The green card marriage interview is one of the most important steps in a spouse’s immigration process. USCIS will use the answers to this interview to determine whether or not a couple is married in good faith and has a genuine relationship. In order to pass the interview, a couple must be prepared to answer a variety of questions about themselves, their family, and their lives together.
The questioning will focus on all aspects of your life, from how you got to the interview venue, what you did that day, and your immediate future plans, to specific details about your living space (e.g., number of bedrooms and bathrooms, furnishings, color of walls and floors, etc). The officer may also ask about your daily routines, hobbies – both individual and shared – eating habits, vacations, religious rituals, shopping habits, sleeping schedules, and household chores.
Other questions could include how you communicate with each other (e.g., text messages, phone calls, letters), how often you visit each other’s parents, siblings and children, what kind of music you enjoy listening to, how often you shop, what foods you eat, and the like. In addition, you will likely be asked about your spouse’s work history and what he or she does for a living. In some cases, the officer may even wish to see your financial records and bank statements.
In some cases, a couple will be subject to additional questions if the interviewing officer suspects fraud or that they are involved in a fraudulent relationship. Such suspicion may arise from hesitating in answering questions, giving different answers, and/or other factors. This type of questioning can happen at any stage in the interview.
If you are unsure about what to expect during your green green card marriage interview questions, or are concerned that you will not be able to pass the interview, it is helpful to review sample questions and practice with your spouse. It is also helpful to consider seeking the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.
As an added reminder, it is important to arrive at the interview venue at least half-hour early to allow time for security screening and the long lines. It is also important to bring all of your relevant documentation with you. Failure to bring all required documents will delay the processing of your visa application. It is also a good idea to dress appropriately for the interview, and not wear anything that may raise suspicions about your morals or lifestyle. Finally, do not forget to bring an appointment notice and a photo ID for each of you. Lastly, be sure to speak clearly and calmly during the interview and not get discouraged if you forget or get confused at any point. It is not uncommon for even real couples to have some small disagreements about certain facts during their interviews. However, major disagreements are not a good sign and can raise suspicion. In the end, if you are prepared to answer all of the questions honestly and candidly, you should have no trouble passing your green card marriage interview.