A green card interview is the first step towards being a permanent resident of the US. This interview will include a visit with a USCIS officer who will review your application, check your eligibility, and question you to clear up any questions. If you are a green card holder for the family, work, or any other reason, you need to be prepared for the interview.
Everything You Need to Know About Green Card Interview.
You’ll need a green card interview, which generally comes after your application has already passed the first steps such as the biometric appointment and medical examination. This interview is where USCIS will verify information from your green card application to see if you qualify for permanent residency.
Every green card case is different but you will learn what to expect and how to prepare for the interview from this article.
Did You Know?
All green card interviews are in English. But if you don’t feel like the language, you can ask for an interpreter. That will make you sound confident when talking in the interview and also that you are clear on all of the queries.
Where Is The Green Card Interview?
Green card interview usually takes place in a field office within the USCIS nearest to you. Check your interview notice for the exact address and qualifications. During your interview, make sure to bring all documents with you so you don’t get stuck with an issue.
What to Bring to Your Green Card Interview.
Keep the following things close by:
Your passport
Copy of your green card application (Form I-485).
Documents proving your application (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
Anything else USCIS has explicitly asked for?
What to Prepare for When You Give Your Green Card Interview?
USCIS agents will ask questions to check if you are the right person, review what information you gave them in the application, and determine whether you are a candidate for a green card.
The officer could work on this:
Your past, including family and personal details.
Your travel records in and out of the United States.
Your employment and education history
Ensure you meet U.S. immigration requirements.
A green card interview can be a scary thing but if you have all of the right tools you can get through it. The interview is only for verification that your application is true and that you qualify for permanent residence in the US.
How to Prepare For Your Green Card Interview?
A little preparation is the best strategy to have a good interview. Here are a few things you can do to prepare:
Organize Your Documents
Make a list of all the necessary documents. Be sure to check for all originals and copies, even the ones requested by USCIS.
Review Your Application
Review the application material ahead of time. This will allow you to ask any queries confidently.
Practice Common Interview Questions
It will help if you have some idea about what types of questions they usually ask during an interview for green cards. It also helps you practice your responses so you will have an easy interview.
Sample Green Card Interview Questions
Here are some questions you may get in the green card interview:
Personal Background:
How many words are your name, date of birth, and present address?
Are you able to name members of your family?
Travel History:
How many times have you left the U.S. since you first came in?
When and why did you go on each trip?
Employment and Education:
Where are you currently working and what is your job title?
Do you have any degrees or educational qualifications?
U.S. Residency:
What was the first time you came to the US?
Did you ever break the visa or residency laws?
Eligibility for a Green Card:
How do you come for a green card?
Do you have any cases or immigration felonies?
All questions are answered honestly and as well as you can know. Both your honesty and your eligibility will be evaluated by the officer.
What Not to Ask in Your Green Card Interview.
So as not to run into trouble, here are some things to remember during an interview:
Do Not Provide False Information
Be honest every time you reply. Honesty matters, even if you are not certain. Leaked or incorrect answers might cost you your application.
Avoid Giving Unsolicited Information
Be a question-answerer. Give no extra information unless it’s related to the question.
Don’t Feel Confused If You Think You Aren’t Eligible.
Stay confident in your answers. Skeptics about whether you’re eligible may be suspicious.
Don’t Tell About Legal Advice You’ve Got.
Don’t say, “My friend told me…” or “My lawyer said…” Rely on your experience and knowledge.
Avoid Negatively Replacing Your Immigration Records: Do Not Speak Lowly Of Your Immigrant Record.
Stay positive and professional. Avoid talking about the past unless specifically asked and do not talk down your immigration status.
Don’t Argue or Show Frustration
If you don’t like something, be cool and explain why respectfully.
Avoid becoming defensive.
What Happens After Green Card Interview?
The USCIS officer will review your application based on the interview, give you a yes or no, or ask for more documentation. The majority of hiring decisions happen a few weeks after the interview, but you may also be asked for further evidence before a decision is made.
If your green card is granted, it will come to you by mail and you will become a permanent resident.
Green Card Interview FAQs
Here are some answers to questions applicants might have regarding the green card interview process:
What time does the interview last?
Green card interviews usually take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour, if your case is complex.
Do I need a lawyer?
An immigration lawyer is not a must but can be useful if your case is more complicated. Any legal queries that you might have with a lawyer will be handled by him.
Is my green card rejected at the interview?
Yes, if the officer has any issues or errors in your application it can be rejected. But many applicants get passed on here.
If I lose a file, what do I do?
If you don’t have an appropriate document with you, inform the police officer right away. If you’re lucky, they’ll let you send it back or move the interview.
What if I have a criminal record?
You should be upfront about your criminal record. You might or may not be eligible depending on the offense but it’s always best to be transparent if you have questions.
Can I reschedule the interview?
Well, if you don’t make it to the interview time then you can ask to change the date. Contact USCIS immediately if you are changing.
What happens once I pass my interview and I receive my green card?
You will get your green card in the mail (sometimes it takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how long it takes for your green card application to process) if your green card is approved.
And That’s It: The Final Steps to a Green Card Interview Success.
Nervous before your green card interview is completely normal. If you’re nervous, practice with a friend or relative and keep all your documents handy. Don’t lose your cool, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be open. The more prepared an applicant is, the better their chance of success.
For all the preparation you’ll need for your green card interview, Law and Visas can help you with that, from beginning to end. From filling out applications to getting you oriented for the interview, we’ll get you comfortable and prepped.
Get started with a green card today! Give Law and Visas a call today for custom advice and guidance during your immigration process.
