I-485 Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare
The I-485 interview is a crucial step in your green card application. Learn what to expect, what documents to bring, and how to prepare.
After you file Form I-485, USCIS schedules an interview at a local field office. A USCIS officer reviews your application, verifies your identity and documents, and asks questions to determine your eligibility. Most employment-based and family-based cases require an interview.
What to Bring
- Appointment notice (Form I-797C)
- Valid passport from your country of citizenship
- Form I-485 and all supporting documents (copies)
- Original birth certificate with certified translation
- Original marriage certificate with certified translation (if applicable)
- Original divorce/death certificates for prior marriages (if applicable)
- Employment verification letter (if employment-based)
- Recent pay stubs and tax returns
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination (if not already submitted)
- Any updated documents since filing
Common Interview Questions
- • How and when did you meet your spouse?
- • When did you get married? Where?
- • Who attended your wedding?
- • Where have you lived together?
- • What are your spouse's parents' names?
- • What does your spouse do for work?
- • Do you have children together? Their names and ages?
- • What did you do for your last anniversary?
- • What are your daily routines together?
- • Who does which household chores?
- • What is your current immigration status?
- • Have you ever been arrested or detained?
- • Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen?
- • Have you ever voted in U.S. elections?
- • Have you ever been deported or removed?
- • Have you ever been denied a visa?
- • Do you have any criminal convictions?
- • Have you ever been affiliated with any organization?
- • Have you ever engaged in prostitution or drug trafficking?
- • Have you ever persecuted others based on race, religion, etc.?
Interview Tips
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- Dress professionally and conservatively
- Be honest - never lie to USCIS
- If you don't know an answer, say so - don't guess
- Bring an interpreter if you're not comfortable in English
- Stay calm and be polite
- Answer only what is asked - don't volunteer extra information
- Bring original documents of everything you submitted
- • Providing inconsistent answers between spouses (marriage cases)
- • Being unable to answer basic questions about your relationship
- • Not knowing information from your own application
- • Appearing nervous or evasive
- • Bringing documents that contradict your application
- • Having someone else answer for you (unless they are your attorney)
Approved
Your application is approved. You'll receive your green card in the mail within 2-4 weeks.
Additional Review Needed
The officer needs more time to review your case. You'll receive a decision by mail.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
USCIS needs additional documents. You have 87 days to respond.
Second Interview (Stokes Interview)
For marriage cases where fraud is suspected. Spouses are interviewed separately.
Denied
Application denied. You may appeal or refile depending on the reason.