Congratulations on getting to the interview stage, you’re almost finished with the immigration process. If everything goes smoothly during the interview, you’ll soon have a green card, and this also means you’re a little closer to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. 

However, going through the interview can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what to expect when doing so. Thankfully, the interview process isn’t too complicated but there are a lot of questions. 

So, what are some common green card interview questions? Most are pretty basic but it helps to have a general idea before you sit down for the interview.

Can You Bring Support to Your Green Card Interview?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has strict rules about who can sit in on your interview. In other words, you probably can’t bring a close friend or relative for moral support.

Since English is a second language for most green card applicants, you can bring an interpreter. The interrupter must have a valid government-issued ID, yes they must be either a U.S. citizen or already hold a green card. The interrupter must also sign a privacy statement and complete an oath. There aren’t any exceptions.

If you’re dealing with legal issues like criminal charges or have problems with your immigration status, you’re also allowed to bring an attorney. Once again, your attorney must meet a few requirements to sit in at your green card interview. 

Along with being a licensed attorney, your lawyer must also file out and submit Form G-28, Notice of Appearance as an Attorney or Accredited Representative. If this form is submitted before your interview date, your attorney won’t be allowed to sit in on the discussion.

Other than an interpreter or attorney, typically no one else is allowed to accompany you into the interview room. However, exceptions are made if you have a disability and require assistance. 

You will need to let the USCIS office know before the interview date. This gives them time to make preparations to accommodate your disability. For example, ensuring the interview is conducted in an area that’s handicapped accessible.

You can also bring family members who are listed on your interview appointment notice. This typically includes parents and spouses. If your children are also applying for green card status, they’re also required to attend the interview. 

If you have additional questions about who can accompany you, contact the USCIS office. An immigration attorney can also help explain the rules and guidelines.

Preparing for Your Green Card Interview

You’ll receive an appointment notice in the mail, known as a 1-797C Notice of Action. You should receive the notice a few months after filing your green card application—do not throw this notice away. Your interview date is listed on the document, along with some helpful tips on how to prepare for the interview.

Review All of Your Documents

Hopefully, you’re following the instructions outlined by either an immigration specialist or an attorney. Your green card application package should also contain some helpful advice, which includes making copies of the documents you submitted with your green card application. 

Make sure to carefully review all of the information you supplied in the documents. Has anything changed like your address? Since it can take several months between submitting the application and being assigned an interview date some information can change.

If something’s changed, make a note. You can update your details during the interview. The USCIS officer will verify your information before confirming you’re eligible for permanent residence status, which will include your residence and employment.

Interviewing with a Spouse

If you’re married, either before or after submitting your green card application, spend some time with your spouse going over your relationship details. Both you and your spouse will go through the interview process and this means answering plenty of questions about your relationship.

While your answers don’t need to precisely match some details like which side of the bathroom you keep your toothbrush. Your answers will need to match when it comes to questions regarding how you met and your relationship timeline.

Interviewing with Dependent Children

If dependent children are listed on your green card application, they’ll need to come to the interview. The ages of the children will determine the type of questions, if any are asked by the USCIS officer. 

Obviously, you can’t question an infant and toddlers can also be difficult. However, older children should expect to answer a few questions.

These questions typically included asking the minor to verify you as their legal guardian or parent. There may also be questions about the minor’s age and date of birth.

What Should You Bring to Your Green Card Interview

Before you can start your I-485 interview for your green card, you need to present your appointment notice. This is the I-797C form that you received in the mail. 

If the form accidentally ends up in the trash, you can request another copy. Just contact the USCIS office and pay a fee. Your copy shouldn’t take too long to arrive.

What other documents should you bring to the interview?

• You need to present a government-issued photo ID. This can be a state-issued driver’s license or ID card. Your passport is also acceptable, even if it’s expired.
• Copies of all of the immigration forms you’ve submitted, including Form I-145. For example, forms I-130, I-1864, and I-765. If you’ve only submitted Form I-145, this is the only copy you’ll need to present to the interviewing officer.
• Original copies of your birth certificate. If you’re married, you’ll need to supply your marriage license. Divorce and death certificates may also be required, depending on the information you supplied on your green card application.
• If you hold a passport from your home/birth country, you’ll need to bring this. The only exception applies to applications holding asylum or refugee status.

While you’re supposed to submit a medical examination form with your green card application, sometimes it gets lost. Go ahead and bring your medical form, the interview will include questions about your health.

Let an Immigration Attorney Help You Prepare for the Green Card Interview

Even if you don’t need to bring an attorney with you, it’s still a good idea to let one help you prepare for your green card interview. 

From helping you review your documents to going over the interview questions, an attorney can help ensure the interview goes smoothly. Their expertise can provide you with valuable insights and increase your confidence, helping you navigate the process more effectively.