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After a Stokes interview, many couples are left wondering what happens next, how long the process takes, and whether USCIS believes the marriage is legitimate. A Stokes interview is one of the most intensive forms of immigration questioning used in marriage-based cases, typically when USCIS suspects inconsistencies, fraud concerns, or insufficient evidence supporting the relationship.

Understanding how USCIS decides if a marriage is “bona fide” is one of the most important parts of the green card process. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services closely examines marriage-based applications to ensure the relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits.

A stokes interview is a second, more detailed immigration interview conducted by USCIS when there are concerns about the legitimacy of a marriage-based green card application. Unlike a standard adjustment of status interview, a stokes interview involves separating spouses and asking each person detailed questions to compare their answers for consistency.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made changes to marriage green card interviews that may make this process take longer, mainly due to the fact that interviews are now unwaverable and are likely to involve more in-depth questions from immigration officials.

If your I-485 application is denied, you may take steps to resolve the situation, including filing a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider, re-filing the form with corrections, and undergoing consular processing. Contacting an immigration lawyer for I-485 denial could help you make the right decision based on your situation.