Why Does USCIS Conduct an Interview in Marriage-Based Cases and What to Expect: A Run-Through
Shawn Sedaghat, Esq.
If you’re applying for a marriage-based green card, one of the biggest moments in the process is the USCIS interview. The interview is conducted to confirm that your marriage is real and not just a strategy for obtaining immigration benefits. While the thought of an interview may seem daunting, it’s simply a way for the USCIS officer to ensure that your relationship is genuine.
This article will take you through the reasons why the interview is necessary, how to prepare, what happens during the interview, and what kind of questions to expect. It’s all about helping you feel prepared and confident when the time comes!
Why Does USCIS Conduct a Marriage-Based Green Card Interview?
The primary reason USCIS conducts an interview in marriage-based green card cases is to prevent fraudulent marriages. Unfortunately, some people may try to fake a marriage in order to obtain a green card, which is a serious violation of U.S. immigration law. To avoid this, USCIS officers use the interview to verify the legitimacy of the relationship.
They want to be sure that the couple is genuinely married for love and not for immigration purposes. While some other categories of green card applications might get interview waivers, marriage-based green card applications typically do not, unless USCIS sees clear reasons to waive the interview.
What to Expect from the Marriage Green Card Interview
If you’ve submitted your green card application through marriage, you’ll receive an interview notice from USCIS with a scheduled date and time. This notice is important because it officially signals the next step in your immigration journey. Don’t ignore this letter—mark the date on your calendar and start preparing!
Here’s what you can expect from the green card interview process:
- Interview Notice: Once your application is reviewed, USCIS will send you an interview notice. This notice contains the date, time, and location of your interview. Make sure to gather all necessary documents before the interview date and be punctual.
- Preparing Documents: Gather all the documents you submitted with your green card application, like your marriage certificate, joint bank account statements, lease agreements, and photographs of you and your spouse. These are all important pieces of evidence that help prove the authenticity of your marriage.
- Interview Process: The interviewing officer will ask questions related to your relationship—how you met, how your relationship developed, and how your daily life together looks now. They’ll also review the information you provided in your green card application to ensure it’s accurate.
- Interview Setting: The interview usually takes place in a private office at a USCIS field office. Sometimes, couples are interviewed together, while in other cases, the officer might separate the couple and interview them individually. This is often called a Stokes interview, where the officer compares each partner’s answers to make sure the stories align.
- Questions to Expect: The marriage green card interview questions are usually focused on personal details about your relationship. The USCIS officer might ask about how you and your spouse met, where you live, and your daily routine as a married couple. They could even ask more personal questions like what side of the bed you sleep on, what your spouse’s favorite food is, and how you spend your weekends together.
Common Questions Asked During the Marriage Green Card Interview
The interviewing officer is trained to ask questions that give insight into your relationship. Here are some common interview questions you might be asked:
- How did you meet your spouse?
- What was your wedding day like?
- Do you have any shared bank accounts or joint assets?
- What kind of activities do you do together as a couple?
- How do you share household responsibilities?
The purpose of these questions is to assess whether your relationship is authentic. So, it’s important to answer honestly and be as specific as possible. USCIS officers understand that not every couple remembers every detail perfectly, but they are looking for consistency in your answers.
Preparing for Your Marriage-Based Green Card Interview
Preparation is key to a successful marriage green card interview. Here are some steps to ensure you’re ready:
- Review Your Application: Before your interview, take time to review the information you and your spouse provided in your green card application. Be sure you both remember key details, like important dates (wedding, anniversaries) and other information you submitted to USCIS. Inconsistencies in your answers can raise red flags, even if they’re innocent mistakes.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Bring copies of all important documents, including your marriage certificate, utility bills with both names, joint bank account statements, and photographs that show your life together as a married couple. These documents are critical for proving that your marriage is real.
- Be Honest and Relax: Answer every question truthfully. It’s better to say “I don’t remember” or “I’m not sure” than to guess and give a wrong answer. Honesty is always the best policy. It’s also important to stay calm and relaxed—being nervous is natural, but remember, the officer is just doing their job.
- Practice with Your Spouse: Sit down together and go over potential interview questions. This will help you both feel more comfortable and confident on the day of the interview. It also ensures that you’re both on the same page about the timeline of your relationship, key dates, and the events in your married life.
- Arrive Early: It’s important to arrive at your USCIS interview location early. This shows that you’re prepared and takes some stress off by giving you extra time to check in and get comfortable.
What Happens After the Interview?
Once your interview is complete, the USCIS officer will either approve or deny your green card application, or they might need additional time to review your case. Sometimes, the officer may ask for more evidence, such as additional documents or photographs, to verify the details of your relationship.
Here are some possible outcomes:
- Approval: If the officer is satisfied with the interview, your green card application may be approved on the spot. In this case, you’ll receive a notification in the mail, followed by your green card a few weeks later.
- Request for Evidence (RFE): If the officer feels that more evidence is needed to prove the legitimacy of your marriage, they may issue a Request for Evidence. You’ll have a set amount of time to provide the requested documents.
- Additional Review: In some cases, the officer may need more time to review your case. This could be due to the need for further background checks or additional investigation into your relationship.
- Second Interview (Stokes Interview): If the officer has doubts about your marriage after the initial interview, they may schedule a second interview, known as a Stokes interview. This is a more in-depth interview where both spouses are typically interviewed separately to compare their answers.
- Denial: If the officer finds clear evidence that the marriage is not genuine or if there are other issues with your application, your green card may be denied. However, most applicants will have the opportunity to appeal the decision or submit additional evidence before a final decision is made.
How to Ace Your Marriage Green Card Interview
To ensure you have a successful green card interview, here are some helpful tips:
- Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and relax. The USCIS officer is not trying to catch you off guard—they just want to make sure everything is in order.
- Answer Honestly: Be truthful in your responses. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question—just say so.
- Be Respectful: Treat the interviewing officer with respect and answer their questions politely. Showing that you’re cooperative and open goes a long way.
- Don’t Overthink: The questions are usually straightforward. Don’t overthink or feel pressured to give a perfect answer. Focus on being honest.
- Bring All Required Documents: Make sure you bring all the documents listed on your interview notice. Double-check everything before leaving for the interview.
Conclusion
The marriage green card interview is an essential part of the immigration process, and it can be a smooth experience if you and your spouse are well-prepared. Remember, the USCIS officer is there to verify the authenticity of your relationship, and your goal is to provide truthful, consistent answers and supporting documentation.
With a little preparation and a calm, positive mindset, you can go into your interview feeling confident and ready. Just remember to review your application, gather your documents, and practice answering potential questions with your spouse. The interview may seem intimidating, but in the end, it’s just one more step on your journey to securing your green card and starting your life together in the U.S.
FAQs
What documents should I bring to the marriage green card interview?
You should bring original copies of the following:
- Your marriage certificate
- Joint bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements with both names
- Photos of you and your spouse together
- Tax returns showing joint filing
- Any other evidence of your relationship, such as correspondence, travel itineraries, etc.
What questions will the USCIS officer ask during the interview?
The interviewing officer may ask questions about:
- How you met your spouse
- What your wedding was like
- Daily activities and shared responsibilities
- Personal details, such as your spouse’s favorite food or how you spend your weekends together
What happens if my answers don’t match my spouse’s during a Stokes interview?
If you and your spouse are interviewed separately, the officer will compare your answers. Minor inconsistencies, like remembering different dates, usually aren’t a big deal. However, large discrepancies may raise concerns about the authenticity of your marriage. It’s best to prepare together to avoid misunderstandings.
How long does the marriage green card interview last?
Most interviews last between 15-30 minutes. However, if the USCIS officer needs more information or decides to conduct a Stokes interview, it may take longer.
Can I bring a lawyer to the green card interview?
Yes, you are allowed to bring an immigration lawyer to your interview. Having a lawyer can provide added peace of mind, especially if you’re worried about potential complications in your case.