DIY I-485 Adjustment of Status Part II: Immigration Interview (with real questions!)

As my previous blog post "DIY I-485 Adjustment of Status with No RFE!" received a lot of great comments, I promised that I would do a follow-up post regarding the last step of the application - the interview. If this is your first time reading my post, please note that my green card application was marriage-based with a USA citizen spouse.

The Green Card Interview Day

Here's our process. We were there around 15 mins ahead of time. You are not supposed to be there more than 30 mins ahead according to the interview notice. We passed through the X-ray exam and checked in at the counter with the interview notice. They took my photo and collected my fingerprints.

After about 10 minutes, we were led by our interviewer to the room and made our oath to promise that we are only telling the truth. The whole interview was about 20 minutes. It was pretty casual and comfortable. At the end of the interview, we were informed that our case will be approved and I could expect my green card in 2 weeks. (yay!) 

**Read About Green Card interview during COVID-19 Here

What Should I Bring to the Green Card Interview?

On the interview notice we received, it offers a list of items that we have to bring. This list may vary case by case so you need to pay attention to your specific interview notice. I am providing my list here for those who are wondering and haven't received theirs yet:

• Interview notice
• Your spouse (of course!)
• Government-issued photo ID (usually driver's license or passport)
• You and your spouse's passport copies
• Affidavit evidence (most recent year IRS transcript, employment verification letter, W2s, etc)
• Certified copy of marriage license
• You and your spouse's birth certificate (if your spouse if not a US citizen, provide eligibility proof)
• I-94 and other travel permits if any
• All EADs issued to you 
• All immigration documents that prove your lawful status and eligibility for the application
• Your children's birth certificates if you have any. Including children from previous marriages)
• Additional evidence for Bona-Fide marriage (utility bill, joint tax return, photos, etc)
• Bring originals and copies of all documents (or they will have to take your originals)

Most of the items listed above were included in the original application I submitted. Although I prepared them all over again with copies and everything, the agent only took new evidence/documents that they didn't have on file. 

What Questions Were Asked at the Green Card Interview?

The questions were mostly for verifying my application details. Here are the questions that I can remember:

• What is your full name?
• Date of birth?
• Your mom/dad’s name
• Where do your parents live?
• Where were you born?
• What is your current address?
• Who lives in the house?
• Is this the only child you both have?
• Is this your first marriage?
• Do you work? Where is it?
• Have you ever applied for anyone?
• How did you meet?
• When did you meet?
• Who takes care of the children? 
• Where did you get married?
• Have you ever worked without authorization?
• When was the last time you entered the USA?
• What status did you have when you entered?
• What’s your current status?
• What was your status before the H1-B?
• Is this your first attempt applying for a green card?
• Where was the baby born? Which hospital?

Can I Bring My Children?

We did bring our child to the interview. (we had no choice!) However, in the interview notice, it states that you do not need to bring your children. If you don't have a choice like us, yeah, you can! Some people believe bringing their children to the interview will help with the process, some people think it's tricky to have the kids present there so it's really up to you.

I hope my experience helps! Have you passed your interview yet? I can't wait to hear about your experience! Why not leave a comment below to share with all of us?

Don't forget to check out the original post: DIY I-485 Adjustment of Status with No RFE!

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