✅ What to Expect at Your Green Card Interview (USCIS Adjustment Interview)
If your Green Card case was properly filed in good faith, there’s usually no need to worry about your interview at the local USCIS office.
Most interviews involve:
- A marriage-based case (U.S. citizen sponsoring a foreign spouse), or
- A family-based case (U.S. citizen or Green Card holder sponsoring an immediate relative)
Based on over 20 years of experience and countless interviews, here’s what you should know to prepare.
👩⚖️ Attorney Attendance at Interviews
- Yes, your attorney can attend, but our role is mostly limited to observing and ensuring the officer remains professional and follows proper procedure.
- Attorneys cannot speak for you or act as your interpreter, unless USCIS allows it (rarely). We can step in for clarification or to object if needed.
⏰ Arrival Tips
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early
- Go through security screening (metal detectors, ID check, etc.)
- Follow any COVID-19 protocols
- Check in and get a ticket number
- Wait in the main waiting room, ideally seated near the rear-left door, where officers call applicants
- You may be called by last name or ticket number
📝 What Happens During the Interview
- The officer will introduce themselves, explain the purpose of the interview (mainly to verify your eligibility and check for fraud), and place you under oath.
- They will review your file and ask questions to verify your application, documents, and supporting evidence.
Important Tips:
- Answer honestly and simply.
- It’s OK to say “I don’t remember” or ask for clarification.
- Do not guess or make up answers.
💍 Marriage-Based Interviews
Officers will ask about your relationship history and daily life to verify it’s a real marriage, not for immigration purposes.
Expect questions like:
- Where and how did you meet?
- Details about dating, the proposal, wedding, honeymoon
- Whether you live together
- Household routines, shared finances, plans for the future
- Whether you have children
They may also ask random or personal questions—this is normal. The goal is to assess whether your relationship is genuine.
👨👩👧 Family-Based Interviews
For parent, child, or sibling cases, the interview is usually more straightforward.
USCIS checks:
- The validity of the relationship
- That all documents are complete and accurate
Step-parent or step-child cases may get more scrutiny to confirm the timing of the relationship (especially the child’s age at the time of marriage).
📂 What to Bring to the Interview
Bring originals (or certified copies) AND copies of key documents for USCIS to keep.
Required for ALL Cases:
- USCIS Interview Appointment Notice
- Valid photo ID for everyone attending
- Foreign national’s:
- Passport
- Work/travel permit (EAD/AP card)
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s License
- Birth Certificate
- U.S. petitioner’s:
- Passport
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s License
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or Death Certificates from prior marriages
- Federal Tax Returns (last 3–5 years) of petitioner
- Recent utility bills, lease/mortgage, bank statements (especially if you’ve moved recently)
- Criminal records or police clearances (if applicable)
Marriage-Based Cases ONLY:
- Printed photos of your relationship (wedding, family events, vacations, etc.)
- Birth certificates of children born during the marriage
- Shared documents showing joint life (bank accounts, insurance, bills, leases, etc.)
📋 After the Interview – What’s Next?
In most cases, the officer will:
- Approve your case on the spot, OR
- Request additional documents with a Request for Evidence (RFE)
📌 If your medical exam (Form I-693) has expired, they may ask you to submit a new sealed copy—contact your civil surgeon for a fresh exam and send it in ASAP.
You will not need another in-person interview unless something unusual arises.
💳 Green Card Approval & Delivery
Once everything is complete:
- USCIS will process your approval
- The Green Card will be mailed to your address or your attorney’s office (if selected)
- This process can take a few weeks after the interview or RFE response
🗨️ Need Help or Have Questions?
If you’re unsure about what to bring, how to prepare, or want legal representation at your interview, contact our office. We’re here to help you through every step of the process with confidence and peace of mind.