Preparing for USCIS Interview
How to Prepare for the USCIS Interview
The USCIS requires an interview prior to final adjudication of several types of immigration cases, including green cards through marriage and naturalization cases.
Immigration Marriage Interview
The purpose of the green-card-through-marriage interview is to satisfy the USCIS that the marriage is bona fide, in other words, a real marriage, not entered into for the purposes of evading U.S. immigration laws. Please note that sham marriages are illegal, and anyone involved in arranging such a marriage or in assisting a foreign-national in obtaining a green card by defrauding the system is subject to severe criminal penalties.
Below are some tips for a standard immigration interview. As always, you should consult your immigration attorney for a detailed explanation of the immigration interview and what to expect.
What to Bring
Foreign nationals should bring originals of the following to their marriage interview:
- All passports
- I-94 Arrival-Departure Record
- Social Security Card
- Work Authorization Document
- State ID
- Birth Certificate with Certified Translation
- Certificates of Divorce for all prior spouses (if any) with Certified Translations
- Certificates of Death for all prior spouses (if any) with Certified Translations
- Birth Certificates for all children with Certified Translations
- Sealed Envelope with the Medical Examination by a Designated Civil Surgeon, if not previously submitted
US Citizens should bring originals of the following:
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Naturalization Certificate or Birth Certificate
- State ID
- Certificates of Divorce for all prior spouses (if any) with Certified Translations
- Certificates of Death for all prior spouses (if any) with Certified Translations
- Birth Certificates for all children with Certified Translations
- Proof of current employment or self-employment (latest pay slips or employment letter)
As far as evidence proving the good faith of the marriage, more is always better. Of course, if your marriage is a real one, you will have no problem demonstrating it. Your attorney will explain to you what is necessary/ advisable to present in your particular case. Standard materials you may present to an adjudicator are:
- U.S. Tax Returns for the last tax year (individual and joint return for both spouses if not previously submitted)
- Joint Bank Account and/or Credit Card Statements
- Insurance Policies (medical, life, auto etc.)
- Lease or Mortgage showing joint ownership or tenancy
- Utility Bills for the past several months
- Wedding pictures, photos of the couple with family and friends, family photos (photos should be labeled as to the date taken, location and names of individuals in the photographs)
Other Considerations
This shows respect for the process. Conservative attire is recommended.
Arrive at least fifteen minutes before your interview is scheduled to allow yourself time to go through security, check-in, and ensure that you do not miss your scheduled interview slot.
If you arrive at the interview site and your attorney is not there yet, do not agree to be interviewed until he or she arrives.
Keep your answers on point and address the questions posed. If you are asked how many children you have, the answer should be “three”, not: “I have three beautiful children, Mark who is four months old, Jane who is two years old and so feisty, and Mary who just turned four…” If the officer wants to know more, he or she will ask you. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so, do not guess or worse, make up an answer. Remember you will be under oath, and do not want to lie to a federal officer under any circumstance.
