Nervous About Your Immigration Interview? Here’s What to Expect and How to Prepare


Introduction

If you're feeling anxious about your upcoming immigration interview—you’re not alone. I attend these interviews regularly, and most people feel a mix of nervousness and uncertainty. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect at yourI-485 interview, especially if you're applying for a green card through marriage. The goal is to walk in prepared, confident, and focused.

What to Bring to Your Interview

Here’s a general checklist of what you may be required to bring. Always follow your attorney’s and USCIS’s specific instructions.

• Government-issued photo IDs (yours and your spouse’s, if applicable)
• Passports (current and expired)
• Interview appointment notice
• Original birth certificates
• Marriage certificate/divorce decrees (if applying based on marriage)
• I-485 receipt notices and any RFE (Request for Evidence) responses
• Proof of shared life together (lease, utility bills, joint bank accounts, joint tax returns, photos of you with your spouse and/or family, etc.)

How to Prepare Mentally and Practically

• Arrive early. Take into consideration traffic and parking, especially if your interview is in downtown. Parking can be difficult to find, and the interviewer will only wait 15 minutes past your scheduled time. If your name is called and you are not in the lobby ready to go—even if your attorney is there—you will need to reschedule. I’ve seen this happen firsthand, so please plan accordingly.
• Dress respectfully. Think “business casual.” You don’t need to wear a suit, but dress like the appointment matters.
• Be honest. If you don’t know the answer to something, it’s okay to say so.
• If married, discuss everyday basics beforehand. Know things like:
o Where and when you met
o Each other’s birthdays
o What you had for dinner last night
o Who cooks
o How you divide bills
o Pets, routines, shared hobbies, and travel plans

Sometimes the officer will get very specific—like asking who cooked dinner and what was served. Most of the time, couples are interviewed separately, and the officer may ask both spouses the same questions to compare their answers. It’s important that your answers are consistent and reflect the real details of your relationship.

What Happens During the Interview

• A USCIS officer will call you back and check your documents.
• The officer will ask questions based on your forms and relationship.
• They may flip through your documents or photos and ask follow-up questions.
• Interviews usually last between 20 and 45 minutes but can vary.
• It is not typical to receive a decision the same day, but occasionally, you will.

After the Interview

• If approved: You’ll receive your green card in the mail in a few weeks.
• If USCIS needs more info: They’ll send a Request for Evidence (RFE). Respond quickly and thoroughly.
• If not approved: You’ll receive a notice with next steps, which might include submitting more information or a second interview.

You're Almost There

This interview is one of the final steps in your immigration journey. Stay calm, stay honest, and show up prepared. You're almost there.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique. Please consult an immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

About the Author

Judy Ransom is an attorney affiliated with Olawale Law Firm, where she attends USCIS interviews as part of her legal support work. While this guide is not legal advice, it is based on her firsthand experience observing interviews and understanding the general flow of the process. Client preparation is handled directly by Attorney Olawale.

Need Legal Help?

If you are located in the Columbus or Cleveland, Ohio area and are seeking immigration representation, contact:

Olawale Law Firm
🌐 www.olawalelaw.com

📍 Westerville Office
385 County Line Rd W, Suite 160
Westerville, OH 43082
Phone: (614) 344-4232
Fax: (614) 441-8863

📍 Cleveland Office
1300 E 9th Street, 12th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (614) 344-4232
Fax: (614) 441-8863

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