Congratulations! You’ve made it — or almost made it — to your USCIS Green Card interview day. This is a monumental day in the life of an immigrant. Of course, it comes with a lot of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. After all, you don’t want to mess this up — your future is at stake! That’s where preparation comes in. The more prepared for your Green Card interview you are, the more likely you’ll be able to handle it in a cool, calm, collected, and confident manner.
Are you just starting the immigration process? Is your Green Card interview approaching, and you’d like a little support? Attorney Eric Price can help. J. Eric Price is nationally renowned as a “green card lawyer.” Our law firm exclusively practices immigration law. Our dedication and hard work consistently rank us among the best lawyers in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Houston. Get started on making your American Dream come true, and contact us today.
Arrive Early
Immigration officers expect you to be on time for your Green Card interview. The law waits for no one, and you’re not an exception. “On time” in these instances means 15-30 minutes early. The last thing you want is to take a wrong tour, miss the bus or train, get stuck in traffic, or the plethora of other things that can go wrong, and risk losing your legal status in the country. If you’re late, the officer has the right to deny your application.
Wait for Your Immigration Attorney
If you arrive before your immigration attorney, the officers may try to start the interview while they’re not there. Under no circumstances should you ever enter a Green Card interview without your attorney present.
If this happens, respectfully ask the interviewer to allow sufficient time for your attorney to be present at the interview. Without the guidance and support of your experienced attorney to protect you, you risk having your rights violated, and your case denied.
Review Your Application Beforehand
Take some time to review all paperwork, forms, and documentation, as well as your actual application. You can do this before your appointment with your attorney or while you wait for the immigration officer to call you in for the interview. You need to make sure all forms have been filled out accurately and that they match any spoken facts you speak to the interviewers. Any inconsistencies or discrepancies may cause the immigration officer to deny your application.
Provide Direct & Honest Answers
Don’t try to be evasive in your answers or answer in “half-truths.” You must be direct and honest in answering all questions you are asked. Don’t guess, and don’t say, “I don’t know.” If you’re uncomfortable with a question or don’t understand what was asked, simply ask the interviewer to repeat it or look to your attorney for more clarification and guidance.
If your answers are short, lacking pertinent information, or seem evasive, you risk ticking off the officer right off the bat, harming your chances of approval.
When you work with an immigration attorney, they will likely do a mock Q&A session — or a few — so that you can get a handle on what to expect in terms of interview questions and the appropriate way to answer.
Expect Personal Questions
If you’re interviewing for a marriage-based Green Card, you should expect some intimate questions. Here’s an idea of some questions you can expect:
- How did you meet? (Go into as much detail as possible rather than saying, “A friend’s house.)
- Where was your first date?
- What was your wedding like?
- What food did you serve at your wedding?
- What’s your daily life together like?
- Who does the cooking?
- What side of the bed do you sleep on?
- What medications does your spouse take?
- When’s your spouse’s birthday?
Originals & Copies Of Required Documents
Before you leave your house for your Green Card interview, you should triple-check that you have all required documentation — including both original and copies of the documents. You need both copies because the officer will examine the original document and will ask for a copy to keep on file.
Dress For The Occasion
In order to show the immigration officer that you respect them, their office, and the immigration process, you need to dress professionally.
Women should wear a dress with a blazer or cardigan, a skirt with a button-down or jacket, or a blouse and trousers. Closed-toed shoes and light, non-distracting makeup are also recommended.
Men should wear a dress shirt with a jacket and trousers with closed-toe shoes.
Make sure your clothes and grooming are clean and professional. A good rule of thumb is to dress like you’re going to a job interview.
Silence Your Cell Phone
Silencing your cell phone is essential to limiting distractions. You want the interviewer to focus on their questions and be able to write down your answers accurately without being disrupted by the jarring sound of your ringtone. Your cell phone going off will also distract you tremendously as you may worry if something has happened with your kids, job, etc. Silence your phone, so everyone can put their entire focus on the task at hand — a successful immigration interview. Note that some immigration courts prohibit cellphones, so check with your attorney before your interview.
Bring An Interpreter
If you are not fluent in English, you may be required to bring an interpreter with you to your Green Card interview. Your interpreter must be in the U.S. legally, and some officers won’t allow a relative to interpret. Using a professional interpreter is the best way to ensure everything is conveyed accurately and you don’t annoy the immigration officer.
Remain Calm
We know how nerve-wracking the Green Card Interview process can be. But, take some deep breaths, quiet the racing thoughts in your head, and focus on delivering a calm interview.
One surefire way to help yourself stay calm is preparing well in advance with your attorney, so you know what to expect and how to answer the questions in the most effective way.
Start the Green Card Process with Abogado Eric Price
If you have any questions about how to obtain a green card or the interview process, Eric Price can help. Once you hire our firm, we immediately get to work for your American Dream. You will leave our office knowing that you are being protected by an experienced firm of immigration attorneys. You are welcome to contact us day or night with any questions or concerns you might have along the way. Contact us today for a free case consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Green Card Without an Interview?
It’s possible to get a Green Card without an interview, but not likely.
What Do They Ask at a Green Card Interview?
Some of the questions you’ll be asked at your Green Card interview include:
- Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
- Have you ever committed any crimes?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Has anything in your life changed since submitting your application? (Such as a new address, gotten married or divorced, switched jobs, etc.)
- Has your employer provided you with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
- What documents have you brought to show me?
What to Bring to a Green Card Interview?
You should bring the following to your Green Card interview:
- A complete copy of your adjustment of status application package (Forms I-485, I-130, I-130A, I-864, I-131, I-765)
- A government-issued photo ID
- Appointment notice for your Green Card interview
- Originals and copies of any supporting documentation you submitted to USCIS
- Your passport (unless you are a refugee/seeking asylum)
- Results of your medical exam
- For employment-based applications, an up-to-date copy of your employment verification letter
- For marriage-based application, copies and originals of documents that show your shared life, such as joint bank account statements, children’s birth certificates, etc.
How Long Do Green Card Interviews Take?
Green Card interviews do not take very long and rarely last more than 30 minutes. On average, you can expect to spend between 15-20 minutes in front of the immigration officer.
How Long After Green Card Interview Do I get a Green Card?
In most cases, the immigration officer will tell you that your case has been approved at the end of your interview. Then, you’ll receive your Green Card in the mail in about two to three weeks.
What to Wear to a Green Card Interview?
Women should wear a dress with a blazer or cardigan, a skirt with a button-down or jacket, or a blouse and trousers. Closed-toed shoes and light, non-distracting makeup are also recommended.
Men should wear a dress shirt with a jacket and trousers with closed-toe shoes.
Make sure your clothes and grooming are clean and professional. A good rule of thumb is to dress like you’re going to a job interview.
What Happens After a Green Card Interview?
After the interview, the officer will either tell you that you’ve been approved, or they’ll let you know they are sending your case to a supervisor, and you’ll receive your decision in the mail. Either way, you should receive something in the mail in two to three weeks — either a final decision or your Green Card.
Can I Travel After a Green Card Interview?
No, unless you receive travel authorization from the USCIS, known as an advance parole document, you cannot travel until you have your Green Card.
Can You Reschedule a Green Card Interview?
Yes, if you need to reschedule your appointment, you should call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
Can You Fail a Green Card Interview?
Yes. In some cases, the USCIS will investigate your case further. In others, they may give you the chance to present additional documentation for evidence, or they might issue a Notice of Intent to Deny your application.
Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer to Help Me?
Yes. Working with a skilled immigration attorney will ensure you submit your application properly and by the required dates, that you have all required documentation with you for the interview, and that you know what to expect in terms of questions and how to answer them. Working with an immigration attorney boosts your odds of passing the interview and receiving your Green Card.
