USCIS Interview Notice: What to Expect and How to Prepare
You received interview notice from USCIS. Here's what to bring, what questions to expect, and how to prepare for your appointment.
Quick Answer
USCIS interviews are required for I-485 (green card), N-400 (citizenship), and some other applications. Bring all documents listed on interview notice plus originals of everything submitted with application. Arrive 30 minutes early. Interview lasts 15-60 minutes depending on case type. Officer verifies information, asks questions about application, and may request additional documents. Decisions often made same day or within weeks.
Key Takeaways
Required for green card, citizenship, and some other applications
Bring documents listed on notice plus all application originals
Arrive 30 minutes early at USCIS field office
Dress professionally, answer honestly
Officer will verify application information and ask questions
Decision may be same day or take weeks for complex cases
Key Takeaways
Required for green card, citizenship, and some other applications
Bring documents listed on notice plus all application originals
Arrive 30 minutes early at USCIS field office
Dress professionally, answer honestly
Officer will verify application information and ask questions
Decision may be same day or take weeks for complex cases
Table of Content
Types of USCIS Interviews
I-485 (Adjustment of Status/Green Card):
Employment-based: Often waived, but sometimes required
Marriage-based: Almost always required
Family-based: Usually required
Duration: 20-60 minutes
N-400 (Naturalization/Citizenship):
Always required
Includes English and civics tests
Duration: 20-45 minutes
I-751 (Remove Conditions on Green Card):
Sometimes required
Common if red flags in application
Duration: 20-45 minutes
I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition):
Usually required
Duration: 30-60 minutes
What to Bring
Documents listed on interview notice (typically):
Interview notice itself
Government-issued photo ID
Passport
Green card (if applicable)
Any documents specifically requested
Additional documents (bring originals and copies):
Everything submitted with application
Updated documents (recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements)
Birth certificates
Marriage certificate
Divorce decrees (if applicable)
Employment letters
Evidence of joint finances (marriage-based)
Bring organized folder with all documents. Officer may or may not request everything, but being prepared prevents delays.
Interview Day Logistics
Before interview:
Confirm date, time, location
Plan route (allow for traffic)
Review your application (know what you submitted)
Practice potential questions
Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
At USCIS office:
Arrive 30 minutes early
Go through security (no weapons, large bags)
Check in at reception with interview notice
Wait for name to be called
During interview:
Stand when officer calls your name
Raise right hand and swear to tell truth
Sit when invited
Answer questions clearly and honestly
Don't volunteer unnecessary information
Say "I don't know" if you genuinely don't know
Common Interview Questions
Green card interview (marriage-based):
How did you meet your spouse?
When did you get married?
Do you live together?
Describe your home
What did you do last weekend?
Show photos together
Green card interview (employment-based):
Describe your job duties
Who is your supervisor?
What projects are you working on?
Verify education and work history
Citizenship interview:
Why do you want to become citizen?
Have you traveled outside U.S.?
Have you ever been arrested?
Are you willing to bear arms for U.S.?
Civics questions (10 of 100)
English reading and writing test
What Officers Look For
Application Type | Officer Focus |
|---|---|
Marriage green card | Genuine marriage (not fraud) |
Employment green card | Qualifications match petition |
Citizenship | Eligibility, good moral character |
Remove conditions | Marriage was genuine, still exists |
Officers are trained to detect fraud. Be honest. Inconsistencies between your answers and your spouse's answers (separate interviews) raise red flags.
If Additional Documents Requested
Sometimes officer requests additional evidence not brought to interview. This isn't denial.
Process:
Officer gives list of what's needed
You have specified time to submit (usually 30-90 days)
Mail or submit documents to USCIS
Officer reviews and makes decision
Don't panic if asked for more documents. Provide them promptly and completely.
Interview Outcomes
Approved: Great news! Green card or citizenship certificate issued within weeks.
Denied: Officer explains reasons. You may have appeal rights depending on case type.
Continued: Need more information or documents. Not denial, just incomplete.
Recommended for approval: Officer recommends approval but supervisor must approve. Common for citizenship.
Rescheduling Interview
If you can't attend scheduled interview, request reschedule in writing before interview date. Valid reasons include medical emergency, work conflict, travel outside U.S. One reschedule usually granted. Multiple reschedules may cause issues.
Missing interview without rescheduling can result in application denial.
Interpreter Rules
If you're applying for green card (not citizenship), you can bring interpreter if needed. Citizenship applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless exempt.
Interpreter cannot be your attorney, petitioner (spouse filing for you), or anyone with interest in case outcome.
Types of USCIS Interviews
I-485 (Adjustment of Status/Green Card):
Employment-based: Often waived, but sometimes required
Marriage-based: Almost always required
Family-based: Usually required
Duration: 20-60 minutes
N-400 (Naturalization/Citizenship):
Always required
Includes English and civics tests
Duration: 20-45 minutes
I-751 (Remove Conditions on Green Card):
Sometimes required
Common if red flags in application
Duration: 20-45 minutes
I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition):
Usually required
Duration: 30-60 minutes
What to Bring
Documents listed on interview notice (typically):
Interview notice itself
Government-issued photo ID
Passport
Green card (if applicable)
Any documents specifically requested
Additional documents (bring originals and copies):
Everything submitted with application
Updated documents (recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements)
Birth certificates
Marriage certificate
Divorce decrees (if applicable)
Employment letters
Evidence of joint finances (marriage-based)
Bring organized folder with all documents. Officer may or may not request everything, but being prepared prevents delays.
Interview Day Logistics
Before interview:
Confirm date, time, location
Plan route (allow for traffic)
Review your application (know what you submitted)
Practice potential questions
Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
At USCIS office:
Arrive 30 minutes early
Go through security (no weapons, large bags)
Check in at reception with interview notice
Wait for name to be called
During interview:
Stand when officer calls your name
Raise right hand and swear to tell truth
Sit when invited
Answer questions clearly and honestly
Don't volunteer unnecessary information
Say "I don't know" if you genuinely don't know
Common Interview Questions
Green card interview (marriage-based):
How did you meet your spouse?
When did you get married?
Do you live together?
Describe your home
What did you do last weekend?
Show photos together
Green card interview (employment-based):
Describe your job duties
Who is your supervisor?
What projects are you working on?
Verify education and work history
Citizenship interview:
Why do you want to become citizen?
Have you traveled outside U.S.?
Have you ever been arrested?
Are you willing to bear arms for U.S.?
Civics questions (10 of 100)
English reading and writing test
What Officers Look For
Application Type | Officer Focus |
|---|---|
Marriage green card | Genuine marriage (not fraud) |
Employment green card | Qualifications match petition |
Citizenship | Eligibility, good moral character |
Remove conditions | Marriage was genuine, still exists |
Officers are trained to detect fraud. Be honest. Inconsistencies between your answers and your spouse's answers (separate interviews) raise red flags.
If Additional Documents Requested
Sometimes officer requests additional evidence not brought to interview. This isn't denial.
Process:
Officer gives list of what's needed
You have specified time to submit (usually 30-90 days)
Mail or submit documents to USCIS
Officer reviews and makes decision
Don't panic if asked for more documents. Provide them promptly and completely.
Interview Outcomes
Approved: Great news! Green card or citizenship certificate issued within weeks.
Denied: Officer explains reasons. You may have appeal rights depending on case type.
Continued: Need more information or documents. Not denial, just incomplete.
Recommended for approval: Officer recommends approval but supervisor must approve. Common for citizenship.
Rescheduling Interview
If you can't attend scheduled interview, request reschedule in writing before interview date. Valid reasons include medical emergency, work conflict, travel outside U.S. One reschedule usually granted. Multiple reschedules may cause issues.
Missing interview without rescheduling can result in application denial.
Interpreter Rules
If you're applying for green card (not citizenship), you can bring interpreter if needed. Citizenship applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless exempt.
Interpreter cannot be your attorney, petitioner (spouse filing for you), or anyone with interest in case outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does interview take?
15-60 minutes depending on case type and complexity. Marriage-based often longer than employment-based.
What if I don't understand question?
Ask officer to repeat or clarify. Don't guess. Better to ask for clarification than give wrong answer.
Can I bring attorney?
Yes. You have right to attorney at your expense. Attorney can be present but usually you answer questions directly.
What if I fail citizenship civics test?
You get one retake opportunity within 60-90 days. Only retake failed portion (civics or English). Second failure = application denied.
How soon do I get decision?
Sometimes same day. Often within 2-4 weeks. Complex cases take longer. Check case status online.
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