Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Linda Lee
When you marry a U.S. citizen, you will become eligible for what’s known as a marriage green card. Lawful permanent residence status, however, is not automatic: there are specific steps you and your spouse need to take. One of them is the filing of I-485- Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS. Another is a formal interview intended to confirm the validity of the marriage.
USCIS representatives are always on the lookout for marriages that take place solely for immigration purposes. Unfortunately, their vigilance can sometimes result in negative outcomes for legitimate couples, such as a denial, a waiver for something that doesn’t even apply in your case, or even an invitation to a Stokes interview. By preparing for your interview, you and your spouse can avoid many of these problems, if not all.
On this page, the immigration lawyers at ILOLA, share some of the marriage green card interview questions you may be asked, along with tips for helping the process go as smoothly as possible.
In this article:
- Preparing for Your Marriage Green Card Interview
- Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions
- What happens after the Marriage Green Card Interview?
- Waiting Periods after the Marriage Green Card Interview and Next Steps
- Help with Green Card Through Marriage Interview
Preparing for Your Green Card Through Marriage Interview
About 4-6 weeks prior to the interview, USCIS will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location. Before you leave for the interview, collect documentation that proves the legitimacy of your marriage. Depending on your circumstances, this may include the following:
- An official copy of your marriage certificate
- Proof of divorce or death of the previous spouse if either of you have been married before
- Proof of lawful entry into the U.S.
- Tax returns filed jointly with your spouse
- Joint savings and checking accounts
- Wedding photos
Green card marriage interviews are conducted in government buildings that require you to pass through metal detectors. Be warned that it may take up to 30 minutes just to enter the building. For this reason, try to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early.
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions
The USCIS representative will ask you both questions that cover all aspects of your relationship, from courtship to marriage to your present lives together.
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions About Your Courtship
- How did you meet your spouse?
- What was your first meeting like?
- Where and when did you meet for the first time?
- At the time, where were you living? Where was your spouse living?
- When did you meet again?
- When did you decide to get married?
- Who proposed to whom?
- Before you got married, did you live together?
You will need to reflect on the history of your relationship. You should be prepared to recount the events that led up to your marriage, from the first date to sharing the engagement news with friends and family.
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions About the Wedding
- What was the date of your wedding?
- Where was the wedding held?
- Who attended the ceremony?
- Can you tell me who the bridesmaids and groomsmen were?
- Was any liquor served at the reception?
- What date did you and your spouse leave for your honeymoon?
- How many days did you spend on your honeymoon?
- Where did you live after the wedding?
Be prepared to answer questions about when and where the wedding took place, who attended, what the ceremony and reception were like, and where you went on your honeymoon.
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions About Where You Now Live
- Where do you live now?
- When did you move to your current address?
- How much is the mortgage or rent?
- What is your landlord’s name?
- When does the lease expire?
- How many people are living with you and your spouse?
- Who are your neighbors?
The USCIS officer will be asking you questions about your present living situation. This includes how much it costs to live there, who your neighbors are, and even what furniture is inside. If you and your spouse give different answers to the same question, it may be taken as a sign that you don’t share a residence.
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions About Your Lifestyle
- Who gets up first? At what time?
- Who does most of the cooking?
- Do you have any pets?
- What are your working hours?
- What is a typical weekend for you and your spouse?
- How many times a week on average do you eat out?
- What is your spouse’s favorite movie?
- What is your spouse’s favorite color?
- What did you give each other for your last birthdays?
Be prepared to provide details about one another’s likes, dislikes, routines, shopping habits, and other personal information that one would be expected to know about their husband or wife.
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions About Your Spouse And Their Family
- What is your spouse’s date of birth?
- What is your spouse’s religion?
- Does your spouse have a criminal record?
- Does your spouse have any children?
- Where do your spouse’s parents reside?
- Have you met each other’s parents?
- How many brothers and sisters does your spouse have?
- Do you know your spouse’s friends?
Unless there is an estrangement in either family, you and your spouse will be expected to know important details about one another’s parents, children, siblings, and other relatives. You may also be asked about anniversaries and other important dates.
What Happens After the Marriage Green Card Interview?
There are three possible outcomes of the marriage green card interview: approval, notice of intent to deny (NOID) or request for evidence (RFE), and referral to stokes interview (fraud detection). Learn more about them all below.
Approval of the Green Card Application
The most favorable outcome following a marriage green card interview is the approval of the green card application. This signifies that immigration officials are satisfied with the evidence provided during the interview, deeming the marriage authentic and in compliance with immigration laws. Upon approval, applicants can anticipate receiving their green card, granting them permanent residency in the United States.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) or Request for Evidence (RFE)
A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) or a Request for Evidence (RFE) signifies that there are concerns or insufficient documentation to support the green card application. A NOID explicitly outlines the government’s intention to deny the application unless additional evidence is provided. An RFE, on the other hand, is a request for specific documents or clarifications.
It is crucial for applicants to carefully review the NOID or RFE, understand the issues raised, and respond comprehensively and within the specified timeframe. Failure to address these requests adequately may result in a denial of the application.
Referral to a Stokes Interview (Fraud Detection)
In cases where there are substantial doubts about the authenticity of the marriage, couples may be referred to a Stokes interview, also known as a fraud detection interview. During a Stokes interview, spouses are interviewed separately and questioned intensely about their relationship to determine its validity. This is a more rigorous process aimed at uncovering potential fraud.
Understanding these potential outcomes is vital as it sets the stage for the waiting period and the subsequent steps in the immigration process. The following section will delve into the waiting periods and the crucial steps applicants should take after the marriage green card interview.
Waiting Periods after the Marriage Green Card Interview and Next Steps
In some instances, the green card through marriage will be approved right after the interview. If that’s not the case for you, read below for more information.
Understanding the Waiting Period for a Decision
After the marriage green card interview concludes, applicants enter a waiting period during which immigration officials review the information presented. The duration of this waiting period are an average of 20 to 60 days after. This can vary depending factors such as the caseload at the USCIS office and the complexity of the case contribute to the timeline. While awaiting a decision, it is essential for applicants to remain patient and vigilant, staying informed about potential next steps.
Receiving the Official Decision Notice
Once the USCIS reaches a decision on the green card application, applicants will receive an official notice in writing. This notice will communicate the outcome of the interview, whether it is an approval, conditional approval with further requirements, or a denial. It is crucial to thoroughly review the decision notice and understand the implications for the next steps.
If Approved: What to Expect Next
If the green card application is approved, congratulations are in order. The next steps typically involve the issuance of the actual green card and information about the individual’s new permanent resident status. This green card is valid for a conditional two-year period for marriages less than two years old. The green card is valid for ten years, granting immediate permanent residence status upon entry to the United States for couples married for more than two years. These are CR1 and IR1 visas, respectively.
If Additional Evidence Is Requested: Responding Effectively
In cases where additional evidence is requested, prompt and comprehensive response is crucial. Applicants should carefully review the Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) or Request for Evidence (RFE), gather the required documentation, and submit it within the specified timeframe. Failure to respond adequately may result in a denial, emphasizing the importance of diligence during this phase.
Need Help Preparing For Your Marriage Green Card Interview?
The interview process can be anxiety-inducing, but if you prepare well and work closely with your lawyer beforehand, you have nothing to worry about. At ILOLA, we have guided many U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their foreign-born spouses through the marriage-based immigration process. We can help you file the necessary petitions and prepare for your marriage green card interview. It has been our privilege to help couples like yourself prepare for a happy future here in the United States, and you can expect personalized attention until your case reaches a successful conclusion. If you are looking for help from an experienced lawyer to get your marriage green card, please call our office at (213) 375-4084 or contact us online.
