Partner
A marriage-based green card allows a non-citizen spouse the right to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident. Before granting this status to the spouse, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must make sure the marriage is legitimate. This is to deter and prevent individuals from using a sham marriage to allow residency to someone who does not otherwise qualify for it. This is where the last step in the green card process, the USCIS marriage interview, comes in.
If you or your spouse are seeking a green card, it’s important to be prepared for this interview by understanding the types of questions you will be asked. The immigration attorneys of LaFountain & Wollman P.C. explain what you need to know.
Questions You Should Expect During the Interview
Although it’s impossible to know exactly what the interviewer is going to ask, there are a few basic categories of topics you should expect. Here are some of them:
Your relationship history
- How did both of you meet?
- What are some places you visited during your first dates?
- How long did you date before deciding to get engaged?
- How did the marriage proposal take place?
Your wedding
- Where and when did your wedding take place?
- What are some of the fondest memories of your wedding?
- Who attended the wedding?
- Was any special food served or rituals observed? If so, what were they?
- Did you go on a honeymoon and, if so, where?
Your daily routines as spouses
- Describe daily life for you and your spouse.
- Who works outside the house? When do you leave and return home?
- Who works at home? What sorts of activities occur during the day?
- How do you start and end your day together?
- Do you talk, text, or otherwise communicate during the day?
- What medications does your spouse take?
- Which of you likes to cook and what sort of meals do you prepare?
- Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
Your children, if you have any
- When do your children get up each day for school?
- What is their daily routine before and after school?
- When the kids are not at school (e.g. weekends, summer) what do they do?
- Which parent(s) help the children with homework?
- Do the children have chores? If so, describe them.
- Who are the kids’ friends?
- What sorts of extracurricular or social activities do your kids enjoy?
Your special events
- How do you celebrate each other’s birthdays?
- How do you celebrate your anniversary?
- Are there other special events you celebrate?
- What was the last celebration you had together?
- Which holidays are most important in your household?
- How are holidays celebrated?
Tips for Making the Most of Your Interview
Although the marriage-based interview can be intimidating, there are a few ways to relax and even enjoy the process. We recommend the following:
- Be open and honest: Every marriage is complicated and difficult, so don’t be afraid to be honest and discuss yours. Couples only get in trouble when they are dishonest or attempt to hide something.
- Communicate with the interviewer: If you don’t understand a question, don’t hesitate to ask for it to be rephrased. Some questions may be personal, but if they are making you or your spouse feel uncomfortable you should tell your interviewer.
- Practice and prepare: Be sure to devote time before the interview to practicing and preparing for it. Recite significant dates, events, and places with your spouse. Being prepared will reduce the stress of the interview.
Assisting With All Aspects of Your Green Card Application
The immigration legal team at LaFountain & Wollman P.C. know what’s at stake with the marriage interview and your overall green card process. We want to assist by helping you with the application and preparing you for the interview and other key steps. Call us today to get started.