Many types of immigration procedures, including pursuing U.S. permanent residency, require the applicant to have an interview with an official from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is important to prepare as much as possible for these interviews, as a poor interview could lead to the denial of a Green Card, citizenship or other immigration status a person in Kentucky or elsewhere is pursuing. The following are some tips on how to conduct yourself during the interview process, but the information in this post does not constitute legal advice. Therefore, those who have questions on the process will want to seek professional guidance.
First, prepare ahead of time by having copies of all necessary forms and any original documents you may need. Follow the directions of the USCIS officer performing the interview and remain calm. If the immigration status you are pursuing is based on marriage, you may be asked personal questions and may be interviewed separately from your spouse. However, it is important to listen to the officer performing the interview very carefully and not to ramble — provide a concise, direct and truthful answer to any questions posed to you. You may ask officers to rephrase questions if necessary and you can have an interpreter with you if necessary.
It can help to dress appropriately for the occasion. Be on time. Don’t make jokes or use sarcasm. If you are interviewing with a spouse or relative, reach an agreement with this person before the interview process begins on how you will handle disagreements, so you don’t get into an argument during the interview proceedings. Also, do not argue with the officer conducting the interview. Be patient.
Ultimately, those preparing for an interview with USCIS will want to seek legal guidance rather than relying solely on the suggestions found in this post. Immigration interviews can make or break a person’s application for a certain immigration status. The interview can be stressful, so having an advocate by your side can help.
