Green Card Interview

If your green card interview is coming up, or you’ve received a notice from USCIS, you may be feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect. The interview is a critical step in the adjustment of status process, and any mistake, whether in documents, answers, or past immigration history, can result in delays, a Request for Evidence (RFE), or even a denial. The good news is that with the right legal help, many of these issues can be identified and resolved ahead of time, increasing your chances of approval.

Why Green Card Interviews Can Be Risky

In recent years, USCIS has increased its scrutiny of adjustment of status applications, especially those based on marriage or prior visa history. Officers now look closely at every detail including past visa violations, inconsistent information, or prior entries to the US can all trigger concern. For marriage based interviews, couples can be separated and questioned individually, and even small contradictions can raise red flags.

We’ve seen an uptick in cases where interviews result in unexpected RFEs or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs). Not because the applicant was ineligible, but because they weren’t properly prepared. In more complex cases involving prior immigration issues, criminal records, or multiple visa entries, applicants often benefit from having a lawyer present during the interview to clarify legal issues and ensure fair treatment.

How We Help Before, During, and After the Interview

We work with clients in all stages of the interview process. Before the interview, we review your application, check for red flags, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you and your spouse (if applicable). During the interview, we can attend with you to protect your rights, clarify misunderstandings, and present key evidence. After the interview, we help respond to RFEs, NOIDs, or denials whether through a motion to reopen, appeal, or strategic re-filing.

Let Us Help You Get It Right

Your green card interview can determine the outcome of your entire case. Don’t take the risk of going in unprepared. Call my office today at (305) 515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for success. With the right strategy and support, you can move forward confidently toward permanent residence.

USCIS may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your petition. Interviews are typically mandatory for any type of immigrant violation or criminal issue. Here are a few examples of interviews we have attended with our clients, showcasing the diverse challenges and successful outcomes we’ve achieved.

Client 1 was from China and had previously been a member of the Communist Party but forgot to disclose this information when filing the I-485. At the interview, we were able to rectify the situation, and the case was approved.

Client 2 was on OPT, but the company he was working for defrauded him and did not provide any work as agreed. We clarified the issue during the interview, and USCIS approved the case.

Client 3 was charged with shoplifting, which could potentially result in a finding of a crime involving moral turpitude under INA 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I). We provided additional evidence to avoid this finding, and the green card was approved.

Client 4 was refused B1/B2 entry once under INA 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I), resulting in removal and a five-year bar on reentry. We explained the circumstances to the officer, cleared up several issues, and secured the green card approval.

Client 5 was on an H1B visa, but his work location was different than what was indicated in the I-129 filing, resulting in an RFE. We responded to the RFE, clarifying the situation, and the case was approved.

Client 6 entered the U.S. on an L1 visa, but USCIS suspected a misrepresentation issue under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) on his DS-160. USCIS was correct, so we filed a waiver, which was approved along with his green card.

These examples illustrate the types of issues that might lead to a USCIS interview. If you are concerned about your upcoming interview, please contact us by email or by phone at 305-515-0613. We can help you prepare and develop a strategy to win your case.