You have made it all the way in the immigration process and are about to have your interview with an Immigration Officer. This should be the last stop before obtaining your Green Card. What should you expect from an immigration interview and how should your prepare? Read more.
- Bring copies of all your documents. The original documents as well as a set of copies of these original documents (and certified translations if applicable). Have the documents organized so that you know where everything is. A neat arrangement will make you feel more comfortable and confident. Become familiar with the documents. Read them over. If more than one person is to be present at the interview, each person should be familiar with these documents.
- If this is an interview related to a marriage. Be sure that you and your spouse go over personal question that may be asked (see Frequently asked questions of a married couples seeking immigration status through marriage).
- Have a good meal. You may need to wait. Apparently, you are not allowed to bring food into the building.
- Dress appropriately as though for a job interview.
- Arrive early. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled interview. Rushing will only make you nervous. Plan to wait especially for interviews scheduled for later in the day as a backlog builds up.
- You may want to bring something to read during your wait. Of course, there is no smoking.
- The average interview is 20 minutes.
- When you enter the room for the interview, following the cues of the immigration officer. Shake hands, introduce yourself if it seems appropriate. Present a united front if you are with your spouse or other family member. It’s OK to smile.
- Bring an interpreter if you do not understand English. Treat your interpreter with respect. A lawyer may also accompany you if you have one.
- Do not be surprised if you and your spouse are interviewed separately for a green card interview involving marriage.
- Don’t start any conversation with the immigration officer. Answer questions that are asked. Don’t provide unasked for information. Look the officer in the eye. If you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to, do not make up an answer. Say honestly that you don’t know or remember.
- Always treat the officer’s questions with respect, think about the question and then answer it. Breath deep. If you find that you are very nervous and this is affecting your responses, you could apologize for finding it hard to think straight because you are nervous.
- If you do not understand a question, respectfully ask the officer to rephrase it.
- The immigration officer will let you know when the interview is finished. You could thank the officer for his/her time.
- Leave the room and breathe a sigh of relief.
Sources / useful links / frequently asked questions:
https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/preparing-for-the-marriage-green-card-interview/
https://www.immi-usa.com/marriage-based-green-card-interview-questions-complete-guide/
https://berardiimmigrationlaw.com/frequently-asked-marriage-based-green-card-interview-questions/
