Your parents are planning a visit to the United States to see you on a B1/B2 visa, which means you have a lot to think about. One of the first factors to consider will be their interview. As soon as you’ve scheduled it, you’ll soon start wondering what to expect. We’ll cover some questions they might encounter with the consular officer, followed by some tips on having a good interview.
10 IMMIGRANT VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS (IR5 VISA)
Family Green Card Interview Purpose
The family green card interview, whether inside or outside the U.S., has two main goals:
Knowing the kinds of questions to expect at your interview and preparing for them will make a difference in your application process. For example, if all your documents line up, you might last just 20 minutes. In this article, we have compiled the most common questions at a family green card interview.
How to Prepare for Family Green Card Interview
If you are in the United States, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule your interview for adjustment of status. If you are outside the U.S., the National Visa Center will schedule your interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Before your interview date, review all the forms and documents. Many of your interview questions will be asked based on the information in these documents. Going through them before the interview will help refresh your memory as you want to avoid giving contradicting answers that will affect your application.
Common Immigration Interview Questions in 2021
Aside from organizing your documents, knowing what sort of questions you can expect to be asked will help you prepare for your interview. Answer all questions fully, succinctly, and truthfully, but do not volunteer information unless asked. If you’re unsure of the answer or do not understand a question, you should always say so rather than guess.
The interview will start with the USCIS officer greeting you and introducing themselves. You should do likewise. They might ask, “How are you?” or something similar. Many will make small talk, such as commenting about the weather. Most people report that their USCIS interviewer was friendly, but there are exceptions. The officer will explain the purpose of the interview.
Before going to your interview, be aware that you will be asked to swear an oath. When instructed, raise your right hand and wait until instructed to say the following: “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” You might be asked if you understand what an oath is. It is essential to know that lying under oath is a crime and can make you ineligible to receive a Green Card.
You can expect questions asking basic personal information such as:
Should you apply for a marriage-based Green Card, expect to be asked these questions about your spouse, too.
It might seem strange to be asked questions about your physical appearance when your interviewer can easily see you. Nonetheless, you might be asked questions such as:
Be prepared to answer questions about your family. Should you apply for a marriage-based Green Card, there might also be questions about your spouse’s family. Typical questions include:
When applying for a marriage-based Green Card expect questions, some of which might ask about small details or be quite probing, about your relationship with your spouse. You and your spouse might even be questioned separately. Relationship questions for other types of Green Cards are usually more basic. Officers can ask a vast range of questions, but here are some examples:
You could be asked questions about any military service, either in the U.S. military or another country:
Your interviewer will want to know your immigration history and if you have maintained legal status
You might be asked about foreign travel. Be aware that travel to certain countries (generally those considered hostile to the U.S., such as Iran) might trigger more scrutiny. Have an explanation ready about the purpose of your travel. Possible general questions include:
Make sure you know where you lived and when. While it might be hard to remember every detail, especially if you have moved around, think and answer thoroughly. Possible questions include:
You should expect to answer quite a few questions about your education and employment if your Green Card application is employment-based. While people with family-based applications do not usually answer as many employment-related questions, that is not always the case. Some types of careers and jobs, such as those that appear political, might trigger more questions. Typical questions include:
USCIS officers often request to see tax returns, even if that is not listed on your interview notice as one of the documents you should bring. You might be asked questions about your tax history, such as
To be eligible for a Green Card, you must be of good moral character and uphold the laws of the U.S. Possible questions you might be asked include:
Form I-485 asks for a list of any organizations you are affiliated with, and you might be asked the same questions during your Green Card interview. Technically, USCIS means any organization, even very innocuous ones such as the Boy Scouts. Specifically, USCIS is looking to see if you are a member of an organization that could be considered a threat to the U.S. Memberships in some groups, such as terrorist organizations or the Communist Party, could make you ineligible to receive a Green Card. Typical questions include:
You are required to disclose any criminal record on Form I-485, and you must bring documentation with you to your interview if you have any such history. You might be asked questions such as:
The USCIS officer is allowed to ask you questions about any topic, even those you might find to be overly personal, such as what method of contraception you use. You are allowed to say if you feel a question is too personal, but be sure to decline politely, even if you find it rude. Such questions are more typical during marriage-based Green Card interviews. Some other unusual or personal questions you could be asked about include:
How to successfully navigate your USCIS or NVC interview
The last step of the marriage green card process is the interview, which is scheduled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if the spouse seeking a green card lives in the United States and by the National Visa Center (NVC) if they live abroad. Not sure if you qualify for a marriage based green card? Start by checking your eligibility.
Although this interview may still be months or later in the future, knowing what to expect will help you feel more confident and prepared when that important day comes.
Whether your interview will take place in the United States or abroad, the interviewing officer’s primary goal will be to determine whether your marriage is authentic — in other words, not based on fraud. Questions can focus on, for example, the history of your relationship, your daily activities as a married couple, and your future plans together.
In this guide:
Boundless not only makes it easy for you to complete your marriage-based green card application, but we can also help you get ready for your green card interview. Learn more about what you get with Boundless, or get started now.
FAQ
Is there an interview for green card for parents?
After the National Visa Center has the required documents, they will set up an interview with your parents. If your parents live abroad, the interview occurs at the nearest embassy or consulate.
What questions do they ask at green card interview for parents?
- What is the full name of your father/mother?
- When is your date of birth?
- What country were you born in?
- Where do you currently live?
- Why do you wish to come to the United States?
What questions are asked in immigrant visa interview for parents?
- What will you be visiting the USA for? …
- Where do you plan on staying? …
- How long do you wish to stay? …
- Do you have relatives living in the United States? …
- What is your son/daughter’s contact information? …
- Which visa does your son/daughter have?
What questions are asked in green card interview?
What is your legal status in the United States? When did you come to the United States? How do you come to the United States? Are you a legal resident?
