Green Card Interview: A Complete Guide

The green card interview is a critical step in the green card application process. After the interview takes place, the government will shortly decide on whether you will be granted permanent residency. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you prepare for the interview before you arrive.

This guide will walk you through what to expect in a green card interview and how to prepare effectively, helping you approach your interview with confidence. If you have any concerns along the way, be sure to contact a skilled green card lawyer for guidance.

What Is the Green Card Interview?

The green card interview allows the government to verify your identity, review your personal background, and assess your eligibility for permanent residence. In most cases, it’s the final step before becoming a lawful permanent resident.

The purpose of the interview is not only to review your paperwork, but also to confirm that your application is truthful and complete. For example, if you’re applying through marriage, the USCIS officer will ask personal questions about your relationship to ensure it’s legitimate.

You’ll typically be scheduled for an interview within 7 to 15 months of filing your application. This gives you time to gather the necessary documentation, prepare answers to common interview questions, and review your case with an immigration attorney if needed.

Who Needs to Attend a Green Card Interview?

The required attendees depend on your green card application:

• Marriage-based applicants: Both spouses must attend the interview. You may be questioned separately or together to confirm the authenticity of your relationship.
• Family-based green cards (outside the U.S.): Only the applicant abroad must attend. The sponsoring family member is usually not required to appear.
• Employment-based green cards: Only the applicant (employee) needs to attend the interview.
• Humanitarian or asylum-based cases: Some categories may not require an interview, although this is rare.

Children included in a green card application may also need to attend, depending on their age and immigration status.

Who Can You Bring to Your Green Card Interview?

While the green card interview is generally limited to those directly involved, there are a few exceptions:

• Interpreters: If you don’t speak English fluently, you can bring an interpreter. This person must translate exactly and cannot give opinions or advice.
• Immigration lawyers: You have the right to legal representation during your interview. This is especially important if you’ve had immigration violations, criminal records, or past visa issues.
• Friends or family members: They are not allowed unless they are part of the application — such as a spouse — or you have a documented disability requiring assistance.

If You're Applying Through Marriage

For marriage-based green card applicants, both spouses must attend the interview. A USCIS officer may question you together or separately, depending on their approach.

If you're interviewed separately, your answers will be compared for consistency. Minor discrepancies are common and typically not a significant issue. But major contradictions — especially about basic facts — can trigger a second interview with the Fraud Detection and National Security unit.

This follow-up interview aims to clarify conflicting details and verify the legitimacy of your relationship. If doubts remain unresolved, your green card may be denied, even in genuine marriages.

For more information on these follow-up interviews, you can explore the National Visa Center's interview guidelines for interviews conducted outside the United States and the USCIS interview guidelines for follow-up interviews that occur within the United States.

What Documents Should You Bring to Your Green Card Interview?

Arriving without the correct documents is one of the most common reasons for delays or denials. Be sure to bring both the required documents and any optional, but helpful, supporting evidence.

For Applicants Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

If you are going through the application process from within the U.S., you are required to bring:

• Government-issued photo ID, e.g., driver’s license.
• Interview appointment notice, Form I-797C.
• Copy of your full green card application (Form I-485 and related forms like I-130, I-130A, I-864, I-131, I-765, and I-944.
• Current passport, if applicable.
• Travel documents, e.g., advance parole.
• Supporting civil documents: birth certificate, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, etc.
• Sealed envelope from medical examination (Form I-693).
• Proof of employment (if employment-based): job title, letter on company letterhead with salary and employment confirmation.
• Marriage evidence (if applicable): joint lease, joint bank accounts, children's birth certificates, photos.

For Applicants Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)

If you are not located within the U.S. when applying for your Green Card, you will need to bring:

• Government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, I.D. card, or a passport.
• A copy of your interview appointment notice.
• Your entire application packet, including Form DS-260 and any other immigration forms you have submitted, such as Forms I-130, I-130A, I-864, DS-261, and DS-5540.
• Your current passport, if you are not seeking asylum or refugee status.
• Advance parole documents and other paperwork related to travel.
• Copies of various documents submitted with your Green Card application, such as birth and marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, and other supporting documents.
• A doctor's report from your medical examination and Form I-693.
• An employment letter on company letterhead detailing that you will have continuous employment during the time of your Green Card and the amount of your salary.
• Copies of documents and paperwork that attest to your marriage if you are applying for a marriage Green card, such as the birth certificates of your children, joint lease and mortgage statements, joint bank account and credit card statements, and other similar documents.

Please note that if you are missing any of the required documents, your application may be delayed or denied.

What Else Should You Bring?

In addition to the required documents, bring proof of any significant changes since submitting your green card application — like a new address, job, or a child’s birth. For example, utility bills, pay stubs, or official letters can help confirm updated details. If you’ve had any contact with law enforcement, consult a lawyer before your interview to understand how it may affect your case.

How to Prepare for a Green Card Interview

The green card interview process depends on your application type. Employment-based interviews focus on your job title, employer details, and immigration status. Marriage-based or family-based interviews often include personal questions about your relationship or household.

Before the interview:

• Review your green card application and supporting documents to ensure consistency.
• Bring originals and copies of necessary documentation: your interview notice, government-issued ID, I-693 medical examination (sealed envelope), passport, and any updated civil documents.
• If you're applying through marriage, prepare to answer detailed questions about your relationship timeline, shared responsibilities, and daily life. USCIS may ask both spouses questions together or separately.

Helpful preparation steps:

• Practice answering common interview questions clearly and briefly.
• Avoid memorized answers — focus on accuracy and consistency.
• Bring updated evidence if anything has changed since filing (e.g., new address, job, or child).
• Remain calm and courteous, even if asked personal or repetitive questions.

Answer honestly and avoid half-truths. USCIS officers will review your answers against your original green card application and may follow up if they spot discrepancies. Misrepresentation can delay or jeopardize your case.

Potential Green Card Interview Questions

Reviewing common green card interview questions can help you feel more confident and prepared for your appointment. While each case is unique, these examples reflect the types of questions USCIS officers often ask during interviews.

Greetings and Oath

• How are you doing today?
• How is the weather out there today?
• What are your expectations of this immigration interview?
• How do you feel about living in the U.S.?
• Do you understand why you are being interviewed?
• Are you aware that you must take an oath of disclosure regarding this interview?
• Do you speak or understand English?
• Do you have an interpreter?
• Do you understand the words in the oath and what taking the oath means?
• Do you swear to tell the truth?

Personal Information

• What is your full legal name?
• What are the full legal names of your mother and father?
• What is your date of birth?
• Where are you from?
• What is your place of birth?
• Where are you living now?
• What is your phone number?

Physical Appearance

• How would you describe your physical appearance?
• What is your height?
• What is your weight?
• What color are your eyes?
• What color is your hair?
• Do you have any identifying birthmarks or features?
• Have you had any surgery to alter your appearance?

Relationship

• What is your spouse's name?
• When did your wedding take place?
• What was the location of your wedding?
• Where did you and your spouse first meet?
• Where did you and your spouse have your first date?
• Who proposed?
• When did the proposal take place?
• Who were the bridesmaids and groomsmen?
• Did you have a themed wedding?
• Where was your honeymoon?
• Who is your spouse's employer?
• What time do you both get home from work?
• What is your spouse's birthday?
• Do you have pets?
• What is your anniversary date?
• Do you have any children?
• How stable is your marriage and relationship?

Immigration Status

• Where were you born?
• What citizenship do you hold?
• What is your legal status in the U.S.?
• When did you enter the U.S.?
• How did you arrive?
• Have you worked in the U.S.?
• Do you have work authorization?
• Have you ever violated a visa condition?
• Have you traveled outside the U.S. since applying?
• What was the purpose of your last trip outside the U.S.?

Residential History

• What is your current home address?
• How long have you resided at this address?
• Where did you live before moving to your current address?
• How many times have you changed residences in the past five years?
• Did you change residences after submitting your application for a Green Card?
• What places have you lived since you were 16 years old?
• Where did you receive your education?
• Where is your job located?

Income Tax-Related

• Do you file and pay income taxes?
• Do you have IRS tax documents?
• Do you owe any taxes?
• Have you ever failed to file taxes?

Criminal History

• Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
• Have you ever committed fraud to obtain immigration benefits?
• Have you ever lied to a government official?

Military

• Have you ever served in the military or as a police officer?
• Have you ever been part of a conflict?
• Were you in the U.S. military?
• Which branch did you serve in?
• What work did you do in the military?
• When did you serve?

Tips for a Successful Green Card Interview

• Review your docs: Reviewing your documents before the interview for Green Card approval will refresh your memory and ensure that you give the correct answers to the many questions posed by your interviewer.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Dress conservatively for your interview and avoid clothing that is revealing or features slogans or statements that may negatively impact the outcome of your meeting. This professionalism is important when choosing what to wear.
• Arrive early: Set yourself up for success by arriving at least 15 minutes early. Rushing to get to your appointment on time can lead to a subpar performance when answering Green Card interview questions. And arriving late can be a sign of disrespect or indifference.
• Remain calm: The interview is not an interrogation. Therefore, it is advisable to remain calm during the meeting. The more relaxed you are, the better able you will be to answer the interview questions for Green Cards.

What Happens After a Green Card Interview?

After your Green Card interview, several outcomes are possible. Here’s what to expect:

Application Approval

If your interview goes well and the USCIS officer finds no issues, your application may be approved on the spot. In some cases, the officer will inform you of the approval at the end of the interview. If not, you’ll usually receive a written notice within a few days. Your green card should arrive by mail within 2–4 weeks.

Additional Review

If the officer needs to verify specific details, such as your employment history, marriage validity, or other supporting documents, your case may be held for further review. This is not a denial, but it may cause a delay of several weeks or months in your case.

You will typically receive a status update or further instructions by mail. If necessary, USCIS may schedule a second interview, especially in marriage-based cases, to clarify discrepancies.

Request for Evidence

Instead of a second interview, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if something is missing from your application. This may include missing documents (such as tax records, birth certificates, or proof of relationship) or clarification on your answers during the interview.

You must respond to the RFE by the deadline listed (usually 30–87 days, depending on the case). Failure to respond in a timely manner or fully will likely result in the denial of your application. The response must be complete and include all requested documents in one submission.

Request for Review

In some cases, the officer will inform you that USCIS needs more time to make a final decision. This usually occurs when background checks, identity verifications, or complex case reviews are pending. You’ll be notified by mail once a decision is made, typically within a few weeks to several months.

Rejection

USCIS may deny your Green Card application for several reasons, such as:

• Inadmissibility due to criminal history or immigration violations
• Inconsistencies or suspected fraud in interview answers
• Missing documents were not provided after an RFE
• Public charge concerns or failure to meet eligibility requirements

If denied, you will receive a denial notice (Form I-797) explaining the reason. Depending on your case type, you may:

• File a motion to reopen or reconsider (Form I-290B) within 30 days
• Request a review with the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
• Reapply or explore other immigration options

It’s highly recommended to speak with an immigration attorney before responding to a denial or filing an appeal.