Getting ready for your green card interview inside the United States? As an immigration attorney, I’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this stressful but important step. Here are my top 5 green card interview tips to help you feel confident and prepared:
1. Green Card Interview Tip: Review Your Application Carefully
Before the interview, go through every form you submitted—especially the I-485, I-130, and any affidavits. Learn the purpose of each form and ensure your information matches that of your spouse in marriage-based cases. Be especially careful if it’s your second time. Make sure your answers are consistent and accurate. If anything has changed (like your address or job), bring updated information and be ready to explain.
2. How to Prepare for Green Card Interview: Bring a Complete Set of Documents
USCIS expects you to come fully prepared. Pack:
- Government-issued photo IDs
- Originals and copies of your application
- Marriage/birth certificates
- Proof of relationship (photos, leases, bank accounts, etc.)
- Updated medical exam (if yours is over 2 years old)
3. Green Card Interview Tip: Practice Like Your Life Depends on It
It’s essential to review your USCIS forms thoroughly and answer all questions honestly to ensure a seamless application process.
If it’s a marriage-based case, expect questions about how you met, daily routines, family, and future plans. Don’t memorize a script—just be honest and consistent. If it’s an employment case, be ready to bring paperwork and answer questions about your job and your work related to the visa. Officers can tell when people are rehearsed or nervous.
4. How to Prepare for Green Card Interview: Know Your Address History
Addresses are public information and keep in mind that USCIS has access to address records since they are a federal agency and share databases with multiple other federal agencies. Address inconsistencies are a common reason for investigations, trigger misrepresentation requests for evidence and can cause denial of your application. Be honest and frank about your true addresses. Spouse’s IDs should have matching addresses for any marriage-based cases.
Be ready to explain if an address was only for mailing purposes, but you lived elsewhere, and have proofs of the residence.
5. Green Card Interview Tip: Dress Neatly and Arrive Early
This is a formal government interview. Dress respectfully—business casual is great. Aim to arrive 30 minutes early so you’re calm and not rushing. Bring your appointment notice!
6. Green Card Interview Tip: Don’t Volunteer Extra Information
Answer only what you’re asked. Volunteering unrelated details can raise red flags or prolong the interview. If you don’t know or remember something, it’s okay to say that.
7. How to Prepare for Green Card Interview: Interpretation Matters
For those who are not fluent in English, it may be beneficial to bring a professional interpreter to your USCIS interview. When at a USCIS field office that provides their own interpreters, make sure to object if you notice any errors or inconsistencies in translation and bring them to the officer’s attention. In a marriage-based case, when one spouse does not speak your native language, be prepared to discuss how you both communicate. For employment-based immigrant visas, also be ready to address how communication occurs in the workplace.
Need help filing for a green card and then preparing for your green card interview? Call Shepelsky Law Group’s experienced immigration lawyers today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.