Interviewing with USCIS for a Visa

by Terra Li

When dealing with U.S. immigration law or applying for a visa, you may be asked to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. You will receive detailed instruction or notice about your interview appointment. The following immigration processes require an interview:

• Most visa applications: 

  • Marriage Green Card

  • Work Visa

  • Student/Exchange Visa

  • Travel Visa

• Application for U.S. citizenship or naturalization

However, under certain circumstances—such as if you are a parent of a U.S. citizen, or an unmarried child of lawful permanent residents—your interview may be waived.  

This page will cover everything you need to know about a visa interview: do’s and don’ts, what to bring, how to prepare, and what the interview will look like. 

Before the Interview

1. If you are applying for a green card, schedule and complete a medical examination. 

2. Research and understand your visa type—ensure you meet your visa’s unique requirements and that your intentions align with the visa’s purpose. 

3. Organize and bring necessary documents—compile a well-ordered file with all forms, originals, and supporting evidence. Use the USCIS interview notice as a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

   1. There may be additional requirements depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you are applying. 

4. Prepare for specific questions—for marriage-based green card interviews, expect personal questions about your relationship, and know your dates and names (such as when you get married, when you got engaged, etc.). If you anticipate scrutiny over parts of your application, rehearse truthful responses.

5. Understand your background check—be transparent about your history, as USCIS conducts extensive checks, including FBI and local motor vehicle records.

6. If you’re anticipating a particular problem, hire an attorney. Their presence can help navigate and diffuse complex situations. 

   
   

Day of the Interview

1. Arrive early and dress appropriately—while there is no official dress code, it’s a good idea to dress professionally and conservatively. Wear clean, modest attire, and avoid casual clothing such as sweatpants and open-toed shoes.  

2. Make sure you understand the question—if not, ask the officer to repeat or clarify. 

3. Stay honest and direct—false statements can derail your application. Additionally, make sure you answer only the question asked. 

4. Make eye contact with the officer—avoiding eye contact may seem dishonest or untrustworthy. 

5. Do not argue with your family members during an interview—agree beforehand on what to do if you disagree on a particular answer. 

6. Do not argue with the officer—make sure to stay polite, and if the officer gets overly confrontational, ask for a supervisor. 

7. Avoid jokes or sarcasm, especially around sensitive topics.

   
   

After the Interview

1. If you are approved, congratulations! Start preparing for your move, review immigration updates, and ensure compliance with all requirements.

2. If you are denied, don’t worry! You can simply reapply. However, make sure you understand the reason for denial and address them. Legal advice can be invaluable in evaluating reapplications. 

References:

https://www.findlaw.com/immigration/immigration-overview/immigration-interview-do-s-and-don-ts.html

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/list-of-posts.html

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview.html

https://www.lawfirm1.com/us-visa-interview-tips/

https://andresmejerlaw.com/9-dos-and-donts-for-a-successful-green-card-interview/

https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/us-visa-interviews-explained/