The 5 Most Common Mistakes I See in Marriage-Based Green Card Interviews
For couples applying for marriage-based green cards, the final interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is one of the most critical steps in the process. This interview allows USCIS to confirm that the marriage is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. However, many applicants unintentionally make mistakes that can delay or even jeopardize their approval.
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our New York immigration attorneys regularly prepare couples for their interviews, helping them understand what to expect and how to present their case with confidence.
1. Giving Inconsistent Answers
The most common issue at marriage-based green card interviews is inconsistency. Even honest couples can contradict each other on simple details, such as how they met, daily routines, or family backgrounds.
USCIS officers compare each spouse’s answers carefully. Minor differences may seem insignificant to the couple but can appear suspicious to an officer. To avoid confusion, couples should review key facts together before the interview, including timelines, living arrangements, and personal milestones. Consistency shows authenticity and helps establish trust with the interviewing officer.
2. Failing to Bring Proper Documentation
Documentation supports your story and confirms that your marriage is genuine. USCIS expects to see updated evidence, even if you submitted extensive materials with your initial application.
Couples should bring:
Joint lease or mortgage statements.
Bank account and insurance records.
Photos together at family events or vacations.
Correspondence addressed to both spouses.
Birth certificates of any children.
Arriving unprepared can make it seem as if the relationship lacks shared responsibility or commitment. Our New York immigration lawyers ensure that clients bring a well-organized packet of evidence tailored to their case.
3. Appearing Nervous or Defensive
Interviews can be stressful, but body language and tone can influence how an officer perceives your credibility. Speaking too quickly, avoiding eye contact, or becoming defensive under routine questioning can raise unnecessary concerns.
Applicants should answer calmly and directly. If you do not understand a question, it is better to ask for clarification than to guess. Remember that officers are trained to assess demeanor, not just facts. A respectful, composed attitude goes a long way toward building confidence in your application.
4. Forgetting the Details of Daily Life
USCIS officers often ask personal questions that reflect daily married life—details that a genuine couple should know naturally.
For example:
What side of the bed does your spouse sleep on?
Who wakes up first in the morning?
Where did you go on your last trip together?
Applicants who struggle to answer may appear unprepared or disconnected. Reviewing daily routines beforehand can help both spouses feel more comfortable and aligned when responding.
5. Not Taking the Process Seriously
Some couples underestimate the importance of the marriage interview, assuming that their paperwork speaks for itself. However, USCIS interviews are the agency’s main opportunity to assess the relationship in person. Dismissing the process or treating it casually can result in additional questioning, requests for evidence, or even a follow-up “Stokes” interview, where each spouse is questioned separately.
Taking time to prepare with an experienced New York immigration attorney can make a significant difference in how confidently and consistently you present your case.
Speak With a Marriage-Based Green Card Lawyer in New York
Marriage-based immigration cases are among the most personal and meaningful in the immigration system. While the interview can be intimidating, preparation and honesty are the best ways to ensure success.
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we help couples organize their documents, understand the interview process, and address potential red flags before meeting with USCIS.
Call 646-640-8508, contact us online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar with a New York immigration attorney to discuss your marriage-based green card application and learn how to strengthen your case before the interview.
