When applying for a marriage based green card, it is important to be prepared to answer questions about the history of your relationship and daily life together. Immigration officers are looking to determine whether your marriage is authentic and not a fraud for immigration benefits.
The questions that you will be asked at your interview will vary, and can range from where you first met your spouse to what you enjoy doing as a couple. Immigration officers are also interested in your finances and how you manage your money as a married couple.
If you are nervous or stressed about your marriage based green card interview questions, it is a good idea to prepare answers in advance. This will help you feel more confident and give you the opportunity to practice for the interview. However, there is no need to memorize answers as this can make your response sound rehearsed and inauthentic. Immigration officials understand that not everyone remembers every detail about their marriage, and it is okay to say you do not know the answer to a question.
What types of evidence can you submit to prove your marriage?
There are a variety of documents that can be used to establish a bona fide marriage, including:
Refresh your memory: Before the interview, sit down with your spouse and review the timeline of your relationship. Take a look at your wedding pictures, photos of vacations you have taken, and other supporting documentation that shows your partnership is real. You can also prepare for the interview by reviewing your joint bank account, credit cards, and property records to ensure all of the information is up-to-date.
Affidavits: You may need affidavits from friends and family members who can attest to your marriage and support the fact that it is real. They can provide testimony at your interview and also sign a joint Affidavit of Support that you and your spouse will submit at the interview.
Do you have any children?
You will be asked about any children you and your spouse have, where they live, and their ages. You will also need to provide proof of their births and adoptions, such as a birth certificate and original adoption decree.
The USCIS officer will ask about your home life, such as where you and your spouse usually wake up in the morning, what time you typically go to bed, who cooks dinner, how often you watch TV, and what your typical day is like. They will also ask about your hobbies, interests, and career.
After the interview, the USCIS officer will either approve or deny your petition for a green card. If they approve your petition, you will receive a conditional green card that will be valid for two years. If they deny your petition, you will be sent a letter with a detailed explanation of the reasons why. You will be given the opportunity to submit additional evidence, and can also appeal the decision, if necessary.