The path to your green card can be overwhelming and stressful. However, this article will help you walk through how to prepare yourself with twelve tips to help you prepare for your immigration marriage interview.
You have gotten this far and this is the last step in the path to your green card. The most important part of this interview is to prove that your marriage is authentic and not a fraud. Immigration Interviews can be stressful therefore It Is Important to relax and be your authentic self. Preparing for the Interview will help you get there.
13 immigration marriage interview tips
1. Submit evidence of your marriage early “bona fide marriage”
You can wait for your marriage interview but why? You should submit as much evidence as you can with your petition. You can always ask your immigration attorney as to which documents are best to send in early.
2. Update your social media profiles
Update your profiles as soon as possible to show that your status is married to each other.
3. Update your state id and/or your driver’s license
You want to make sure all your documents are up to date. So make sure your current address is the same as your spouse’s.
4. Chat with your spouse
Schedule a time to sit down with your spouse and take a trip down memory lane to go over the most common interview questions.
5. Set up a prep session with your immigration attorney
It’s always a good idea if you are feeling stressed to set up an appointment with your immigration attorney to go over interview questions. Your attorney will be able to present the questions to you the way that the immigration agent would do.
6. Dress appropriately
You want to look your best for your interview. You can wear what you would typically wear to a nice restaurant
7. Arrive on time
It is so important to arrive on time. You want to make sure you arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
8. Bring an interpreter
If you need an interpreter make sure to bring one with you. You don’t want to have issues understanding the questions being asked to you and your spouse.
9. Wait for your attorney
It is important that you wait for your attorney to arrive. Even if you are called you can tell the officer that you would like to wait for your attorney to arrive.
10. Be yourself
It’s important to try to appear friendly, be calm, and be prepared for your interview.
11. Be honest
Do not lie about your answers. If you don’t know or don’t remember an answer you don’t want to make something up that your spouse won’t be able to verify.
12. Listen to each question carefully and respond appropriately
Speak slowly and clearly and answer questions in detail. Stick to the question and don’t veer off the subject. Be as descriptive as possible with dates and places and with person(s) names.
It’s important to make sure you have all your original documents, that they are completed, and you have copies for yourself for your records.
List of documents to bring to your immigration marriage interview
Here is a list of documents you will want to bring along to your immigration marriage interview. It is best that you start collecting these documents in advance, keep organized, and make copies of all documents.
Birth certificate (copy and original)
State Id/Driver’s License/Passport (original)
Marriage certificate (copy and original)
Bring a copy of your interview letter
Current/expired U.S. visa(s) (copy and original)
Medical examination document (copy and original)
Proof of sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (copy and original)
Proof of lawful U.S. entry and status, if applicable (copy and original)
Police clearance certificate, if applicable (copy and original)
Court, police, and prison records, if applicable (copy and original)
Military records, if applicable (copy and original)
Immigration violation records, if applicable (copy and original)
Bring your last 3 months’ joint bank account statements.
Bring your most recent joint utility bill (copy and original)
Bring your most recent joint phone bill (copy and original)
Bring your most recent medical insurance cards (copy and original)
Bring your most up-to-date car insurance (copy and original)
Bring a copy of 401K or life insurance (copy and original)
Bring a copy of any recent federal tax return (if filed jointly)
Bring any other additional joint documents that have both names
Bring 10-15 photographs
Watch our videos for more tips to help you prepare for your marriage interview
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Preparing for Your Marriage Interview
Document Checklist and List of Popular Interview Questions
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Contact the Odunlami Law Firm at 973-993-1900 or email us iao@odunlamilaw.com
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