💍 What Is the Marriage-Based Green Card Interview?
The marriage green card interview is a key step in the U.S. immigration process for couples applying for lawful permanent residence based on marriage. It is conducted by USCIS (inside the U.S.) or by a U.S. consular officer (abroad) to assess whether the marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits.
🧾 Why the Interview Matters
The U.S. government takes marriage fraud seriously. The interview allows immigration officers to:
-
Verify the authenticity of the marriage
-
Confirm the eligibility of the foreign spouse
-
Ask detailed personal questions to assess credibility
📍 Where Does It Happen?
-
Inside the U.S.: At a local USCIS field office
-
Outside the U.S.: At a U.S. embassy or consulate (after I-130 approval)
📋 Common Topics Covered in the Interview
Expect questions in these categories:
1. 🏠 Living Situation
-
Who wakes up first?
-
What side of the bed do you sleep on?
-
Who pays the rent or mortgage?
2. ❤️ Relationship History
-
When and where did you meet?
-
When did you decide to get married?
-
How did your families react?
3. 👨👩👧 Daily Routines
-
What’s your spouse’s favorite food?
-
What TV shows do you watch together?
-
Who usually cooks?
4. 🎉 Special Occasions
-
What did you do for your last birthday?
-
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
-
How did you celebrate your anniversary?
5. 📦 Household Details
-
What kind of car does your spouse drive?
-
How many TVs do you have?
-
Do you have any shared bank accounts?
🕵️♂️ Types of Marriage Interviews
-
Standard Interview: Joint session with both spouses
-
Stokes Interview (or “separated interview”): Each spouse is interviewed separately and answers are compared — usually done if fraud is suspected.
📁 What Documents to Bring
-
Originals of all submitted forms and documents
-
Government-issued IDs and passports
-
Proof of relationship (e.g., lease, joint bank accounts, photos, travel records)
-
Marriage certificate
-
Birth certificates of children (if any)
🛑 Red Flags Officers Look For
-
Inconsistent answers
-
Minimal shared financial or living arrangements
-
Contradictory timelines
-
Lack of communication history
✅ Tips to Prepare
-
Review your immigration forms together
-
Discuss key relationship details in advance
-
Gather strong joint documentation
-
Stay calm and be honest — don’t guess
-
Dress neatly and arrive early
🧠 What Happens After the Interview?
-
Approval: Green card issued in a few weeks
-
Request for Evidence (RFE): More documents required
-
Second Interview: If doubts remain
-
Denial: If fraud or ineligibility is suspected
📣 Need Help Preparing for Your Interview?
An experienced immigration attorney can prepare you for the types of questions that matter, flag any weaknesses in your case, and even attend your interview in the U.S. Our team at Borderless Lawyers helps couples put forward their best case — truthfully and effectively.