become uncomfortable with any questions, remember to keep your answers concise and be honest. Whatever is causing you discomfort is not worth trying to cover up with a lie. A lie during the interview can have much more severe consequences than whatever you are uncomfortable about.
If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, be prepared for some very personal questions. Immigration officers will be looking to test the validity of your relationship. They want to establish that you are truly in a committed, legitimate marriage. This means they will ask details about your spouse and your relationship. Details such as your first date, who does the cleaning, who does the grocery shopping, and other details about domestic life may come up. Again, be honest, clear, and concise with your answers.
Immigration Attorney
The pathway to a green card is an exciting one, but can also be very complicated. If you have any questions or need help navigating the process, Talamantes Immigration Firm is here for you. Contact Talamantes Immigration Law Firm today.
Posted in: Immigration Law