What Happens at an Immigration Interview?

The immigration interview is a critical step in your immigration process, designed to confirm the authenticity of your application and assess your eligibility. Whether it’s for a green card, asylum, or naturalization, understanding what to expect during this process can help you feel prepared and confident. At Villarrubia & Rosenberger, P.C., we have extensive experience guiding clients through immigration interviews successfully. In this blog, we will discuss what happens at an immigration interview and provide tips to help you prepare.

Why Immigration Interviews Are Important

Immigration interviews serve as an opportunity for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers to verify the information in your application and determine its accuracy. It’s also a chance to evaluate your eligibility for the requested immigration benefit. Interviews may cover topics like your background, relationship history (if applicable), or the intent behind your visa application.

For example, if applying for a marriage-based green card, the interview may focus on proving the legitimacy of your marital relationship. Alternatively, if you’re pursuing asylum, you’ll need to provide substantiated reasons for fearing persecution in your home country.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Immigration Interview

Here’s what typically happens during an immigration interview and how you can prepare:

1. Arrival and Check-In

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your interview notice and identification documents to check in at the reception desk.  

What to Bring:  

• Government-issued ID  
• Appointment notice  
• Application receipts (e.g., Form I-130, Form I-485)  
• Supporting evidence (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, marriage certificate)  

2. Meeting with the USCIS Officer

Once called, you’ll meet a USCIS officer in a private room. They’ll begin by swearing you in, requiring you to take an oath of honesty.  

3. Reviewing Your Application

The officer will ask questions based on the details in your application. Questions vary depending on the type of application submitted.  

Possible Topics:  

• Immigration history  
• Employment records  
• Marital relationship (if applicable)  
• Prior addresses  

During this step, honesty is crucial. If any information has changed since submitting your application, notify the officer immediately.

4. Supporting Evidence Verification

You’ll need to provide documents that support your case. For example, in a petition for a spousal visa, you might submit photos, financial statements, or sworn affidavits to prove your relationship is genuine.  

Tip: Use organized folders or binders to ensure documents are easy to locate during the interview.  

5. Decision or Follow-Up

The officer may provide a decision at the end of your interview or inform you that more evidence or review time is needed. If requested, submit additional documentation promptly to keep your case moving forward.

Helpful Tips for a Successful Interview

• Dress Professionally: Treat the interview as you would an important job interview.  
• Practice Your Answers: Revisit your application to ensure consistency when answering questions.  
• Bring an Interpreter (if needed): If you’re not comfortable with English, ensure you have a qualified interpreter.  
• Stay Calm and Focused: Even if questions seem intrusive, remain composed and truthful.  

Contact Us

An immigration interview may feel daunting, but preparation is key. At Villarrubia & Rosenberger, P.C., we work closely with our clients to ensure they’re well-prepared for every question and scenario. Whether it’s reviewing documents or providing practice interviews, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Need guidance? Schedule a consultation with us today. We will help you approach your immigration interview with confidence and achieve your goals.