Tips for your Green Card interview

Tips for your Green Card interview

We understand that the interview required during the process of obtaining a Green Card can be a very stressful situation. However, if you are adequately prepared and follow an immigration attorney’s advice, the interview process and application will be easier and not so intimidating.

Here are some tips that we at Kannan Law want to give you so that everything goes smoothly on the day of your Green Card interview:

1.Be on time

Your Green Card interview is certainly not the event you want to be late to. However, it is not necessary for you to arrive an hour earlier; 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment is enough.

2.Don’t start without your lawyer

If you arrive before your lawyer and the immigration officer are ready to start, don’t begin without your legal representative. The attorney you hired is a crucial resource for you during the interview for the visa. They will provide information, explanations, and the necessary legal arguments if needed.

3.Dress accordingly

The Green Card interview is a serious meeting. Therefore, you need to look professional and presentable. Men should wear pants and a tie, and women can also wear pants or a skirt with a blazer. Keep accessories, makeup, and perfume to a minimum.

4.Set your phone to silent mode

Keeping your phone silent or on vibration mode will reduce interruptions and keep you focused while the officer is asking you questions. If your phone starts to ring and interrupt the meeting, the officer may ask you to step out of the room or could even decide to terminate the interview. It’s not worth the risk, so keep your phone quiet.

5.Provide direct answers and tell the truth

Part of the interview requires you to answer a series of questions designed to determine whether you qualify for the visa. You will promise to tell the truth, and honest and direct answers will be the best way to succeed in this part of the immigration process.

If you lie to the immigration officer, you will be committing fraud and permanently inadmissible to the United States.

For the stokes interview (marriage-based visas), you must be prepared to answer personal questions to validate your marriage’s legitimacy, such as:

• How did you meet?
• Where was your first date?
• Who is in charge of cleaning the house?
• Who pays the bills?
• How many bedrooms are there in your house?
• How many windows does your home have?
• Who usually gets up first in the morning?
• What do you eat for breakfast?
• Who sets up the alarm clock?
• What are your pets’ names?
• What kind of sofa do you have in your living room?
• Who went to sleep first last night?
• What type of music do you listen to?
• Where did you buy your furniture?
• What are your favorite TV shows?
• What does your spouse like to drink in the morning?
• How many cars do you have?
• Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
• What kind of mattress do you have?
• Who is your cable/internet/phone provider?
• How many appliances do you have in your kitchen?
• Do you have computers at home, how many?
• How often do you eat out?
• Who does the laundry?
• What kind of shampoo do you use?
• What type of birth control do you use?

6.Bring an interpreter

If you do not speak English fluently, it is essential that you bring an interpreter with you to your interview. This way, you will ensure that you understand all of the questions being asked so you can respond precisely.

In the case that you decide to bring an interpreter with you, both you and the interpreter need to present Form G-1256.

7.Bring originals and copies of your important documents

You are the only one responsible for bringing all of the original and certified copies of the required documents during the interview. Here are some of those that are usually needed:

• Your appointment letter.
• Passport (must be valid for six months after the scheduled entry to the country).
• Two identical photographs, passport-style. They must meet the USCIS photo requirements.
• DS-260 confirmation page.

You can also have backup documents, such as original and certified copies of all of your civil documents. They will be handed back to you at the end of the interview.

8.Keep calm

We understand that an immigration interview may be intimidating, but do everything you can to stay calm. One way to keep your nerves in check is to have your immigration lawyer by your side. The legal support provided will allow you to be guided through every step of the process.

If you don’t speak English fluently, request an interpreter so that you can communicate efficiently and precisely. The more resources you use, the calmer you will be.

9.Take the interview seriously

This interview can make or break your future in the United States and, therefore, should be considered as a serious process. Arrive in time, dress accordingly, and be well-mannered in every interaction with the immigration officers.

If you do not pass the interview, go to your immigration attorney for guidance. Contact us today! At Kannan Law, we are ready to help you find another path to immigration.