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If this particular article has piqued your interest you are probably researching the marriage green card process and the various steps involved. Or, perhaps, you are far along on the process and are about to embark on the highly anticipated “adjustment of status” interview in connection with the marriage green card. This particular article focuses on common topics focused on by USCIS Officers at marriage green card interviews.

As a brief intro, the marriage green card process is the process by which a foreign individual may apply for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Many foreign individuals qualify for this route of obtaining a green card, even if they are out of status or have previous status violations. Of course, the marriage between the foreign individual and the U.S. individual needs to be a real marriage and not a marriage entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. This is the main focus of the USCIS interview as part of the application process.

The first few stages of the marriage green card process are comprised conducting a detailed legal analysis of the case, collecting required supporting materials, and completing and filing numerous forms and documents required for the process. The stages thereafter are largely comprised of waiting for receipts/notices, providing biometrics, and following instructions or requests for information from USCIS. The last part of the process is the highly anticipated interview process where the foreign national and his/her spouse must present themselves before a USCIS Officer at a local USCIS office to discuss the veracity of their marriage.

One of the most important parts of the interview as part of the marriage green card process is to confirm that the marriage is a real, bona fide marriage and not one entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. The USCIS Officer also has to confirm that aside from the marriage that the foreign spouse also otherwise qualifies for the permanent residency benefit.

The following are some topics that are typically focused on by USCIS Officers at based marriage green card interviews:

• Dating history of the relationship: Details of when the couple started dating. Examples of some dates. What does the couple do for fun on dates?
• Family knowledge: Questions related to each spouse’s knowledge of the other spouse’s family members and whether they have ever met or been in contact with the family members.
• Timeline of events: Questions related to when events occurred during the relationship. When and how did the couple first meet? When was their first date? When did they decide to get married?
• Wedding Ceremony: Was there a wedding ceremony or reception? Did the couple celebrate in anyway? If so, what did they do? Who was involved?
• Residential information: Does the couple live together and how long have they been living together? What sort of evidence can be provided to show the couple resides together?
• Review of photos: The Officer will most likely review photos brought to the interview and ask questions specifically related to the photos. Be prepared to allow the Officer to keep several photos.
• Questions from the application: The Officer will ask various questions from information provided in the application. Such questions may involve prior employment, schooling, residential information, and family matters.
• Financial questions: Questions regarding transactions from any financial statements brought to the interview (these may have been brought to show joint accounts). Questions regarding how the couple treats their finances.

The above list is meant only to give one a very broad and general idea of some of the more common topics of questioning during a marriage green card interview. The above is by no means exhaustive, as each case is different and the style, in terms of questioning, of each USCIS Officer is different.

The most important thing regarding this process is that the marriage was entered into lawfully and is a bona fide marriage. At the interview itself, both spouses should be prepared to fully participate in the process. The best advice is to be truthful at all times and be respectful to the Officer.

The marriage green card process, including the adjustment of status interview, is a complicated process and should not be undertaken without adequate legal counsel. Not only can legal counsel assist in the beginning stages prior to and during submission of all application materials, but counsel can also properly prepare a couple for the interview and attend the interview with the couple.

If you have applied to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States through marriage to a US citizen, then you need to attend a marriage interview for green card with the USCIS. The interview usually takes place from 6 to 12 months after your application. The interview is conducted to avoid fraudulent relationships that were created just to obtain permanent residency.

It is important for you and your spouse to properly prepare for your marriage interview for green card. You could experience a delay in the approval of your case if you do not answer the questions properly. Worse yet, your application might be denied if you do not present the proper information at the interview. Take time to go through your application and the documents before the interview.

Dos and Don’ts at the Immigration interview:

When going for the marriage interview green card, you must know what are the things you must follow and what to avoid to be successful in the interview. Below are some of the Dos and Don’ts which you need to be aware of when you attend the interview.

The DOs:

DO take time and prepare for the interview. Bring copies all of your forms and all your document originals. You should be able to respond to questions without referencing and confusion.

DO answer personal questions related to your marriage to a U.S. citizen.

DO follow the instructions of the interview. If the officer wants to interview you and your spouse separately, do not hesitate.

DO answer only the question that is asked.

DO dress appropriately for the interview because good impression speaks.

DO remain calm. If you do not understand the question you may ask the officer to rephrase it. If you do not know the answer for the question, it is better to admit than to lie.

DO show up on time. If you fail to show up for your interview, you may have to go across a a lengthy process to get another interview.

The DON’Ts:

DON’T joke around with an USCIS officer. The impression you create makes a difference in the interview process.

DON’T argue with your spouse or any other family members who has accompanied you in the middle of the interview. It is better to discuss with your family member, on any issues you disagree with, before the interview.

DON’T argue with the USCIS officer. If the USCIS officer says your application is incomplete or is incorrect, you may ask the USCIS officer politely what is missing and you may provide the documents you carry with you to provide a solution to the situation.

DON’T lose your patience with the USCIS officer and refuse to answer questions which seem unimportant or inappropriate. These questions are probably within the boundaries on the USCIS policy. Answer the questions calmly.

DON’T lie to the USCIS officer. If you try to lie to the USCIS office, it might lead to denial of your application. Always tell the truth and be prepared beforehand. If you feel you will not be able to handle the situation you may then hire a lawyer who will be able to explain the situation well.