Green card interviews are often difficult for couples seeking immigration through marriage. Immigration officials want to ensure that the marriage is authentic and not a fraudulent attempt to gain legal residency.
This is why they ask questions that only a bona fide spouse can answer. Inconsistent answers to these questions can result in a delay, request for a Stokes interview or denial of your green card.
1. Know Your Requirements
For many immigrants, the green card interview feels like a daunting prospect. However, by familiarizing yourself with the type of questions that are typically asked during this process and preparing accordingly, you can approach the interview with confidence.
The USCIS interviewer’s main objective during the green card interview is to confirm that the information you provided on your application is true and correct. This is especially important for applicants applying for marriage-based green cards, who are often questioned about the history of their relationship and family ties to determine if the marriage is bona fide.
It is best to be honest, even if you feel the questions are sensitive or personal. Providing evasive answers will only hurt your case. The interviewer will likely ask you to sign a document stating that you will “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” If you’re caught in a lie, your application could be denied.
2. Be Prepared for Personal Questions
Whether you are applying for a Marriage Green Card or an Individual Green Card, you can expect some questions that can feel very personal. This is because immigration officers want to understand your current employment and financial stability in the United States, as well as determine if you can support yourself without becoming a public charge.
These personal questions can include specifics about how and where you met, details of your engagement and wedding day, and even travel memories with your spouse. This is to ensure that your marriage is authentic and not simply a scam to get a U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence.
Remember to be truthful at all times. If you lie, you could be subject to penalties such as denial of your green card application. This is why it is important to fully prepare for the interview before attending it.
3. Know Your Spouse’s Requirements
If you filed your green card application based on marriage, you can expect to be asked questions related to the authenticity of your relationship. The officers interviewing you will want to verify that your marriage is genuine and that both spouses are equally committed to the relationship.
The questions you will be asked might feel intrusive, but the USCIS and consular officers use them to uncover potential marriage frauds. Be consistent in your answers, but politely let them know if you feel a question is too personal.
Some of the questions might include how often you see each other’s parents, how well you get along with your in-laws, who does most of the household chores, who goes to the grocery store, what your daily routines are like, and so on. They will also ask how long you have been married.
4. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Family
While preparing for your interview, it is important to familiarize yourself with the questions that may be asked about your family. These may include questions about how your family kept their culture alive through language, food, or traditions. The officer may also ask you to describe your childhood experiences. You will need to swear under oath that “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” during the interview, so it’s crucial to prepare ahead of time.
The officer will also likely ask you about your family’s finances, including tax returns and other financial documents. This is because they want to ensure that the U.S. citizen sponsor can financially support the immigrant spouse. This is an essential component of the marriage-based green card process. Moreover, the officer may question you about things that aren’t relevant to your application, such as a tattoo or contraceptives.
5. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Employment
Whether you’re applying for a marriage green card or an employment-based one, USCIS is going to ask questions about your career path and professional history. The interviewer may want to see pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of financial co-mingling like shared credit cards or bank accounts.
You’ll also likely be asked to explain your field of expertise and why it holds national interest for the United States. Be prepared to answer these questions with confidence and detail.
While these questions can feel invasive and private, it’s important to provide honest answers. If you don’t believe a question is relevant to your case, let the interviewer know. This will help them keep their interview within legal parameters. For best results, prepare to answer these questions ahead of time by researching the field. It will make your responses more meaningful and compelling during the interview.
6. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Financial Stability
As you prepare for your green card interview, it’s essential to remember that immigration officers are highly trained. They’re looking for clear and honest answers that support your claims in the application. A lie in the interview can result in a delay or denial of your green card application.
During your interview, the officer may ask questions about your financial stability. They might want to know about your joint bank accounts, credit history, and employment history. They will also likely ask about any significant life changes that have occurred since you filed your green card application.
Some of these questions can be invasive, and it’s okay to politely decline to answer them if you find them offensive. However, you should be prepared to explain why you cannot answer the question. This will show that you’re a person of integrity and that you take the interview seriously.
7. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Health
If you are applying for a green card through marriage, your interview will likely involve questions about your relationship. This is because the government needs to make sure that your marriage is legitimate.
If the officer has any doubts, they may send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for more information about your relationship or to provide proof of your financial stability. It is important to answer these requests promptly to avoid delays in your case.
It is also important to treat your interview like a job interview and dress professionally. Remember that the interviewing officer will be taking an oath to verify your answers, and there are serious consequences for lying to them. By following the above tips, you can have a successful green card interview! Interested in learning more about our services?
8. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Personality
Your interview will often include personal questions that may seem invasive or irrelevant to the process. However, the USCIS is trying to get a clear and honest picture of your intentions as they review your case.
Applicants should be prepared to answer questions that ask them about their personality traits and how they fit with the company culture. For example, if the company is high-energy and focused on creativity, then an applicant who is more reserved or traditional may struggle in the role.
Another question that might be asked is what a candidate is passionate about. This can help employers determine whether or not the applicant will thrive in a team environment or work better as an independent worker. The right answers to these personal questions will showcase a candidate’s passion for their profession and drive them to succeed.
9. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Religion
If you have a religious background, the officer may ask questions about that as well. It’s important to be prepared for these questions because they can make or break your green card interview.
It’s also important to be honest when answering them. The officer is going to be able to see through any inconsistencies in your answers, and lying during the interview can lead to denial of your green card.
If you need help preparing for your family green card interview, the team at VisaNation can assist you throughout the entire process. Contact us today to get started!
10. Be Prepared for Questions About Your Relationship
There are a lot of intimate questions that may be asked in your green card interview, especially if you’re applying through marriage. Whether it’s how long you and your spouse have been together, the story of your engagement, or the details of your wedding day, these questions are designed to confirm that you and your spouse are in a real relationship and not simply going through the motions to obtain a visa.
Consistency in responses between spouses is vital during marriage-based interviews, as discrepancies may raise red flags of fraud. An experienced attorney can help prepare couples for these types of questions and ensure that their answers are consistent. They can also guide how to answer questions about previous visa applications and background checks that could arise during the interview process. An attorney can even assist in cases where a clear ineligibility is established during the interview.