What to Expect at Your Marriage-Based Green Card Interview

A marriage-based green card interview is a crucial step in your immigration process. USCIS conducts these interviews to verify that your marriage is genuine and that you meet all eligibility requirements.

Before Your Interview

Documents to Bring

The specific documents required depend on your individual case. Generally, you should bring original copies of all applicable documents that have been filed with your application. Additionally, bring evidence of bona fide marriage, such as:

• Joint photos

• Communication records (emails, texts, social media)

• Joint financial documents (bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills)

• Travel records showing time spent together

• Affidavits from friends or family attesting to your marriage

Arrive 15 minutes early and dress professionally.

The Interview

The USCIS officer will place you under oath and review your application. You and your spouse will typically be interviewed together. The officer will ask questions about your relationship, marriage, household, and background to assess the authenticity of your marriage.

Important: The specific questions asked depend entirely on your case. It's impossible to predict exactly what will be asked, so the best preparation is to be familiar with your application, your relationship timeline, and your shared life together.

What is a Stokes Interview?

If USCIS has concerns about whether your marriage is genuine, your case may be selected for a Stokes interview—an enhanced fraud detection procedure.

In a Stokes interview, USCIS conducts separate, simultaneous interviews with both spouses in different rooms. Officers will ask detailed, personal questions designed to verify your marriage is genuine. The questions are intentionally granular to detect inconsistencies.

If selected for a Stokes interview:

• Be honest and consistent with your spouse

• Don't coach your spouse or memorize scripted answers

• Bring comprehensive evidence of your shared life and bona fide marriage

• Consult an immigration attorney for guidance and representation

Tips for Success

• Answer questions directly and honestly

• Be consistent with information in your application

• Stay calm and ask for clarification if needed

• Bring your spouse if both are scheduled

• Dress professionally and arrive early

• Bring all required original documents and evidence of bona fide marriage

• Last but not least, seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney

Your marriage-based green card interview is an opportunity to demonstrate that your marriage is genuine. With proper preparation, honesty, and thorough documentation, you can navigate this process successfully.

Contact our office today if you need any assistance with your marriage-based petition!