What to Expect During Your Marriage-Based Green Card Interview

September 16, 2025

The marriage-based green card interview represents one of the most significant moments in your immigration journey. This face-to-face meeting with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer serves as the final step in proving that your marriage is genuine and that you qualify for permanent residency. While the prospect of this interview can feel overwhelming, understanding what to expect and how to prepare can transform anxiety into confidence.

At Zaveri Law P.C., we’ve guided countless couples through this process, and we want you to know that with proper preparation, most applicants succeed. The interview typically lasts 20-30 minutes and focuses on verifying the authenticity of your marriage while reviewing your eligibility for a green card.

Common Interview Questions You Should Prepare For

USCIS officers are trained to ask questions that reveal the depth of your relationship and daily life together. These questions often feel personal, but they serve an important purpose in the immigration process.

Relationship History Questions:

• How and when did you first meet?
• When did you decide to get married?
• Who proposed, and how did it happen?
• Tell me about your wedding day and honeymoon.

Daily Life and Living Arrangements:

• Describe your typical morning routine.
• What side of the bed does each of you sleep on?
• Who does the cooking and cleaning in your household?
• What did you do together last weekend?

Financial and Personal Details:

• Do you have joint bank accounts or credit cards?
• Who pays which bills in your household?
• What are your spouse’s hobbies or interests?
• What gifts did you exchange for your last anniversary?

Remember, there are no “trick” questions here. Officers simply want to confirm that you share a life together as a married couple would naturally do.

Essential Documents to Bring

Proper documentation can strengthen your case significantly. Organize these materials beforehand and bring originals along with copies:

Required Documents:

• Both passports and government-issued photo IDs
• Marriage certificate and any divorce decrees from previous marriages
• Birth certificates for both spouses
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with supporting financial documents
• Medical examination results (Form I-693)
• Tax returns for the past three years

Supporting Evidence of Genuine Marriage:

• Joint bank account statements
• Lease agreements or mortgage documents showing both names
• Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries
• Photos from your relationship, wedding, and life together
• Travel records showing trips taken together
• Bills and correspondence addressed to both of you

How to Prepare Effectively

Preparation goes beyond gathering documents. Start by reviewing your original petition and supporting materials together. Discuss your relationship timeline and ensure you both remember key dates and details consistently.

Practice answering common questions, but avoid over-rehearsing to the point where responses sound scripted. Officers can distinguish between genuine answers and memorized scripts.

Arrive early on interview day, dress professionally, and bring your attorney if you have one. During the interview, answer questions truthfully and directly. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification rather than guessing.

Key Preparation Tips:

• Review your case file together beforehand
• Organize documents in clearly labeled folders
• Practice speaking naturally about your relationship
• Get a good night’s sleep before the interview
• Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early

Managing Interview Anxiety

Feeling nervous is completely normal. Most couples experience some anxiety before this important meeting. However, remember that USCIS officers conduct these interviews daily and understand that applicants may feel stressed.

The officer’s job is not to intimidate you but to verify that your marriage is genuine. If your relationship is real, your natural responses to questions will reflect that authenticity.

Take deep breaths, speak clearly, and remember that this interview is the final step toward achieving your immigration goals. Trust in your preparation and the genuine nature of your relationship.

Contact Us For Help

At Zaveri Law P.C., we understand that this interview represents more than just a procedural step; it’s about your future together in America. Our experienced team has helped families through this process successfully, and we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need.

If you have questions about your upcoming interview or need legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your success is our mission, and we’re committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals with confidence and peace of mind.