If you’re reading this article, it could mean only a few things- either you’re in a phase of seeking permanent residency in the U.S. or you’re enriching your knowledge on the topic. We extend our best wishes to you.
In this article, you’ll be guided through the entire process of a green card interview, whether you need a lawyer for a green card interview, the most expected questions during the interview, the documents that you’re expected to submit, and more.
What is a green card interview, and when does it happen?
A green card interview refers to the process through which the USCIS officer meets the green card applicant and confirms his/her qualifications and eligibility as mentioned on the application. In other terms, it’s a face-to-face meeting, a way to verify the information provided in the application. It’s the final step in the green card application process to guarantee that the applicant is qualified for permanent residency in the U.S.
The interview, typically, is a series of questions related to topics such as the applicant’s background, employment history, financial status, criminal record, and immigration history.
Generally, the interview takes place seven to fifteen months after the green card application has been submitted, and the applicant will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of the interview. It takes place in a local USCIS office or at the U.S. embassy or consulate which is the nearest to the address provided in the application.
How can I contact an immigration lawyer?
While there are several ways to contact an immigration lawyer if you need legal assistance with your immigration case, you must choose from the below-mentioned options:
- Referral from family or friends: Ask for a referral from your family, friends, or relatives has gone through the immigration process and used an immigration lawyer.
- Bar association referral services: You must note several state bar associations provide referral services, which can assist you find a professional and experienced immigration lawyer in your area. You can find your local bar association by searching online.
- Online search: Use online directories such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory or Avvo to look for immigration lawyers in your area using.
- USCIS website: The USCIS website has enlisted several nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrants. These organizations may be able to provide you with a referral to an immigration lawyer.
- Legal aid organizations: If you can’t bear the expenses of an immigration lawyer, you may be able to get free or low-cost legal assistance from a legal aid organization in your area.
After the task of identifying and shortlisting potential lawyers, you can contact them to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case and determine if they’re suitable for you.
Do you need a lawyer there?
Whether you demand that a lawyer accompany you during the green card interview depends on your circumstances. While it’s not mandatory to ensure the lawyer’s presence, it can be beneficial to have legal representation, especially if you’ve a complicated case or are concerned about potential issues.
If you’re self-assured that you can solely handle the immigration process and possess a straightforward case, you may not need a lawyer. However, if you’ve concerns about your case or must address a request for evidence (RFE) or notice of intent to deny (NOID), it may be wise to seek legal counsel. A lawyer can aid you in comprehending the issues in your case and develop a strategy to address them.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a lawyer for your green card interview is up to you. Consider your circumstances thoroughly and determine whether legal representation would be beneficial in attaining your immigration goals.
What are the benefits of having a lawyer with you?
Having a lawyer with you during the green card interview can be extremely beneficial. Here are the benefits:
- Preparation: A lawyer can assist you prepare for the interview by reviewing your case file and identifying potential issues. Besides, they can help you avoid delays or RFE and practice your responses to the most basic questions that may be posed during the interview.
- Protection: The presence of a lawyer during the interview can bring significant change as s/he can protect your rights and ensure that the USCIS officer follows proper procedures. If the officer bombards you with inappropriate or irrelevant questions, a lawyer can raise objections and prevent the officer from overreaching.
- Advocacy: In case, the officer raises any concerns or issues during the interview, a lawyer can help address those concerns and provide additional evidence or documentation if required. They can also advocate on your behalf if necessary.
- Fairness: Having a lawyer with you during the green card interview can guarantee that the process is just and that your rights are respectfully secured. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex immigration system and ensure that you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
What should you bring to your Green Card interview?
When attending a green card interview, you must bring some documents with you to help support your application. Here are some of the documents that you should consider bringing:
- Government-issued I.D.: You should bring your valid passport or driver’s license as proof of your identity and citizenship. You must bring your passport unless you applied for asylum or refugee status.
- Form I-485 (interview appointment notice): You must submit a copy of this document (Form I-797C, Notice of Action). Besides, you must attach any of these forms along with Form I-485- Form I-130, Form I-130A, Form I-131, Form I-765, or Form I-944. This will be required if you apply from inside of the U.S.
- Form DS-260 (interview appointment notice): You must submit a copy of this document (Form I-797C, Notice of Action). Besides, you must attach any of these forms along with DS-260- Form I-130, Form I-130A, DS-261, and DS-5540. This will be required if you apply from outside of the U.S.
- Form I-693 (medical examination report): You ought to provide a completed medical examination report if you haven’t already done so.
- Form I-864 (affidavit of support): If you are applying for a family-based green card, you must bring a completed and signed affidavit of support from your sponsor.
- Employment documents: If you apply for a work-based green card, you must bring documents related to your employment, such as a job offer letter or employment contract.
- Tax returns: You may need to provide copies of your tax returns for the past few years as proof of your financial stability.
- Marriage certificate/divorce decree: If you apply for a marriage-based green card, you must provide a copy of your marriage certificate. Besides, you must provide children’s birth certificates, joint lease and mortgage statements, joint bank account statements, joint credit card statements, etc. In case, you were married, you must provide a copy of your divorce decree.
- Criminal records: If your record shows any criminal status, you must bring certified copies of your criminal records.
At h1bvisajobs.com, our professional immigration lawyers can help you cautiously review the green card interview notice and any other USCIS correspondence to determine what documents you need to bring to the interview.
What questions will the interviewing officer ask at your Green Card interview?
During a green card interview, the interviewing officer will ask a variety of questions to verify whether the information provided in your application aligns with your answer at the interview along with determining your eligibility for permanent residency in the U.S. Here are some of the common questions that you may be asked:
- Personal history: You may be inquired about your background, such as your name, date of birth, and place of birth, etc.
- Employment history: You may be inquired about your current and previous employment, such as your job title, employer name and address, salary, etc.
- Financial status: You may be inquired about your financial status, such as your income, assets, debts, etc.
- Immigration history: You may be inquired about your immigration history, including any previous visas or immigration applications.
- Criminal history: You may be inquired about your criminal history, including any arrests or convictions.
- Marital status: You may be inquired about your marital history, including any previous marriages and divorces if you apply for a marriage-based green card.
- Family members: You may be inquired about your family members (spouse, children, parents, or relatives), including their names, dates of birth, immigration status, etc.
What are some Green Card interview tips?
Attending a green card interview can be stressful, but there are several tips that you can follow to help increase your chances of success. Here are some green card interview tips:
- Thoroughly review your application and supporting documentation before the interview and prepare accordingly.
- Dress appropriately to justify your sincerity and seriousness. Formals are highly advised.
- You can’t afford to be late, so arrive at least half an hour early at the interview location.
- Bring all the necessary documents to support your application.
- Be honest in your response to the queries as the interviewing officer is trained to detect fraudulence.
- Be confident and speak clearly: Speak clearly and confidently during the interview. If you do not understand a question, ask the officer to repeat or clarify.
- Be calm and composed even if the officer asks critical questions or raises concerns about your application.
- Follow up promptly if the officer asks for additional documentation or information after the interview.
- Feel free to seek legal assistance if you’ve concerns about the interview or your application.
Consider these tips to ensure that your green card interview goes smoothly and increases your chances of success. Our seasoned lawyers have proved their worth by guiding and supporting innumerable clients across the globe.
What happens after your Green Card interview?
Do you wonder what happens after your green card interview? Here are some of the possible outcomes:
- Approval: The interviewing officer may approve your green card application on the spot if s/he is satisfied with your application and the information provided during the interview.
- Request for evidence: The officer may issue a request for evidence (RFE) if s/he seeks more information to pass final judgment on your application. You must follow up and provide the requested information within a specified timeframe.
- Notice of intent to deny: The officer may issue a notice of intent to deny (NOID) if s/he identifies issues with your application or has concerns about your eligibility for a green card, You will be able to respond to the NOID and provide sufficient proof to support your case.
- Additional interviews: In some cases, the interviewing officer may request additional interviews with you or your family members to clarify information or address concerns.
- Administrative processing: If your application is put into administrative processing, it means that USCIS is conducting additional background checks or reviewing your application more closely.
The final decision will be communicated to you via mail. If it’s approved, you will receive your green card in the mail within a few weeks. If it’s denied, you can appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider.
Conclusion
The ultimate decision to bring a lawyer in your green card interview will depend on your case and circumstances. If you consider the option, feel free to contact us at https://h1bvisajobs.com/immigrationlawyer/. We’ve a pool of professional lawyers who’ll assist you like a friend, philosopher, and guide.