1. Understand the Interview Process đź“ť
The green card interview—whether at a U.S. USCIS office or a U.S. consulate abroad—is a key step in confirming your eligibility and the authenticity of your application Unsplash+2NIWandEB-1.com+2The Sedaghat Law Firm+2. You may get a decision at the interview, or be asked for additional information afterward Valvo & Associates+1The Sedaghat Law Firm+1.
2. Gather & Organize Your Documents
Bring originals and copies of all required paperwork:
- Appointment notice (Form I‑485 or IV packet)
- Government photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
- Medical exam results in a sealed envelope (if applicable)
- Key civil documents: birth/marriage certificates, previous divorce decrees
- Evidence supporting eligibility (joint bank statements, lease, property records, travel itineraries, photos, etc.) Unsplash+2The Sedaghat Law Firm+2Valvo & Associates+2The Sedaghat Law FirmKHUNKHUN LAW+1The Sedaghat Law Firm+1.
Reddit users emphasize:
“Bring originals (if you can) as well as a photocopy of everything … Pictures of both of you with friends and families” The Sedaghat Law Firm+3Valvo & Associates+3NIWandEB-1.com+3The Sedaghat Law Firm+6The Sedaghat Law Firm+6The Sedaghat Law Firm+6.
“Take any and all documentation … literally everything” Reddit.
3. Know What Questions May Come Up
For family-based cases (especially marriage): expect questions about your relationship timeline, wedding, daily routines, family, and financial habits. Common prompts include:
- “How did you meet?”
- “Who cooks or cleans?”
- “What side of the bed do you each sleep on?” Unsplash+2The Sedaghat Law Firm+2The Sedaghat Law Firm+2KHUNKHUN LAW+3The Sedaghat Law Firm+3The Sedaghat Law Firm+3
Also be ready for background questions such as: - “Why do you want a green card?”
- “Any violations or arrests?” The Sedaghat Law Firm+2Valvo & Associates+2KHUNKHUN LAW+2NIWandEB-1.com+3The Sedaghat Law Firm+3The Sedaghat Law Firm+3Valvo & Associates+5The Sedaghat Law Firm+5KHUNKHUN LAW+5.
4. Practice & Refresh Together
- Review your application as a couple—ensure consistency.
- Conduct mock interviews to build confidence.
- Be honest, even if you don’t recall every detail; it’s better to say “I don’t remember” than to guess or lie KHUNKHUN LAW+7The Sedaghat Law Firm+7NIWandEB-1.com+7The Sedaghat Law Firm+1The Sedaghat Law Firm+1.
5. Day-of Guidelines
- Arrive at least 20–30 minutes early to go through security and sign-in procedures The Sedaghat Law Firm.
- Dress business-casual, neat and respectful—avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops or shorts Boundless.
- Stay calm, listen carefully, and ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. Honesty is critical The Sedaghat Law Firm.
6. Possible Interview Outcomes
- Approval: you may receive an ADIT stamp in your passport, followed by your green card in the mail.
- Request for Evidence (RFE): you’ll have a chance to submit additional documents.
- Second (Stokes) Interview: sometimes scheduled if discrepancy concerns arise—spouses may be interviewed separately.
- Denial: rare but possible; legal advice may help with appeals or reapplication The Sedaghat Law Firm+1The Sedaghat Law Firm+1KHUNKHUN LAW+2The Sedaghat Law Firm+2The Sedaghat Law Firm+2.
7. Real Applicant Insights
Reddit users describe a welcoming and conversational tone from officers:
“Friendly, smiling … felt more like a casual conversation than a formal interrogation” Reddit.
They also recommend organizing a photo album and well-structured files—officers may compliment and rely on them The Sedaghat Law Firm.
âś… Final Pre-Interview Checklist
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Organizer/Folder | Includes originals and copies, plus photo album |
| Identity Documents | Passport, driver’s license |
| Appointment Notice | I‑485 or NVC packet letter |
| Proof of Relationship | Marriage certificate, joint finances, photos |
| Medical Loop | If consular, keep sealed envelope |
| Practice Answers | Especially for marriage or family-based questions |
| Dress Code | Business-casual, clean, respectful |
| Arrival Time | At least 20–30 mins early |
| Mindset | Calm, honest, polite |
