I-751 Interview Questions and How to Prepare

If you're reading this, that means the I-751 interview is the next step in your path to securing permanent residency. Immigration officials will assess the validity of your marriage through questions about your relationship.

Our family immigration lawyers have prepared this guide to walk you through I-751 interview questions, how to prepare, and what you can expect on the day of your interview. We’ll also explain how recent immigration laws affect the process, helping you feel confident every step of the way.

Form I-751 Requirements

The form is a petition that asks the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remove the conditions that have been placed on a resident's status. A USCIS officer will review the form and likely approve the removal of the conditions if they are convinced that the marriage is valid and was entered into in good faith, not for the purpose of receiving immigration benefits.

Form I-751 requirements include:

• Eligibility: You must be a conditional permanent resident with a two-year green card from a marriage-based green card.
• Timing: File Form I-751 90 days before your conditional green card expires.
• Proof of Bona Fide Marriage: You must demonstrate that your marriage was entered into in good faith by providing evidence, such as joint financial documents, photos of special occasions, and affidavits.
• Removal of Conditions: Submit required documents to show eligibility for removal of conditions.
• Biometrics: Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and a photo.
• Interview: Be prepared for an interview with an immigration officer.
• Language: Demonstrate basic English language proficiency unless exempt.
• Fee: Pay the required I-751 filing fee.

Once you meet these requirements, you can petition USCIS to remove the conditions on your status. To avoid delays, ensure everything is correct from the start. An immigration lawyer can help with this.

I-751 Interview Questions: What to Expect

The I-751 interview questions will primarily focus on your relationship with your spouse. These questions aim to confirm the authenticity of your marriage, so it’s essential to be prepared with honest and consistent answers.

Here are the types of questions you may be asked:

Personal Relationship Questions

• When did you meet your spouse?
• How did you meet?
• Where was your first date?
• Where was your first kiss?
• What was the wedding like?
• Where was the wedding held?
• What’s your spouse’s full name?
• Where did you and your spouse first live together?
• Can you describe your spouse’s family?
• When did you start living together?
• How did your spouse propose?

Family and Living Situation Questions

• What is your spouse’s job and salary?
• Do you have children together? If yes, how many?
• What time do you both get home from work?
• How do you split household chores?
• Do you know your spouse's friends?
• Where did you spend holidays together?
• Do you and your spouse share a bank account?
• Have you traveled together? If so, when and where?
• When did you meet each other's parents?
• How many brothers and sisters does your spouse have?

Questions About Your Home and Daily Life

• Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?
• How long have you lived at your current address?
• Have you and your spouse ever lived apart? If so, why and for how long?
• What pets do you have, if any?
• How do you manage finances, bills, and other shared responsibilities?

Inconsistency Questions

• If there are any discrepancies in your answers to these questions (for example, regarding the date you met or your wedding date), the USCIS officer will ask for clarification. Inconsistencies may trigger further scrutiny, potentially leading to a marriage fraud interview or additional green card petition processing.

The goal of these questions is to evaluate the authenticity of your relationship. Consistent answers are important, so make sure you and your spouse are on the same page before the interview.

Example Interview with Answers

• Question: How did you and your spouse meet?
  
  • Answer: We met through mutual friends at a birthday party in 2017. We hit it off immediately, and after spending a few hours talking, we exchanged numbers. We started dating a few weeks later.
• Question: When did you get married?
  
  • Answer: We got married on June 15, 2019, in a small ceremony at a local park with close family and friends. We wanted something intimate but meaningful.
• Question: Can you tell me a bit about your spouse’s family?
  
  • Answer: My spouse has a close-knit family. They’re very supportive of our relationship. His parents live nearby, and we often spend weekends with them. He also has two siblings who are very involved in our lives. We enjoy holiday gatherings and trips together.
• Question: What is your spouse’s job, and where do they work?
  
  • Answer: My spouse works as a software engineer at Sample Inc. He’s been there for three years now. He’s responsible for developing new features for their main software product, and he works remotely most of the time, which allows us to travel together frequently.
• Question: How do you and your spouse manage your finances?
  
  • Answer: We have a joint checking account that we use for most of our household expenses, like rent, utilities, and groceries. We both contribute equally, and we also have individual accounts for personal expenses. We always discuss larger purchases before making them.
• Question: Have you and your spouse ever lived apart?
  
  • Answer: We did live apart for a few months when my spouse had to relocate for work in 2020. He was working in a different city temporarily, but we visited each other as often as possible, and it only made us stronger as a couple. We’re both happy to be living together now.

Tips to Prepare for Your I-751 Interview

To ensure a smooth transition to permanent resident status, you have to be prepared for the interview. Whether you’re removing conditions for a marriage-based green card or another basis, it’s important to make sure everything is in order.

Here’s how you can ensure you're fully prepared:

1. Review Your I-751 Application

Before your interview, review the Form I-751 application that you submitted. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the details of your application process, including supporting documents and evidence provided. Be consistent in your answers, as any discrepancies can raise questions during your interview.

2. Gather Your Supporting Documents

Make sure you have all the necessary supporting documents to demonstrate the validity of your marriage. This may include:

• Joint financial documents (bank accounts, credit card statements, insurance policies)
• Leases or mortgage contracts showing shared residence
• Tax returns filed jointly
• Photographs from weddings, holidays, and special events
• Affidavits from friends and family who can speak to the authenticity of your marriage
• Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
• Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates (if applicable)

By having these documents readily available, you’ll help streamline the process and demonstrate your bona fide marriage.

3. Know the Interview Process

Understanding what to expect during the interview will help alleviate any concerns. The USCIS officer will ask you questions about your marriage and your life together, to verify that the marriage was entered into in good faith.

Be consistent in your answers. If you and your spouse are asked the same questions, your answers should align.

4. Practice for the Interview

One of the best ways to prepare is through mock interviews. This helps you anticipate questions and practice answering confidently. Answering questions consistently helps demonstrate the legitimacy of your marriage and ensures you’re not caught off guard.

Consider practicing with a family member or friend to simulate the interview environment. This will also allow you to work through any difficult areas you may be uncertain about.

5. Research Your USCIS Office and Timeline

Make sure you’re familiar with the location of your USCIS office, as well as parking and appointment details. Knowing where you’re going will help reduce stress on the day of your interview.

In addition, familiarize yourself with the interview timeline. The entire I-751 process typically takes 6 to 8 months, but if you filed a waiver application, it might take 8 to 12 months. Be prepared for this timeline and keep track of your status using your receipt number.

6. Be Honest and Remain Calm

During the interview, it's important to stay calm and be honest in your responses. Remember, the USCIS officer is not trying to trick you — they’re simply verifying your eligibility for permanent residency. If you don’t know an answer, it's okay to admit it, but don’t try to make up answers or guess.

7. Dress Professionally and Arrive Early

Your appearance and punctuality matter. Dressing appropriately shows your respect for the process and helps set the tone for the interview. Additionally, arriving early is crucial to ensuring everything goes smoothly. Being late could raise red flags for USCIS.

How to Avoid the I-751 Interview for Conditional Residents

As mentioned, the I-751 interview is required by law, but USCIS may waive it under certain conditions. To increase the likelihood of your interview being waived, follow these steps:

Prepare a Strong Form I-751 Petition

Your Form I-751 must be well-prepared and complete to show the legitimacy of your marriage. An accurate petition with no doubts about your marriage’s validity increases the chances of approval and reduces the need for an interview.

Present Convincing Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage

Your I-751 petition should be supported by strong evidence demonstrating your genuine marriage. The better the evidence, the higher your chances of having the interview waived. Remember, the burden of proving a bona fide marriage lies with the couple.

The more evidence you provide, the more likely your I-751 application will be approved without the need for an interview.