USCIS Marriage Adjustment of Status Interview FAQs
Walking into your marriage-based Green Card interview can feel daunting, but remember this: knowledge is power, and preparation is confidence. This checklist is designed to give you clarity on the most common questions and concerns clients like you have before their interview.
By reading through these Q&As, you’ll understand not only what to expect but also why each step matters. Officers are human beings with a heavy caseload, and your goal is to make their job easier by being organized, respectful, and authentic. The truth is, a well-prepared couple stands out immediately — not because their marriage is “perfect,” but because their answers are honest, their evidence is up to date, and they know how to present their story calmly and confidently.
Think of this guide as your insider’s toolkit that builds on the video you have already watched which included many details regarding what to expect from a logistical perspective. All my information is built from years of attending hundreds of interviews, collecting feedback directly from USCIS officers, and listening to real client experiences. I hope you find this layer of information even more informative. By the time you are done with our interview preparation, you will be an expert!
Q: How many interviews do officers typically conduct in a day?
A: Most officers conduct 6–7 interviews a day. This means they’re busy and moving quickly, so it’s important to be prepared, organized, and respectful of their time.
Q: Why did the Officer ask me to sign a Waiver of Representation?
A: If an attorney filed your case but is not present at the interview, the Officer will ask you to sign a waiver of representation at the interview. This just acknowledges that you’re proceeding without your attorney present that day. So, this is just a formality and there is no reason to worry. I am still the attorney on your case but they need to acknowledge that I am not present at the interview.
Q: How long after the interview will it take to get my green card?
A: If everything is in order, cases are often decided within a couple of weeks after the interview. Some approvals come sooner, and others may take longer if additional review is needed or if the officer has a heavy workload. So the approval may take a couple of weeks or more, etc., and the actual GREEN CARD will arrive in the mail about two weeks after the case status changes to “Approved.”
Q: Will they approve my case at the interview?
A: Unlikely. Most will not tell you that you’re case is approved. Instead, you’ll see your status change online at some point, and you will get a notice in the mail with the decision.
Q: Does every officer follow the same interview script?
A: Not exactly. Officers must cover certain key topics, but each has their own style and order of questions. Some are more conversational, others stick closely to the form. Don’t read into the style — it doesn’t indicate approval or denial. The questions at the mock interview are sourced from the hundreds of marriage adjustment of status interviews I have appeared at throughout my years. Also, when my clients attend their interview without me, they always email me or call me to let me know what questions were asked. I’m constantly collecting data on the process.
Q: Will my spouse and I be interviewed together or separately (Stokes Interview)?
A: Most of the time, you’ll be interviewed together, sitting side by side. If there is a big red flag in the case and the officer is doubting the validity of your marriage, the officer may separate you and give you what’s known as a Stokes Interview if they need to compare answers, but this is not the norm. An example of the type of case they would do this is if the Petitioner has been married twice before and sponsored their previous spouses for a Green Card, and didn’t provide much information when they filed the case by sharing an affidavit that explains the previous relationships. When I shared practice questions with you, I shared the most commonly asked questions and examples of Stokes Interview questions, as I want you to be overprepared!
Q: As the Beneficiary, I can’t find my original birth certificate. What should I do?
A: USCIS requires an official copy, not just a scan or photocopy; however, I can’t recall the last time an officer wanted to see the Beneficiary’s birth certificate in its original at the interview. Because it is a required document, I always advise clients to do their best to locate one. In the recent months of 2025, I have also seen USCIS officers request to see the Petitioner’s birth certificate, so I would advise you to take that with you. Same rules—if you have the original, then take it. If you don’t have the original, a copy should suffice.
Q: What if my English isn’t strong? Can I use an interpreter?
A: Yes. If you’re not comfortable answering in English, you can bring an interpreter (except in some field offices where USCIS provides one). The key is that your answers are accurate and understood, not that you speak perfect English. At the mock interview me I review how comfortably you are answering the questions and may suggest that you give the interview in your native language. If you need an interpreter, let me know so we can prepare the Form G-1256 form and confirm USCIS policy at your field office. Please note that the Form G-1256 is signed by the officer, and both the interpreter and the applicant are sworn in. (Some offices require clients to bring their own interpreter; others provide a phone interpreter.) Please note that your spouse cannot serve as your interpreter. The bottom line is that we must be fully prepared. We don’t want to be in a situation where you didn’t bring one and USCIS doesn’t have one available that day.
“One of the most helpful parts of the process was the mock interview she conducted with us. It eased our anxieties and gave us the confidence we needed going into the actual interview.”
Q: What should I call the officer during the interview?
A: Address the officer politely as “sir” or “ma’am.” Always make eye contact, answer directly, and avoid looking at your spouse for help. You may also call them “Officer.”
Q: What if I don’t remember exact dates, like when we first met or our first trip?
A: If you can’t recall an exact date, give your best honest answer — like the month, season, or year. Never guess just to sound confident; it’s better to be truthful and approximate than to contradict your spouse later.
Q: I had moved and filed a Change of Address online, but I am worried that it may not have gone through. Can I do anything at the interview to make sure that the Green Card will be sent to the correct address?
A: You should ask the USCIS officer whether they see your current address in their system. If it’s not the same, the officer will update it as long as you ask them to go through their portal and check. Make sure they update the address on Forms I-130 and the I-485 to the current one.
Q: Should I take the same evidence with me to the interview that I filed at the beginning of the case?
A: You want to provide updated evidence that shows your marriage is ongoing and genuine from the time of filing up to the date of your interview. This means things like:
Updated joint bank statements, lease/mortgage, and tax returns
New utility bills in both names
Insurance policies showing both spouses
Photos from trips, family events, and holidays together
Any other documents created since filing that show your shared life
If you are already my client, you can refer back to my four-page evidence of marriage checklist that will guide you on what to take and how to organize it. Think of it this way: the original evidence shows how your love-based relationship started; the updated evidence shows how it’s continuing and, more importantly, that you are building your lives together as a married couple. The joint bank accounts, credit cards, joint insurances, etc., show that you are not just dating and not just roommates.
There may be certain things that you DO NOT want the officer to miss, such as your wedding photos, so it’s okay to take those. If you provided one month of bank statements when we first filed your case, as you just opened the bank account, you want to make sure to take all the bank statements since the time you filed the case.
Q: What if I can’t understand what the officer is asking?
A: Ask for them to repeat the question—don’t guess, otherwise you may create an inconsistency in your case needlessly: Just say “Could you please repeat or rephrase that, Officer?”
If you are our current client, then our mock interview will give us a deep dive into preparation. Thanks for reading all of this and following our directions. Our goal is always to make the interview as smooth as possible.
Q: Should we wear our wedding rings to the interview?
A: Yes. Unless there’s a cultural or practical reason why you don’t wear them daily, it’s a good idea to have them on at the interview. Officers often notice these details, and while it’s not required, it quietly reinforces the authenticity of your marriage. If you don’t wear rings (by choice, culture, or circumstance), be ready to explain why if asked — but for most couples, wearing them avoids unnecessary questions.
Q: Can we bring our phones into the interview?
A: You may bring your phone into the building, but it must be turned off or silenced once you enter the interview room. Officers at USCIS are not interested in going through your phones. Do not attempt to record the interview. Keep your focus on the officer and your spouse.
Q: What should I do if the officer keeps typing and not making eye contact?
A: Don’t worry — officers type notes into their system during the interview. This is normal and doesn’t reflect negatively on your answers. Stay calm, keep answering clearly, and don’t be discouraged if the officer seems focused on their computer screen.
Q: What’s the most important thing to remember during the interview?
A: The interview is not about being perfect — it’s about being genuine. Officers know no marriage is flawless, and no couple remembers every date down to the day. What they are looking for is honesty, consistency, and evidence that your life together is real. Go in calm, wear your rings, bring your updated documents, and focus on telling your true story. If you stay authentic and respectful, you’ll leave the interview knowing you did your part — and that is all USCIS is asking of you.