The green card interview is an important step in the US immigration process. Warren Janssen, retired USCIS Director and immigration expert, provides insights into how the interview works and gives tips on how to prepare for this decisive moment.
What the green card interview is like
An Adjustment of Status or Green Card interview is conducted by USCIS Immigration Service Officers in the USA. Interviews are held to determine whether the applicant is eligible for permanent resident status, which can lead to US citizenship.
The Adjustment of Status applicant has the burden of proof to demonstrate to the officers that they should be approved. This interview is usually conducted in person at a USCIS field office near the applicant’s residence.
Interview questions
The USCIS officer will ask a series of questions, depending on the type of status the applicant is seeking, so it is important to answer all questions truthfully. In addition, if the applicant doesn’t know or can’t remember the answer to a question, they should simply say that they don’t know or can’t remember.
Tips for the green card interview
- Candidates can ask their legal representative to take part in the interview.
- Make sure you have a qualified interpreter if necessary.
- Be respectful, courteous and dress appropriately, as this is a formal interview with the government.
- Hang up the phone. You don’t want any distractions during the interview.
- Be prepared. Make sure you bring all the documents required to prove your case to the interview.
- It’s normal to be nervous, but it’s important to try to stay calm. If your case is strong and you come prepared, there’s usually no reason to be overly nervous.
- Disclose all arrests and encounters with law enforcement anywhere in the world. US government databases are always checked and rechecked throughout the adjustment of status application process. Failure to disclose adverse information can be detrimental to the outcome of your case.
- Be patient, as final decisions can take several months to be made. Use the case status feature on the USCIS website and avoid contacting USCIS before the estimated processing time.
I hope you find these tips useful. Good luck at the interview!
By Warren Janssen, retired director of USCIS