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.
To learn more about what to expect during a marriage green card interview or need help navigating the application process, call Khalaf & Abuzir, LLC at 708-694-3859 to schedule a consultation with a Chicago immigration lawyer today.
How Recent Chicago USCIS Interview Changes Impact Marriage-Based Green Card Applications
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, spouses of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and U.S. citizens account for 325,000, or half, of the 649,000 family-based immigrant visas each year.
While the approval rate is often high for this visa type, USCIS has taken steps to crack down on fraudulent relationships, leading to stricter processes that can take longer.
If you get married while on a visa or otherwise attempt to get a marriage green card in Chicago, here are some key changes that might impact your case:
- New editions of mandatory forms like Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative
- Increased requests for evidence (RFEs) that request information if details are vague or incomplete
- The inability to waive interviews, with more detailed questions from immigration officials during this process
- Generally longer marriage green card processing times, particularly if USCIS requests more information
What Marriage Green Card Applicants in Chicago Should Expect at USCIS Interviews
Before a Chicago USCIS marriage interview, there are aspects of the interview process that are predictable. These include:
In-Depth Questions About the Relationship Status
During the interview, immigration officials will ask multiple questions about the relationship and the green card applicant. For example, USCIS officials will likely ask about when and where the couple met and details regarding the wedding. He or she may also ask questions about your daily life, including shared routines and finances between spouses.
The official may also ask about your family, friends, and immigration history to further confirm the validity of your marriage and intentions to live and work in the U.S.
Requests for Documentation
Individuals during interviews will also need to provide supporting documentation to officials, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and licenses, and passports, as well as evidence of a joint life, like leases and bank statements.
Separate Interviews
In some cases, USCIS might interview each spouse separately. They may do so if there are indications that the relationship might be fraudulent, such as weak evidence or possible inconsistencies in each spouse’s statements.
How to Prepare for Updated Chicago USCIS Marriage Interview Procedures
To increase the chances of a successful interview and to avoid deportation, there are key steps to take to prepare for the interview process.
First, prepare all necessary documentation with accurate and up-to-date information, from passports and birth certificates to marriage licenses and certificates. Photos, insurance, shared leases, and joint finance documents can also help prove that your marriage is bona fide.
You may also review the questions that a USCIS official is likely to ask you and prepare answers, which you can do with the help of a marriage green card lawyer. A mock interview is a great way to rehearse answers to questions with all of the necessary details to prove a bona fide marriage.
It’s also best to show up early to your interview, remain calm beforehand, and dress professionally to make a good impression on the day of the interview.
Contact a Reliable Chicago Marriage Green Card Lawyer
For help preparing for your immigration interview and navigating the marriage green card process, hire a Chicago marriage green card lawyer.
The right lawyer could help you prepare the necessary documents when applying for a marriage green card, including Form I-130 or Form I-485, ensuring you produce and gather accurate information to ease the interview process.
In addition, an immigration lawyer could help prepare for the interview itself by asking practice questions, and he or she may be able to sit in during the interview to provide support, though he or she will be unable to answer questions on your behalf.
If you overstayed your visa or otherwise face issues that could lead to deportation and removal, this is another area where an immigration lawyer may help, working to enable you to continue working and living in the U.S.
For help with preparing for an interview or legal assistance with other aspects of immigration, turn to the legal team at Khalaf & Abuzir, LLC to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we might be able to help.
FAQs
What recent changes has USCIS made to marriage green card interviews in Chicago?
Recently, USCIS has introduced measures to make the marriage green card application process more challenging in an attempt to detect and prevent fraud, with new mandatory application forms, the inability to waive interviews, and more in-depth questions that officials are likely to ask during the interview.
How do the new Chicago USCIS interview procedures affect marriage-based green card timelines?
With longer interviews with detailed questions that couples cannot waive, applicants are likely to spend more time during the interview process, which can lengthen the overall process of obtaining a marriage green card in Chicago.
Should I hire a Chicago marriage green card lawyer before my USCIS interview?
To help you prepare for a Chicago USCIS marriage interview, it may help to work with an experienced attorney who knows what to expect during the new interview process. He or she could go over questions that officials are likely to ask and possibly assist you when answering questions during the interview process itself.
