Navigating the green card application process can be daunting, but familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter can significantly boost your confidence. This guide outlines the common questions you may face, ensuring you’re well-prepared for what’s ahead. While this overview highlights typical inquiries from the U.S. government, it is not an exhaustive list of every question found on immigration forms. For more specific guidance, consider our detailed resources on marriage-based green cards and the final interview process.
Questions for Both Spouses
During the green card application process, both spouses will complete different forms, yet many questions will overlap. Consistency in answers across all forms is crucial to prevent processing delays. Some questions may appear trivial, such as those regarding physical attributes, but they play a vital role in confirming identity and preventing complications.
Basic Personal Information
- What is your current legal name?
- Have you used any other names (e.g., maiden name, nicknames)?
- Where and when were you born?
- What is your current mailing address?
- What is your phone number?
- What is your email address?
Residential History
- Where do you currently reside (if different from your mailing address)?
- When did you start living at your current address?
- Where else have you lived in the past five years?
- Did you and your spouse ever live together before? If so, when and where?
Physical Attributes
- What is your sex?
- What is your height and weight?
- What is your eye color?
- What is your race and ethnicity?
Relationship History
- When and where did you get married?
- Have you been previously married? If yes, how many times?
- What are the names of your former spouses?
- When did each marriage end?
Family History
- What are your parents’ names?
- Where and when were they born?
- Where do they currently reside?
- Are either of your parents deceased?
Employment History
- What is your current job title and employer?
- Where else have you worked in the last five years?
- Have you experienced any periods of unemployment in the past five years?
Citizenship and Immigration Status
Provide any identification numbers assigned by the U.S. government:
- Alien Registration Number (A-number)
- U.S. Social Security Number
- Government ID card number
Legal Issues
- Have you or your spouse ever been arrested or convicted of any crimes (excluding minor traffic violations)?
Questions for the Sponsoring Spouse
These questions pertain to the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsoring the applicant.
Household Information
- Do you have unmarried children under 18?
- Do you claim anyone else as dependent on your taxes?
- Have you previously filed an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) for anyone else?
Financial Information
- What are your current annual income figures for both you and your spouse?
- Will anyone else assist financially in supporting the applicant?
- Have you filed tax returns for the past three years?
- If including assets, what is their total value?
Previous Green Card Applications
- Have you sponsored anyone else for a green card before?
- Where were you residing when you sponsored someone else?
- What was the outcome of those applications?
Path to U.S. Citizenship
- Are you a U.S. citizen or green card holder?
- Did you obtain U.S. citizenship or permanent residency through adoption or marriage?
Questions for the Green Card Applicant
These inquiries are directed at the spouse applying for the green card and differ based on whether they are residing in the U.S. or abroad.
For All Applicants
- Where and when did you live outside the U.S. for over one year?
- Where were you employed while living outside the U.S.?
- What are your parents’ last names at birth?
- What are your children’s names and their places of birth?
- Will your children also be applying for green cards?
Immigration History
- What is your current country of citizenship?
- Have you ever been denied a visa or entry into the U.S.?
- Were you previously in the U.S.? If so, what was your status during that time?
- What is your passport number and where was it issued?
Legal Issues
- Have you ever been involved in immigration proceedings, such as deportation?
Green Card Eligibility
- Have you participated in activities that could threaten U.S. national security (e.g., terrorism)?
- Have you ever received public assistance or entered the U.S. unlawfully?
Additional Questions for Applicants Living in the U.S.
Recent Immigration History
- Did you enter the U.S. legally or illegally?
- What was the visa number used for your most recent entry?
Family History
Is your spouse currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard?
Work History
Have you applied for a work permit before?
Additional Questions for Applicants Living Abroad
Residential History
- Where have you lived since age 16?
- Where will you reside once in the U.S.?
Work History
- Where have you worked over the past ten years?
- Were there any periods of unemployment during this time?
- What occupation do you intend to pursue upon arriving in the U.S.?
Educational History
- Have you attended high school or university?
- What was your field of study?
Medical History
- Do you have any communicable diseases or mental disorders that could pose risks to others?
- Have you ever struggled with drug abuse?
Immigration History
Have any of your U.S. visas been lost, stolen, or revoked?
Family History
When did your parents pass away?
While the green card application process may seem lengthy, being aware of potential questions can streamline your experience.
