US Residency interview questions

The US residency interview is one of the last steps in the process of becoming a resident through marriage. What are the most common questions asked, and how to prepare for the interview? At Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, we will tell you this and more.

The residency through marriage interview

For many people, the interview may be a stressful or intimidating process. However, it is just a routine procedure.

During the interview, the immigration officer must verify that the marriage was in good faith and not only to obtain immigration benefits.

The best way to check this is through a series of questions that seek to confirm that the relationship is authentic and real.

The questions will inquire about information on the couple and their relationship, daily life, plans, and other topics.

Please note that if the marriage through residency interview is within the United States, it will be conducted by the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Interviews abroad are handled by the Department of State.

Once notified, both spouses must attend the interview at the place, date, and time indicated by USCIS. For spouses living abroad, the Department of State will notify, through the consulate, that only the foreign spouse should attend the interview.

If the interview is conducted in the United States and one of the spouses does not speak English well, he/she can bring an interpreter to the interview.

US residency interview questions

The immigration officer conducting the interview is specifically trained for that role. Be respectful and follow his directions.

Sometimes the couple is interviewed at the same time, but other times the spouses are interviewed separately. The interviewer will then check the answers and make a decision.

These are some of the typically asked questions during the marriage residency interview:

General information questions

• What is the full name of your spouse?
• When is your spouse’s birthday?
• What college did your spouse graduate from?
• Where does your spouse work?
• How long has he/she been working there?
• What other jobs has he/she had?
• What is his/her position?
• How did he/she get that job?
• What is his/her salary?

Questions about the relationship

• When and how did you meet?
• When did you start dating?
• How long have you been together?
• What hobbies do you have in common?
• Who thought it was a good idea to get married?
• Who proposed to whom?
• When and where was the wedding?
• How many people did you invite?
• What family and friends went to the wedding?
• What food and drinks were served at the wedding?
• Who paid for the reception?
• Where was the honeymoon?

Questions about the routine and life of the couple

• Who gets out of bed first?
• On which side does each of you sleep?
• How many windows are there in the room where you sleep?
• Who makes breakfast?
• Who washes the dishes?
• What time do you leave for work?
• What time do you arrive after work?
• Who usually does the shopping?
• How much mortgage/rent do you pay?
• How often do you visit your families?
• What is your spouse’s favorite food?
• What is the food that your spouse hates the most?
• How often do you eat outside?
• What was the last birthday present for your spouse?
• What was the last movie you saw together?
• When is your spouse’s birthday?
• What is the name of your spouse’s best friend?
• Do you have children?
• Who wakes them up?
• Who makes their food?
• What is their favorite food?
• What are their favorite toys?
• Who takes care of them when you are not at home?

What happens after the residency interview?

Depending on the outcome of the interview, some of these situations may happen:

Application approved. If the USCIS officer is convinced that the marriage and relationship are true, the application for marriage residency will be approved.

Request for additional evidence. It is possible that the interviewer is not convinced of the relationship and may request additional evidence, documents that support the bond, for example, utility bills, bank statements, and relationship testimonials from family or friends.

Additional review of the case. You and your spouse might wait for a notification from the immigration officer with further instructions, as your case is reviewed in depth.

A second interview. If so considered, the immigration officer can ask the spouse to attend a second interview to clarify certain aspects of the case.

Application denied. The case will be denied if the immigration officer considers that the couple does not meet the requirements, or if the documentation is insufficient, there are problems with criminal or immigration records.

If your application is approved, you must wait for the time indicated by the interviewer. Then you will receive your permanent residency card, and your foreign spouse will be able to enter the US or remain in the country.

Tips for US residency interview success

To be prepared is the best way to approach the interview. Now that you know the types of questions they ask, you now know in advance what will happen.

Do a review. Take a moment with your partner a few days before the interview and go over the memorable dates and events in your lives together.

Get your documents ready. Prepare the original documents of the copies you submitted for the residency application. Identification documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, court records, photographs, and any other evidence of the authenticity of the marriage.

You can also attach tax returns, bank account, property, and insurance certificates. These documents will support that the bond is true, and will make it process easier.

Be punctual. Arrive at the place, date, and time indicated in advance and avoid delays. Making a good impression is the first step.

Act naturally. Do not go overboard by being overly friendly, and do not be too uncomfortable either.

Do not panic if you and your spouse are interviewed separately. Remember, it is part of the process, and immigration officials must verify the authenticity of the marriage.

Always answer with honesty and be calm. If your answers are honest, you do not need to be afraid. You are the one who knows your partner best.

Finally, it is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer to know all the options in your case and that your process always goes the right way.

At Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, we are willing to help you. Contact us. Our team of lawyers will take care of your case and will be with you throughout the process.

Request a consultation or call us, (509) 498-3485.