My Prosperous World

When you apply for a spousal visa with a US citizen or resident you require an interview as part of the process. It can be a very stressful part of obtaining a visa because there is so much at stake and the immigration officers are notoriously humorless and serious. There are several ways that you can prepare for the immigration interview questions and get your visa easily.

If you are applying for a spousal visa because you are married to a US citizen do be prepared to answer personal immigration interview questions. It is not pleasant to have your entire life waded through by a humorless and unsympathetic stranger, but it is a necessary evil. They are merely trying to establish that your relationship with your spouse is genuine and ongoing. Expect questions such as where you met, how long you have been together, what your wedding was like and the circumstances around it.

Sometimes the officers will interview you both separately and then collate the answers to ensure they match. Even in a genuine relationship you do not always know everything about the other person so make sure you practice your responses together and know things like their favorite food, places, color, song etc.

It is important that you are fully aware of your spouse’s financial status. You should know what type of car they drive, how much the rent or mortgage costs, credit cards and loans and debts they might have. The officers will also have you describe their home so make sure you can talk about what it looks like inside: the color of the walls and carpets, the type of furniture and the layout of the house.

Before the interview you should gather evidence in written form of your relationship. This can include joint bank accounts, phone and electricity bills in both names or with the same address, details about joint membership of clubs and associations, invitations with both of you listed, photos at parties and social occasions.

It is important that you have friends or family that are US citizens who will verify your relationship in writing. Bring declarations by them that have been notarized to the interview with copies. You must also know all about your spouse’s family.

Arrive at the interview punctually and prepared with all the forms and written evidence that you need. You should also ensure that you are dressed appropriately for such a formal interview in neat and tidy clothes, clean shaven if you are a man and tidy hair.

Never become defensive or have a bad attitude with the interviewer. This might ask difficult questions, but they are only doing their job and being negative will not help you.

If English is not your first language you are permitted to bring an interpreter to the interview. This is recommended so that you do not answer any questions badly due to lack of understanding. You will not be penalized in anyway for requiring an interpreter. Never answer questions that you are not sure you have completely understood.

The interview is an integral part of the visa process. By preparing well for the interview with your spouse you are less likely to have any problems with obtaining your visa. Be honest at all times in the interview as they are trained in body language to know when you are lying and they will already know everything about you before you arrive anyway.

There are several dos and don’ts to immigration interview questions that will help you to be prepared, ace your interview and land your visa. Get the inside skinny of the green card interview now!