On June 4th, 2020, Certain USCIS field offices and asylum offices resumed non-emergency face-to-face services to the public. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in reopened facilities, USCIS has enacted a few precautions measures.
As you are waiting for your new interview date, you can read and learn about the process and these new measures. Below are some common questions and answers to help you prepare for your Green Card interview.
For more information, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
When would the Green Card interview take place?
An interview at USCIS’s Field Office is the final step of your application for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. It usually takes place a few months after you file your application and attend your biometrics appointment. USCIS sends the applicants a notice with the date, time, and location of their interview.
What is the purpose of the Green Card interview?
The purpose of the interview is to allow the USCIS officer adjudicating your application to verify the information you provided in your application and to authenticate the supporting documents you attached in support. The Officer may ask you questions about your immigration history and other related information in your application. Based on this information, the Officer determines if you qualify for a Green Card.
How will I know the date of my Green Card interview and what to take with me for the interview?
In your interview notice, you will find the time and place of your interview. You will also be asked to bring a list of documents, which includes the originals of all documents that you submitted along with your application. Among these documents are your passports, official travel documents, and Form I-94 (regardless of whether these are expired).
What kind of questions would I be asked during the interview?
During the interview, the Officer will go over the application forms with you and verify the information in them. If needed, the Officer may update relevant changes from your original filing. For marriage-based applications, your spouse is generally required to accompany you to the interview. You and your spouse may be asked questions intended to verify the marriage is bona fide, such as questions about your relationship, your daily life together, and so forth.
It is recommended to review your application prior to attending the interview and note any changes that may have occurred in your life after you sent the application. These could include a new job, the birth of a child, etc.
How to answer questions during the interview?
It is most important to listen carefully to the Officer’s questions and make sure to answer them based on your knowledge. If you don’t know or you are unsure about an answer, let the Officer know. You should avoid guessing, which could later lead to additional explanations and might delay the process. Also, if you do not understand a question, don’t hesitate to ask the Officer for clarification.
Will I get a decision at the end of the interview?
If the Officer is satisfied with the information provided and decides that you are eligible, she might approve your application at the conclusion of the interview. However, some interviews end without a decision. In that case, you will receive a decision in the mail. Don’t be discouraged. This is not unusual.
Are there any special instructions due to Covid-19?
USCIS provided the following guidelines for entering the facilities:
1. Visitors may not enter a USCIS facility if they:
Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, or difficulty breathing;
Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or
Have been individually directed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days.
2. Visitors may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes prior to their appointment (30 minutes for naturalization ceremonies).
3. Hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors at entry points.
4. Members of the public must wear facial coverings that cover both the mouth and nose when entering facilities.
5. Visitors may be directed to briefly remove their face covering to confirm identity or take their photograph. 6. There will be markings and physical barriers in the facility; visitors should pay close attention to these signs to ensure they follow social distancing guidelines.
7. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own black or blue ink pens.
For more information, we invite you to contact our law firm at info@rsbilaw.com.
*This article has been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Readers should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
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