How to Prepare for Your Green Card Interview

What the interview is actually for

A USCIS officer reviews your application, confirms the information you submitted, and asks questions to verify eligibility — for example, confirming a marriage is genuine in a spouse-based case, or confirming job details in an employment-based case.

What to bring

Bring the original documents corresponding to copies you submitted (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.), your interview notice, and any updated evidence relevant since you filed — recent joint financial documents for marriage-based cases, for example.

What to expect

Interviews are typically brief — often 20 to 40 minutes. The officer will ask questions under oath, sometimes reviewing your entire application history. Answer honestly and directly; inconsistencies, even small ones, can raise flags.

For marriage-based cases specifically

Officers sometimes ask detailed questions about daily life together to confirm the relationship is genuine. Being prepared to answer naturally, rather than rehearsed, generally goes better than memorized scripts.

After the interview

Some cases are approved on the spot; others require additional review or documents. If you're asked to submit something further, note the deadline carefully — missing it can delay or jeopardize your case.