The green card interview is one of the most important milestones in the U.S. immigration process. Whether you are applying for a green card through family, employment, or another eligible category, this interview serves as a final step in confirming your eligibility for lawful permanent residence. At the Law Offices of Joseph Urso, we help guide immigrants through every phase of the immigration process, including preparation for the green card interview.

What Is the Purpose of the Green Card Interview?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts the interview to:

• Verify the information provided in your application
• Assess the authenticity of your relationship if applying through a spouse or family member
• Determine your eligibility and admissibility to the U.S.

This is not just a formality. The USCIS officer is looking for consistency and honesty, and the interview can play a decisive role in whether your green card is approved.

What Happens During the Interview?

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Interview Location and Arrival
  Interviews are usually held at a USCIS field office. You should arrive early with all required documentation, including your appointment notice, passport, and originals of all documents submitted with your application.
• Document Review
  The officer will review your application and verify your identity. They may ask for originals of birth certificates, marriage licenses, financial documents, and other supporting paperwork.
• Questioning
  Expect to be asked detailed questions about your background, immigration history, and—if applicable—your relationship with your sponsoring spouse or family member. The questions can vary but often include:
• How and where did you meet your spouse?
• What is your daily routine together?
• Have you met each other's families?
• Separate Interviews
  In some marriage-based cases, the officer may conduct separate interviews to compare responses for consistency.
• Decision or Request for Further Evidence
  Sometimes, the officer may approve the application on the spot. In other cases, you might receive a “Request for Evidence” (RFE) or a decision by mail.

How to Prepare for Your Interview

• Be Honest and Consistent: Never guess or lie in your responses.
• Organize Your Documents: Have copies and originals of everything ready.
• Practice Your Answers: Especially in marriage-based cases, reviewing key facts can help you feel more confident.
• Dress Professionally: While formal attire isn’t required, a neat appearance helps convey respect for the process.

Why Legal Help Matters

Navigating the interview process can be intimidating, especially if English is not your first language or if your case has complexities. At the Law Offices of Joseph Urso, we help immigrants prepare thoroughly, anticipate questions, and address potential red flags. Our legal assistance can make the difference between approval and delay or denial.