Guide To Pass The US Green Card Interview

Most green card applicants have to undergo a green card interview with USCIS. While applicants often overlook it, the interview is one of the most important steps in the green card application process. It is important to approach the interview cautiously and prepare yourself for success.

Getting a green card is one of the most important steps in becoming a permanent resident of the United States. The green card, officially known as a “permanent resident card,” allows an individual to work and live in the United States indefinitely and provides a pathway to citizenship.

There are many types of green cards, such as family-based and employment-based green cards. Each type of green card has its own set of eligibility criteria. The green card interview is a crucial step for most categories of green card applicants. Green card interviews are typically held at your nearest US embassy or consulate.

The purpose of the interview is to confirm that your application is correct and to assess your eligibility. The term “green card interview” may make you panic, but it is a “security measure.” It confirms that the information on your application is accurate and that you are who you say you are.

Depending on the circumstances, your green card interview notice may include the names of people you must bring, including your spouse. The interviewer will ask questions about the information you provided on your application and whether there have been any changes between the time you submitted it and the interview date.

Here are some things you should know about the green card interview and how you can prepare for it.

Overview of the Green Card Interview

A green card interview is a personal interview with USCIS to verify that you are eligible to become a permanent resident and that all the information on your application is correct. It is usually the last step in the green card application process.

Your green card interview usually happens 7 to 15 months after you file your application. The USCIS and NVC websites provide more information on the green card interview guidelines.

Who should attend the green card interview?

The green card interview will take place at your local USCIS office or at the nearest US embassy or consulate to the address you provided on your application. Anyone whose name appears on an interview appointment notice must attend the interview.

Some family-related green card applications require both the petitioner (the sponsor) and the beneficiary (the applicant) to attend the interview unless both live in a different country. This is typically the case with marriage-based applications, as the government uses the interview to verify the legitimacy of your marriage and needs to speak to both of you.

If your spouse, child, or sibling lives outside the United States, you don’t need to accompany them to a green card interview. Only employees must attend the interview if they file for an employment-based green card. Depending on your immigration status, you may not need to attend a green card interview.

For example, asylees may not need to go to a green card interview. The United States government will inform you if you need to attend a green card interview.

Human aids at the green card interview

At a green card interview, there are some people you may be allowed to bring along to help you smoothly go through the process.

1. An interpreter.

If you are not fluent in English and need help interpreting what happens during your interview, you can bring an interpreter to your green card interview. Interpreters must strictly translate what the interviewer asks without offering their opinion, comment, or response to the translation.

They must show their government-issued ID and complete an interpreter’s oath and privacy statement. If your USCIS officer is fluent in your language, they may conduct your interview in that language, and you may not need an interpreter.

2. An attorney.

You can bring an attorney with you for your green card interview. If you have any criminal or immigration violations on your record, you may want to attend your green card interview with an attorney to explain them.

Your attorney must fill out and submit the G-28 notice of appearance as an attorney or accredited representative so they can accompany you to your interview.

3. Spouse, family, and friends.

In the case of marriage-based green cards, you and your spouse are both required to appear for the interview. The process can occur in several ways when you and your spouse come for the interview. You can be interviewed by the same person at the same time, separately but at a different time, or by different persons at different times.

After the interview, the interview officer will review your answers to determine whether there are any problems. Sometimes, the interview officer may schedule a second interview for both of you. Officers in the DHS’ fraud detection and national security unit typically conduct these second interviews with you and your spouse.

They aim to correct any errors in your responses and confirm your marriage. In most cases, only those whose names appear on the green card interview appointment notice sent by USCIS or NVC are invited to the interview, including interpreters and lawyers.

A legal guardian or a friend or family member of a disabled person may also attend the interview. To prepare for the interview, call the USCIS office, the US embassy, or the consulate where you will be interviewed beforehand.

Tips to pass the green card interview

Green card interviews are important; anyone who needs to attend one should be ready. For example, if you are interviewing for marriage green cards, you will want to prepare for your interview with your spouse. That way, you won’t contradict each other’s answers and give the interviewer the impression that your relationship is illegitimate.

Green card interviews can be daunting, but you can ace them with some practice! Here are some tips for preparing for your green card interview.

• Before the interview.

Before your interview, you must gather copies of your application forms and original documents. You must also show any changes you have made since you submitted your application. If you are a family-based green card applicant, gather all the evidence you need to prove that you and your sponsor are in a genuine and legitimate relationship.

This includes marriage and birth certificates, bank statements, holiday travel plans, phone calls between you and your partner, wedding pictures, proposal pictures, etc. If you and your spouse will attend the marriage-based green card interview together, take some time to review memories of your relationship.

Ensure you are both on the same page regarding your love story and relationship. Everyone remembers things differently; even the best of us sometimes forget important things. It is very important to correct discrepancies in your shared story before the interview so you don’t lose your application due to a simple mistake.

If you are applying for a humanitarian green card, you will want to bring as many documents as possible that prove your need for protection and security in the United States. In every situation, the more documents you can bring to support your claim for a green card, the better.

Organizing your forms, photos, and documents chronologically for easy reference during your interview is also a good idea. For example, you could organize your photos into a photo album and your documents into a folder. The more organized your documents are, the more likely you will be to answer the interviewing officer’s questions in a way that strengthens your case.

• At the interview.

One of the most important things to remember is that you should tell the interviewer the truth. Your answers should be completely truthful and without lies. Your goal is to present yourself in the best possible light.

You should tell the interviewer everything you have done wrong, the challenges you have faced, and the difficulties you have faced in your personal and professional life. Even if you don’t want to be dishonest or are worried that it will hurt your application, lying to the interviewer will hurt your application even more.

Be ready for some tough questions. For example, if you are applying for a marriage-based green card, the officer interviewing you will try to understand your relationship with your spouse. This can result in some tough questions. The officer may ask about reproductive health, contraceptives, or your spouse’s tattoo.

You can tell the officer if you don’t feel comfortable answering a question that is too personal. It is okay to say what you think because it shows the officer you are honest. They might still ask you to answer, but they will understand that you are trying to collaborate with them.

But no matter what, you need to answer their questions truthfully. If things go wrong, don’t lose sight of your purpose. Take a deep breath and say what is on your mind! Green card interviews are your opportunity to make a statement, and an immigration lawyer can help you prepare for it with a solid application.

General guide

A green card interview is one of the most important steps in your path to US permanent residency, but with proper preparation, you can go through it confidently. Knowing the types of green cards and what each entails will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.

By gathering the required documentation, thoroughly reviewing your application, and rehearsing your answers, you can go into the interview with the peace of mind you need. Remember, the green card interview aims to confirm your eligibility and intentions to become a permanent resident of the United States.

This step towards your American dream should be taken with honesty, preparedness, and a calm demeanor.

Get help!

A green card is one of the best opportunities to live in the United States. However, it is important to note that not all green card applicants can successfully pass the stringent screening process. Therefore, preparing for the interview carefully and working hard to get the best possible result is essential.

Confidence, sincerity, and the ability to communicate clearly will help you get through the interview smoothly. At Gehi and Associates, we have a team of skilled immigration lawyers who can help you prepare for green card interviews. Are you seeking skilled immigration lawyers to help you pass your green card interview? Contact us today!