If you haven't been to that USCIS Field Office before, take a drive the weekend prior to your interview and see where the building is located so you know exactly where you’ll be going on the day of the appointment. However, applicants who are well-prepared should not worry!… These questions are designed to determine if your marriage is fraudulent. When did your relationship turn romantic? In other words, they are sham marriages, contracted for the sole purpose of obtaining immigration … 7. Please call our office to discuss your options. This is especially true in the case of married couples. You should be able to account for many details of that day. The officer will ask additional questions to help determine if your marriage is the real deal. You will receive an appointment noticed (Form I-797C). Statement from Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on July 1, 2013 “After last week’s decision by the Supreme Court holding that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, President Obama directed federal departments to ensure the decision and its implication for federal benefits for same-sex legally married couples are implemented swiftly and … Unfortunately, it’s likely that your case will be denied if each spouse has different answers to the same questions. If your marriage is legitimate, you should have little trouble answering these questions, though newer relationships may have difficulty. Here is a List 50 commonly asked questions by immigration officers at the marriage interview. You will also be required to submit an affidavit of support, which comes with a fee only if you are in the U.S. Did you live together before marriage? Where did you purchase these rings? How did you and your spouse get to the church, courthouse, etc.? That’s it. It is important to understand that there is no exhaustive list of questions that a USCIS official will ask. Diffusing conflicts with your divorcing spouse. How You Met – Questions about how your relationship started and progressed prior to being married. One of the most stressful parts of this process is the interview. You can find the fee schedule on the USCIS website. Below are a few sample categories and marriage-based green card interview questions that each partner in a relationship should know about one another. This can be scheduled out a few weeks to a few months in advance of the appointment. Because the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services offers special immigration options for foreign nationals who are married to U.S. citizens, some people in Texas may feel tempted to enter into an arranged marriage just to gain a green card. I unreservedly endorse this lawyer. May 13, 2019. What type of music does your spouse like? In Marriage-Based Visa Interviews: Prepare for Personal Questions. Your immigration officer may ask you some, all, or none of these questions. At the time of the appointment, the applicant is also required to confirm that the filed petition was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing by providing a digital signature. There isn’t a defined period of time for marriage green card approvals which can make the waiting process even more stressful. 9. Making facts up is the quickest way to sabotage your own efforts. Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters. 3. How long has your spouse been working there? This interview is a big deal. Needless to say we are now pursuing our business endeavours in the USA. If you remain in the U.S. after the expiration of your green card, you will be at risk for deportation. After that, it will usually take an average of 11 months for you to receive an answer on whether or not it was approved. How Long Will the Green Card Take to Process? It’s understandable and normal that the marriage-based green card interview will make you nervous or stressed out. If an applicant is interviewed to address concerns, record all questions posed and answers given in the interview. whether the couple will be financially secure enough to avoid the immigrant having to receive government assistance (sometimes called welfare) in the United States On behalf of Polizzotto & Polizzotto | Aug 5, 2019 | Uncategorized |. Copyright © 2009 - 2020 SGM Law Group | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Practice Limited to Immigration & Nationality Law, Marriage Based Green Card Interview Questions. Where applicable, the interview notes may then be used to substantiate the decision made on the application. We have been availing Attorney Shilpa's services for the past couple of years and our experiences have been very good. What is your spouse's date of birth? It can take longer if your file is undergoing an additional security review. What are their names? While you can never be certain about the questions that an interviewing officer will ask, here are some of the most typical questions that couples encounter, grouped by category: YOUR RELATIONSHIP HISTORY. To learn how we can help you apply for a green card through marriage, fill out the free immigration consultation form. If you are currently under a U.S. visa status, then you can choose to adjust your status through the I-485 form, which takes an additional six months to process. In approaching the interviews, immigration officers assume the relationship is a fraud. 13. Contact an immigration attorney to learn what’s best for you and your spouse. The attorneys at Visa Nation have extensive knowledge and experience in green card cases. How did you meet? © 2020 Polizzotto & Polizzotto. toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc. The team has been very professional and responsive over email and phone. For example, do you spend Thanksgiving with one family and Christmas with another? Before beginning the process of filing a petition, it’s best that you know all of your options. Matter of […] Here are some questions you may receive during a Stokes interview. This will include the date, location, and time of your appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). These officials will ask you a series of marriage based green card interview questions as well as verify any forms and documents submitted in the couples filed a petition. This green card grants the immigrant spouse permanent residency in the U.S. which allows them to live, work, and study in the U.S. legally. If the USCIS officer concludes that you and your foreign spouse have a bona fide marriage then the marriage petition will be approved. On behalf of Polizzotto & Polizzotto on Monday, August 5, 2019. How does being a new resident affect my estate documents? What is your spouse's cell #? These officials will ask you a series of marriage based green card interview questions as well as verify any forms and documents submitted in the couples filed a petition. 12. Who were the witnesses to the ceremony? The immigration interview questions that are more intimidating are those asked during Green Card applications based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident. Most married couples discuss these topics at least at some point in the first year. You will also likely need to provide the following documents if you have not already: Each case is different, so you may need to provide more or less than the above list. At the interview, the consular officer will question your foreign spouse, in detail, in order to determine the legitimacy of your marriage. For detailed information about the underlying issue, see What is Marriage Fraud Under U.S. Immigration … At the interview, the USCIS officer will question you and your foreign spouse, in detail, in order to determine the legitimacy of your marriage. Even with a good faith marriage, the green card interview process can be intimidating, especially in this immigration environment. The last time you celebrated that birthday together, what did you do? If your petition is approved, then your passport will be returned to you with the conditional green card printed inside, allowing you and your spouse to enter the U.S. as legal permanent residents. Seeking legal assistance eases the stress and burden of the entire process. Questions for marriage immigration interview...questions for couples zombie make-upchristian relationship counseling houston txfree marriage counseling atlanta… A prenuptial agreement is worth considering. When and where did you get married? All told, your marriage-based green card timeline can take as little as seven months or as long as two years depending on your route and situation. If the immigrant spouse is in the United States, he or she will be placed into removal proceedings for possible deportation back to their home country. If your interview has raised any suspicion when answering marriage-based green card interview questions, you will be asked to come back for a second interview. If you are getting ready for yours, make sure you know what steps to take. Questions can focus on the history of the couple’s relationship, their daily activities as a wife and husband, and their future plans as a couple. Common interview questions available in this article are NOT solely intended for the Schengen visa interview, hence they are usable for any type of visa interview of any world country. However, immigration laws in different countries can be very rigid. What is your current address? She is highly respected and deserves every bit of it. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and filed for adjustment of status, USCIS will conduct a green card marriage interview. Want to Feel at Ease About Your Marriage Green Card Case? How Can You Obtain a Marriage-Based Green Card? Overall it was a great experience working with her! An experienced lawyer specializing in immigration cases can provide insight on marriage-based green card interview questions as well as offer important general information. 5. She responded to calls and text messages almost immediately and didn’t leave any questions unanswered. Give our attorneys the opportunity to demonstrate the personal, professional attention that we offer each client. For many partner interview applicants and sponsors, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will conduct an interview either in person or by phone. 14. Did you and your spouse If your petition is approved and you are outside of the U.S. under no visa status, you can schedule a consular interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. If that is not the case, then simply follow the above tips and be confident. Remember that the main purpose of this interview is to confirm the validity of your relationship. Do you have any children from previous marriages? 2. Who lives at your address? You want to use your marriage to get them a green card so that they can stay with you indefinitely. Going through a process as tedious as a green card interview is not something you should do alone. It was re-assuring to hear from her over and over, during the process that "I will want your case or petition to be successful.". The interview usually takes place between 3-4 months after your petition is filed with USCIS. This list is not exhaustive. What are some of the brands you use? Who typically rises earlier in the morning? What is your nightly routine before going to bed? However, they are aware that people try to cheat the system. How long was it before you decided to get married? Where did some of your first dates take place? You’re a U.S. citizen. All Rights Reserved. Let's look at when and how a marriage fraud interview might take place. Please note that these sample questions are not definite and an immigration officer can ask questions that are not listed below. What is your spouse’s favorite color/food/drink/movie/sports team? Validity of Marriage for Immigration Purposes. The interviewing officer’s primary goal is to assess the authenticity of the marriage. The main purpose of this entire process is for immigration officials to verify and confirm that the marriage isn’t a sham to elude U.S. immigration laws and gain immigration benefits. We know how stressful the interview process can be, so take a look at these top tips to make the best of your situation. The government has this program in place to keep families together. 11. Page 1 of 30 Published for Home Office staff on 13 February 2019 Marriage Investigations Version 3.0 This guidance is aimed primarily at Immigration Enforcement staff involved in investigating allegations of sham marriage, civil partnerships and marriages of See the updates fess if. Tweet on Twitter. The questions are used to weed out those who are legitimately married from those who have married only for immigration purposes. An immigration official will ask the same questions to each spouse then compare the two sets of answers to see how well they match. A conditional marriage-based green card cannot be renewed and is only valid for two years. What your cell #? Wedding – Questions about the day you tied the knot are common. 90 days before your conditional marriage-based green card expires, you can file a petition to have the conditions removed. Other lawyers may do things differently so you should follow the directions your attorney gives you for the day of the appointment, but this is how I do it. Top Tips for Sponsoring a Family Member Green Card, Getting a Marriage-Based Green Card With a Criminal History, How to Prove Your Marriage is Bona Fide for a Green Card. Your spouse is not. You're a U.S. citizen. Very passionate about her work! How often do you see each other’s families? 4. That’s because marriage is one of the primary ways that fraudulent visas are requested. This includes having to file a DS-260 application online along with a filing fee of $220. It is our opinion that the United States embassy interview is the most crucial stage of the process. How long did you date before deciding to get married? Additional green card benefits include being able to: This marriage-based green card, which should be carried on the immigrant spouse at all times, is valid for ten years. As you can see, some of these require far more accurate answers than others. Sample Partner Visa Interview Questions A sample of typical questions that partner visa applicants or sponsors may be asked at a DIBP interview . It’s not uncommon for a United States citizen to begin and continue a relationship with an individual that does not have permanent residence in the U.S. If your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, you will be given what’s known as conditional rather than a traditional marriage-based green card. Want create site? you file on or after October 2. This is especially important, given the right of a sponsor to appeal the refusal of an application processed abroad under the family class. If you say your spouse gets up at 6:30 a.m. and they say 7:00 a.m., that’s not going to fail the interview. A green card for your immigrant spouse is more commonly known as a marriage-based green card and has special immigration priority. Can I Work While Waiting for a Marriage-Based Green Card? Professional, responsive and transparent are a few words that come to mind when looking back at our dealing with this law firm. Shilpa is just the best attorney you will ever meet. It can be renewed no less than six months prior to expiration for the immigrant spouse to maintain his or her legal residency. The foreign fiancee must convince the interviewing UKVI officials that their relationship with the sponsoring British citizen or permanent resident is genuine and continuing, with both parties committed to getting married and living together in the UK for romantic reasons, rather than simply applying for a UK marriage visa for immigration purposes. When you apply for a spouse visa in a country like UK, you have to give an interview. Possible questions during an immigration marriage interview. The main purpose of this entire process is for immigration officials to verify and confirm that the marriage isn’t a sham to elude U.S. immigration laws and gain immigration benefits. If the interviewing officer is sufficiently convinced that the marriage is not fraudulent, they will approve the spouse for a green card. It is just a sampling; there are hundreds more. If everything appears to be in order and the officials are treating yours as a regular adjustment of status or visa interview, you can expect only a few questions. Married couples can get stuck in a conversational rut around kids, work and money. Your spouse will need to submit an affidavit of support to show that they have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to rely on the U.S. government financially. Immigration officers want to verify that you have a bona fide marriage. If you hired an attorney to help you fill out and submit your immigration applications, you can ask the attorney for a copy. ), I-485 filing fee, which varies depending on your age. Once you send in your I-130 petition, you can expect to receive a notice of receipt from the USCIS within two weeks. The applicant must establish validity of his or her marriage. The purpose of a biometric services appointment is to confirm your identity and to run a required background and security checks. Do you have a home phone number; what is it? 10. However, it is possible to prepare for the interview by going over the forms that you and your spouse have filled out in preparation for the interview. Take the time to review your relationship in entirety with your spouse. She is well organized and always on top of everything! On behalf of Law Office of Jae Lee | Aug 6, 2019 | fiancé visas. Share on Facebook. Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS Form I-130), Application to Register Permanent Residence (USCIS Form I-485), Biographic Information (USCIS Form G-325A), Permission for Work Authorization (Optional) (USCIS Form I-765), Medical Examination Results (USCIS Form I-693), Request for Travel Documents (Optional) (USCIS Form I-131), File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, To remove the conditions on a green card based on marriage, you must file, Proof of citizenship for sponsoring spouse. Once you’ve completed your marriage-based green card interview, you’ll have to wait for the USCIS to approve your petition. When walking into the building, officers will look at the demeanor of both parties as individuals and as a couple from the moment they enter the building until the time they leave. Why did you decide to have a long or short engagement? However, for most applicants, the cost will be $1,225, which includes the $1,140 filing fee and the $85 biometrics fee. She handles her immigration cases with impressive ease and is extremely knowledgeable about the various idiosyncrasies of immigration law. What is your favorite type of food to cook together or to get when you go out to dinner? Thank you so much for all your help !! Towards the end of the spousal visa process, the alien spouse will be required to attend an interview, where he or she will be asked a series of questions by a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Do you live together or plan on living together? Immigration Attorney Paul V. Suppicich discusses examples of questions couples are commonly asked by United States Immigration (USCIS) when proving their marriage … The interview takes place in a private room and rarely lasts more than ten minutes. They only serve to provide an idea of the level of depth you may be subjected to during your Stokes interview. A Schengen Visa interview isn’t only a meeting where you provide supporting documents for a visa application to a visa official of a respective country. She has done a great and excellent work which has rewarded with good success. An Immigration interview is required in every case of adjustment based on marriage filing. Most people do not find the idea of stern immigration officers asking them questions about their private lives very appealing. From the moment my wife and I met with Miss Shilpa she set our expectations and helped us submit our visa applications. Find Free WordPress Themes and plugins. For those that are not under a nonimmigrant status, consular processing will be required. Although Hollywood has described this interview as highly confrontational (and often times comically so), in reality the interview is usually fairly simple. You don’t need to memorize them, but it can help to read them and mentally prepare yourself to answer calmly and accurately. The primary purpose of the interview is to ensure your marriage is bona fide. Before and while answering marriage-based green card interview questions, it is best that you utilize the tips for marriage-based green card interview questions listed above to be a few steps ahead. Raised suspicion can stem from hesitating to answer questions, having different answers, and simply not being able to answer the questions. However, if you find yourself in one and your relationship is legitimate, then just stick to the facts and remain calm. If you need your case to be resolved be sure to contact her! A few weeks from the interview date, you may receive the news that your green card has been either granted or denied. Marriage-based green card applications receive more scrutiny than any others. I hope the readers will find this useful. My manager hired her to help us with our case and not only she walked us thru the process but she made sure everything went smooth. Green Card Through Marriage Document Checklist, Travel in and out the U.S. (as long as each trip is less than a year). They are in the United States legally at this time — on a work visa or a school visa, for instance — but that’s going to run out. Here is a comprehensive list of the items required to apply for a green card: If you are a U.S. citizen within the country through lawful admission/parole, you will need the following: So your green card petition was approved. Did you exchange wedding rings? Just remember to remain calm and honest throughout the interview. The interview usually lasts an average of 15-20 minutes and the questions are relatively simple. The following are not specific questions you are guaranteed to face, but they are possible questions that could come up. You will be placed together in an interview room and an officer will begin directing questions for you both to answer as individuals or as a couple. Preparing for Marriage Immigration Interviews. Will I lose my green card if I divorce my spouse? PLEASE NOTE: To protect your safety in response to the threats of Covid-19, we are offering our clients the ability to meet with us in-person, via telephone, or through video conferencing. Shilpa is a great person and professional & an exceptional attorney! Relationship– these questions usually deal with the intimate details of your marriage. Discuss any discrepancies and make sure that you both are aware o… The couple appeared at the immigration interview without an immigration lawyer. During this time, you may want to gather any additional documents that show proof of the relationship for your interview. It’s normal for you to forget things about your marriage but you can work together to jog each other’s memory prior to the interview. I would highly recommend SGM law group immigration services. Interviews can contain any number of questions. Lasts an average of 15-20 minutes and the questions then compare the two sets answers. And the husband kept on forgetting simple facts about the marriage is one the! Policy | business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters 3 ways careful estate can... Card and has special immigration priority, work and money visa applications minutes and the husband kept forgetting! Into the USCIS officer will ask room and rarely lasts more than minutes... 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Courthouse, etc. attorneys before our consultation with Miss Shilpa she really stood out so to speak spouse in. And normal that the main purpose of the entire process a marriage fraud might..., they will approve the spouse for a green card has certain unavoidable filing costs with... Was excellent and I would definitely recommend her to all my friends this time, you have any questions concerns... An attorney to learn how we can help you fill out and submit your immigration officer can questions! Should do alone to verify that you have a relationship should know one! It is our opinion that the United States embassy interview is required every... The authenticity of the most crucial stage of the marriage I-797C ) interview usually lasts an of. Has this program in place to keep families together months in advance of the appointment not! 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