Marriage based green card interview checklist

If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, and doing so while living in the U.S., through the process called “adjustment of status,” you can expect to be invited for a personal interview at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) local district office.

This article will guide you on what to bring to the marriage green card interview. USCIS will also give you a list of required documentation, so make sure to go through it carefully and be free to include anything you think the list doesn’t include but can help you prove your marriage’s authenticity.

List of Required Documents

1. Photos and Passports:

Both of you need to present photo identification, and the best fit for it is to show your passport. If you don’t have one, you can use another photo. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it is enough for you to present a driver’s license.

2. Work or Travel Permits and Original Documents:

Join the originals of the documents you used to enter the United States. You should also attach any other documents you’ve received from U.S. consulates or USCIS, such as work permit (Employment Authorization Document).

You probably mailed to USCIS copies of documents within your application package, but now you should bring originals so the officer can compare them. One of you who has U.S. citizenship will need to bring the original proof of the U.S. citizenship status or permanent resident status (a green card or stamp in the passport).

Maybe the interviewing officer will not ask for it, but it is advisable to have it with you in case he or she does. Since your green card will serve as your proof of right to work in the United States, the offices might keep you EAD.

Remember to ask for either an approval letter or an I-551 stamp in your passport if you think you might need evidence of the adjusted status while your green card arrives.

3. New evidence:

If anything important in your life changed since filing the application (your spouse got a new job), or you just forgot to provide more documents, this is the opportunity to make any updates and inform the officer.

If you have reached the second anniversary of your marriage since applying, remind the officer, so you’ll be approved for permanent, instead of conditional residency. Most importantly, if you go or are expecting a baby, bring medical records or a birth certificate with you, because this is significant evidence of a bona fide marriage.

4. Proof of Authenticity of Your Marriage:

The interview is the most crucial opportunity for the interviewing officer to determine whether your marriage is real. The documents you show are essential factors in this decision. Rental agreement and mortgages, utility bills, joint bank and credit card statements, membership in clubs, and many other documents you provide can help you prove that your marriage is bona fide.

To sum up, as a part of your preparation for the interview you should follow the list of documents that USCIS mailed to you. To make it more out of training, check out our tips to know before coming to a marriage-based green card interview.

What Is the Online Green Card Application Form (DS-260) Like?

This is one of the marriage green card interview documents. Form DS-260 is an Online Immigrant Visa Application submitted through the National Visa Center’s website. This form is used for those outside the U.S. to apply for a marriage-based or family-based card.

Also, for those applying for the marriage-based green card, you will be able to move forward in the process after the NVC approves the Form DS-260

Have There Been Major Updates to Materials in the Application Process?

Yes! Beginning on December 23, 2022, the USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule. As a result, USCIS will only accept the present version of Form I-485 as of December 23, 2022. Instead, it will use a new Form I-485 with more questions than the current one. Therefore, before submitting your application, please double-check that your Form I-485 edition is accurate.

As the Petitioner, What Forms and Evidence Should Be Submitted By You?

For the U.S. spouse visa interview documents checklist, the petitioner provides the following forms:

These are the documents needed for green card interview

As the Beneficiary Spouse, What Forms and Evidence Must Be Submitted?

As the beneficiary spouse, to obtain a green card, here are forms, evidence, and documents for a green card interview to be submitted.

Note: Depending on how you answer questions on the petition, additional green card interview documents/evidence may be requested for/required.

Summary

Just as the marriage green card interview is important in the green card process, so are the documents needed. With the appropriate documentation, your green card application could be allowed. Therefore, knowing what to bring to a marriage green card interview is important.

Ask your lawyer or research the marriage green card interview documents checklist. This helps limit the stress of running around to get your document prepared at the last minute and ensures you are prepared to ace your interview.

Also, you and your spouse must prepare mentally and physically for the interview.

Marriage Green Card Interview Documents FAQs

What do I need to bring to the green card interview?

Bring a complete copy of every document you submit with your application. When going for the immigration interview, you must bring your passport (as well as your green card), as your visa or proof of status may be stamped there.

Also, bring the originals of any other documentation you acquired from the USCIS or the American embassy you used to enter the country. Bring the originals of any documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, that you have sent copies of to USCIS.

How long is the green card marriage interview?

The green card marriage interview lasts about 15-30 minutes, and the questions are straightforward.

What do you need to proof that a relationship exists?

Here are what to bring to green card interview that can be used as proof of your relationship during your green card interview

These are important green card interview documents to prove the marriage is bonafide.

Does USCIS check your text messages?

USCIS does not check text messages before approving your marriage green card petition. They only have the authority status and check all paperwork and to assign immigration other documents for the green card interview presented is viable.

How do I ace my green card interview?

The key to acing your green card interview is to:

Follow these tips, and you are sure to come out smiling.

What happens if you fail a green card marriage interview?

If you fail your green card marriage interview, the USCIS may investigate your case. They may also allow you to submit other evidence to prove your marriage. If not, they may issue a Notice of Intent to Deny your marriage green card application. Also, you could request a second green card interview and the documents for the naturalization interview to ace your interview.

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Herman Legal Group, LLC founded by Richard Herman in 1995, provides compassionate, multilingual immigration services across the U.S. and abroad. The firm passionately advocates for immigrants’ rights, with a deep understanding of their cultures and contributions.

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