What Types of Questions Does USCIS Ask at a Marriage-Based Interview? 2024

One of the most common pathways to permanent residency in the US is a marriage-based green card. During the application process for a marriage-based green card, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) carries out a rigorous interview to ensure that the relationship is genuine and entered into in good faith. This leaves many marriage-based green card applicants wondering: what types of questions does USCIS ask at a marriage-based interview?

By understanding what to expect during a USCIS interview for a marriage based green card, including the questions that will be asked, the purpose of these questions, and how to prepare accordingly, couples can move into their interview feeling confident and ready.

Why Does the USCIS Marriage-Based Interview Exist?

For many people, the USCIS marriage-based interview is extremely nerve-wracking because even if a couple knows each other well, they might slip up on some personal details or other aspects of their spouse’s life. It’s important to note, however, that the purpose of this interview is not to shake people down but rather to ensure that the marriage is genuine and not being entered into for immigration benefits.

Types of Questions You May Be Asked

The marriage-based USCIS interview is generally conducted to prevent fraud or misrepresentation. There are various types of questions that can be asked during the interview. As each couple is unique, the questions may vary, but the following categories can be expected:

• History of the Relationship.
• Personal Information About Your Spouse.
• Daily Life in the Home.
• Details of Your Engagement/Wedding.
• Family and Social Circles.
• Financial Decisions.

Some of the questions asked may seem overly mundane, such as the first and last name of your spouse. As the answers may seem obvious to you, they could trip someone who is in a fraudulent marriage. It’s crucial to note that some of the questions may seem overly intimate or personal, which you have the right to respectfully decline if it is inappropriate or too intrusive. A certain level of personal inquiry, however, is normal for USCIS marriage-based interviews.

Advice for Before and During the Interview

Well before your USCIS marriage-based interview, you should go over the information on your green card application with your spouse. Both you and your spouse should be very familiar with the answers you provided on the application. During the interview, if a question comes up that you don’t know the answer to, that’s perfectly fine. Be honest with the USCIS officer, as any discrepancy between answers could lead to suspicion.

To ensure you and your spouse are comfortable during the interview, you can practice answering different questions well ahead of your scheduled appointment. This can help you go into the interview with confidence. Furthermore, providing supporting documentation, such as joint bank statements, your lease agreement, and photos from your wedding and engagement, can help clarify any questions the USCIS officer may have.

Ultimately, it is advised to stay calm during the interview and be confident in your relationship and your answers. By carefully reviewing everything, practicing answering some questions to ease the nerves, and bringing supporting documentation, you and your spouse can confidently present the authenticity of your relationship.

FAQs

How Long Does a USCIS Marriage-Based Interview Last?

The length of a USCIS marriage-based interview may be dependent on various factors, including the case complexity, the robustness of the evidence involved, and the officer who was initiating the questioning. If a USCIS officer suspects fraud or misrepresentation, or if further verification is needed, a marriage-based interview may be extended. For a more detailed estimate of the length of your interview, it is recommended to work with a lawyer.

What Kind of Questions Will USCIS Ask About Relationship History During a Marriage-Based Interview?

During a marriage-based interview, USCIS representatives are likely to pose questions regarding the history of your romantic relationship to make sure it is genuine and that it was entered into in good faith. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand the type of questions you can expect to be asked, such as those related to the dates you’ve been on, how you met, the details of your proposal, and the general timeline of your relationship.

Will We Be Interviewed Separately During the Marriage-Based USCIS Interview?

During marriage-based interviews conducted by USCIS, the couples involved in the application are usually interviewed together. In cases where the USCIS representative believes that your answers are inconsistent or that there is a potential for fraud, however, you may be separated. This separation of the couple is done so that each party can be asked the same question separately, and the answers can be compared to test accuracy.

What Happens If We Don’t Know the Answer to a Question During a Marriage-Based USCIS Interview?

If you are stumped or don’t know the answer to a question posed by a USCIS officer during your marriage-based interview, it’s important to keep calm and exercise honesty. For questions involving detailed personal history or extended family dynamics, for example, it is not uncommon for couples to not know all of the answers. Instead of making up an answer, it’s important to tell the officer that you don’t know so you don’t threaten your credibility.

How Can We Prepare for a USCIS Marriage-Based Interview?

There are various steps you can take to adequately prepare for your USCIS interview, such as going over various details of your relationship habits, timeline, and future plans together. Review all the documents submitted with your application, such as housing contracts and joint bank account statements, and be ready to answer questions about them. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you prepare accordingly for your interview.

Work With an Immigration Lawyer: Attend Your USCIS Marriage-Based Interview With Confidence

If you have an upcoming interview with USCIS for your marriage-based green card, you are likely feeling nervous and overwhelmed. Thankfully, a skilled immigration lawyer from U.S. Law Center can review your case details and help you understand what questions you may expect based on your situation. Furthermore, they can anticipate emerging legal issues and address them proactively. Contact us today to get started developing a preparation plan.