How to prepare for a marriage-based green card interview

 Posted on March 01, 2021 in family-based immigration

Because you married a U.S. citizen, you are likely eligible to become a legal permanent resident of the U.S. Before immigration officials approve your application to adjust status, though, they are likely to want to interview both you and your husband or wife. This interview is a routine part of the marriage-based green card process.

To ensure your interview goes smoothly, you should spend some time preparing for it. While you do not want to sound unnatural or rehearsed at your interview, you must be ready to answer the officer’s questions. Here are a couple tips for preparing for your marriage-based green card interview.

Review your immigration paperwork

At the beginning of your green card interview, you can expect the officer to go through your immigration paperwork with you. Therefore, you should review the immigrant visa petition and application to adjust status thoroughly. When looking over your paperwork, make notes of anything that is inaccurate or has changed. You may need to bring these items to the officer’s attention.

Think about your marriage

Before approving your permanent residency, the officer must be certain you have a bona fide marriage. Consequently, you and your spouse should think about your relationship. You should ready yourself to answer questions about the following:

• Your relationship history, including where and when you met
• Your wedding, including the ceremony and your honeymoon
• Your daily routines, including who is responsible for which household duties
• Your children, including their births, schools and medical histories
• Your special days, including birthdays, holidays and vacations

There is a good chance you and your husband or wife will automatically know the answers to the officer’s marriage-related questions. Still, because the interview can be intimidating, practicing answering questions before the interview may make it less stressful.