In the marriage Green Card interview process, the United States government talks to you and your spouse to determine if your relationship qualifies you for a Green Card. To be eligible, you need to be married to a United States citizen and meet other requirements, such as not being barred or inadmissible under current immigration law. You must submit forms and supporting documents and participate in an interview to apply. The U.S. government may interview you and your spouse together and individually.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. is a female-owned law firm devoted to helping immigrants through all stages of the immigration process, including securing a visa, obtaining asylum status, or getting a Green Card. Many of our team members have first-hand knowledge of what it is like to move through different parts of the complex immigration system put in place by the United States government. We stay updated on the latest developments in immigration law so we can be effective advocates for our clients.
Introduction to the Marriage Green Card Interview
One of the ways that someone can qualify for a Green Card is to show they are an immediate relative, such as a spouse, of a United States citizen. To be eligible for this exception, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services explains you should be able to prove that you are married to a United States citizen and are not inadmissible or barred from getting an immigrant visa. As stated in the Immigration and Nationality Act, someone may be inadmissible or barred if they got married to get a Green Card or to avoid deportation or removal.
As part of the application process, the U.S. government requests information about you, your marriage, your background, and your current situation in the United States. You will include some of these details in the application you send in before the interview and by submitting documents like copies of your marriage license and birth certificate. Additionally, U.S. government officials will want to talk to you and your spouse in an interview. They may speak to you separately as well as together.
Why the Interview Is Important
During the Green Card marriage interview, the officers are trying to make sure that your marriage is genuine and not to defraud the U.S. government. The concern is that someone married a United States citizen so they can gain citizenship rather than because they authentically fell in love and want to merge their lives. During the interview, the officers can ask you questions about your relationship, how you and your spouse met, and your plans for living in the United States if you get citizenship. Officials may ask you about other things they think are important for them to know in reviewing your application.
Required Documents To Bring to the Marriage-Based Green Card Interview
The United States government will notify you about the documents you must bring to your interview. Materials you may need to have during this appointment include copies or originals of your birth certificate, marriage license, passport, and recent passport-style photos.
You may also need to bring the required medical exam results from an approved physician, if applicable.
Other items you may need to have with you include an Affidavit of Support, a certified copy of your criminal background check, and copies of the different immigration forms filed with the United States government.
Common Questions Asked During the Interview
The United States government may ask detailed questions during the interview process to make sure they have all the information they need to know about you, your spouse, and your relationship. They may ask about where you were born, details about your upbringing, and how you met your current spouse.
They may also want to know about the proposal, how long you were engaged, how long you were together before becoming engaged, and about the wedding. U.S. government officials may also ask about your relationship, what you like about each other, and why you decided to get married.
How To Prepare for the Interview
To prepare for the interview, you may want to review the forms you filed and the documents you submitted to the U.S. government. You can also refresh your memory on things like who was at your wedding, how you met your spouse, and how they proposed to you. Remember to take time to center yourself before going into the appointment. You can also work with a seasoned immigration attorney who can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare yourself for this next stage of the process.
What Happens After the Interview
After the interview, members of the United States government review the information you submitted on the forms and in other parts of the application process. They will also take a look at the answers you and your spouse gave during the interviews. They may ask follow-up questions later or do their investigation to verify some of the information you provided. After this, the United States government will make a final decision to either accept or deny your Green Card application.
Tips for a Successful Interview
The purpose of the Green Card marriage interview is to make sure that you got married because you fell in love and wanted to spend the rest of your life with your spouse. Because of this, you and your spouse both must speak freely, confidently, and honestly in the interview. The United States government will be looking for inconsistencies in your story and evidence that you and your spouse do not know each other that well. The best way to prepare for this interview is to remind yourself of things like how you met your spouse, what happened during the engagement, and your time together as a couple before and after marriage.
Interviewing Separately vs. Together
The United States government may interview you and your spouse together and separately. It is common for the government to talk to both spouses in the same interview for the first appointment. Then, they may decide to talk to you in separate appointments. If this happens, stay calm and follow some of the tips provided. You may also want to talk to a lawyer who can answer your questions about what to expect during the interview and how to prepare.
Contact an Experienced Green Card Lawyer for Help Preparing for the Immigration Interview
If you are seeking to gain lawful permanent resident status because of your marriage, the Green Card interview is an integral part of the application process.
Get in touch with the legal team at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. for assistance with all stages of the Green Card process. Medya Ansari has been fighting for clients in the immigration process for many years. During her time at the University of California Merced, Medya’s tireless efforts led to the establishment of the University’s first law clinic. While in law school, she served as the director of the law clinic and helped run initiatives like Know Your Rights campaigns. Contact our team today by calling 408-292-7995 to set up a time to talk to Medya about how she can help you.