Top Tips for a Successful USCIS Adjustment of Status Interview

At Khunkhun Law, family-based immigration is our bread and butter. We have accompanied clients to adjustment of status interviews hundreds of times and have a great deal of experience with respect to what you can expect when it comes to your interview. Marriage adjustment of status cases especially, require very special interview preparation because the case depends on documentation almost as much as the client’s testimony.

While it is not necessary for an attorney to accompany you to your USCIS (The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) interview, it is strongly suggested that they do so where you have some legal or factual weaknesses in your case. Confirm with your attorney beforehand whether they will be accompanying you to the interview, arrangements have been made for another attorney to accompany you to the interview, or you intend to attend the interview without an attorney. Even in case an attorney is accompanying you to your interview, you need to understand that they cannot testify on your behalf at the interview.  At Khunkhun Law we always conduct a mock interview with our clients in advance of your interview with Sharon Khunkhun who will give you the most difficult mock interview possible just so that our clients are confident and can successfully answer the immigration officer’s questions and therefore, make for a less stressful interview.

The USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application, and you are expected to answer the questions. Your attorney’s role is limited. They observe the interview and intercede in the interview only in cases where they feel that:

i. the USCIS officer is acting in a manner that they shouldn’t be,

ii. there has been a miscommunication between you and the officer that needs correction,

iii. they must clarify to the USCIS officer, how the law applies to your case.

Also, a good immigration attorney must never hesitate to ask for a supervisor to intervene in the interview when things are not going fairly or when the officer does not have a clear understanding of the law applicable in the client’s case.

Important Note: If your attorney will appear telephonically or in person, but the USCIS officer calls you for your interview before your attorney is there (especially if you are called before the scheduled time of the appointment), inform the USCIS officer that your attorney will join the interview telephonically or come in person, and you want your attorney during the interview. Please discuss this matter further with your attorney if you are doubtful or nervous about this. 

Regardless of whether or not an attorney will accompany you to the interview, please follow the following 10 tips.

1. ALWAYS speak the truth.

2. Pay careful attention to the questions of the USCIS officer. If you do not clearly understand the officer’s question, do not answer it. Tell the officer you did not understand the question. Request them to repeat the question or explain it.

3. It is quite possible that you may not know the answer to some questions. In such instances, the most honest and best answer is to tell the officer the truth: you do not know the answer to the question or do not recall the answer. The officer will then probably request you to take your best guess. At this point,they will know you are not certain about the answer, and if you furnish incorrect information, it is unlikely that the officer will think you are not telling the truth or hiding information.

4. Answer to the point. Answer only the questions that the USCIS officer asks. As a rule, you should avoid volunteering any information that the USCIS officer did not seek. Keep your answers short. Do not give unduly long answers or “ramble on.” Answer a question with “yes” or “no” as far as possible. However, if a one-word answer does not fully answer the officer’s question, use your best judgment in providing a longer answer. Remember, it is beneficial to give short answers to the questions. If you give long answers beyond what is needed to answer any question, the interview will only take longer. This is unnecessary, and it is more likely you will say something that will result in the USCIS officer asking you even more questions. This is, of course, avoidable.

5. Familiarize yourself with your application. Review your application meticulously. Most of the questions you will be asked at the interview will come straight from the application. Hence, the more conversant you are with the questions (and your answers) on the application, the more confident and comfortable you will be at the interview.

6. During your preparation for the interview, as you review the application, if you find any information that needs to be updated, kindly inform your lawyer. Do NOT lie in the interview so that your answer matches the incorrect information you have provided on your application. Even if there is an error on your application, the interview is the right time to correct that error. This can avoid delays in the issuance of your Green Card, especially when it comes to basic information such as your current address if you moved.

7. If it is necessary, you can refer to a document or a record before you answer a question completely. It is usually alright to say, “I have to look at my documents.” For instance, if you have not memorized your social security number, bring your social security card with you, and look at it during the interview.

8. Dress appropriately. Do not wear a T-shirt, ripped jeans, or shorts. “Business casual” or nicer is best.

9. Arrive ahead of time for your interview. If your attorney will accompany you to your interview, make certain you understand the correct time and place your attorney will be meeting you. Remember also to bring your interview notice with you as you may not be allowed to enter the USCIS building without that.

10. This is important. Bring all your original documents and bring one copy of all your original legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificate, name change documents, etc. Also, bring translations of documents not in English as anything that you wish for the officer to review must be in English. Please do not assume your attorney will bring any of your documents to the interview. Arrange your documents in a folder, envelope, etc., in an order. Ensure you know the location of each of your documents within the folder.

Over the years, we at Khunkhun Law have helped countless individuals obtain and keep their Green Cards. Retaining one of our attorneys will ensure that your case is in the right hands, as we offer a customized approach to each case.

Don’t hesitate to call us, email us at info@khunkhunlaw.com or review other options to get in touch with us for an immigration consultation.