Those who are married to American citizens may be eligible for a green card based on their union. However, the laws and paperwork pertaining to green cards based on marriage are quite complicated. If an immigrant is married to a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, that marriage should be taken into account while making an application. The correct application must be submitted by immigrants in accordance with the marriage-based visa for which they are qualified. Holders of marriage-based green cards are able to reside, work, and pursue education legally in the country. Additionally, they can travel inside the country and get a driver’s license and social security card. U.S. Immigration officials interview applicants as the last phase of the application procedure to assess the legitimacy of the marriage. The interview, which is the most trying aspect of the procedure, includes queries about marriage-based green cards. The questions to anticipate during a marriage-based green card interview are covered here.
The Interview Process
The interview begins the moment you step into the office, and the officials will observe how the couple acts with each other even before the interview questions begin. Next, you will be placed in a room for 15-20 minutes with an officer asking questions directed to one individual or both as a couple. The questions are usually generalized and straightforward; however, the officer can ask more specific questions. Remember, the interview ends the minute you exit the building, as officers will observe whether there is a change in your behavior outside of the interview room.
Relationship Questions
The interviewing officer will go into detail with questions about your relationship. Since the officer is testing the validity of your marriage, the questions can get quite personal in this category. However, these topics are ones the average married couple has discussed within their household. Some examples of the relationship-based questions are:
General questions about how household decisions are made:
- Who takes care of the finances?
- Who makes the weekend plans?
- Do you go to church?
Questions about you as a couple and independently:
- When is your anniversary?
- What hobbies do you enjoy doing together?
- What hobbies do you enjoy doing separately?
- What is your favorite date night restaurant?
- What is your spouse’s order at that restaurant?
- What is your spouse’s favorite food?
- Does your spouse have any allergies?
- Does your spouse take any medication on the regular?
Questions about household tasks:
- Who does the laundry?
- Who takes out the trash?
- Who cooks?
- Who cleans?
- Who grocery shops?
Questions regarding living arrangements:
- Do you live together?
- How many bedrooms are there in your home?
- How many bathrooms are there in your home?
- Do you plan to stay at this home or move out?
- Do you sleep in the same bed?
- What size is your bed?
Questions about how you met:
The most common interview questions are questions about how the couple met. These questions are focused on the time before marriage. The questions are primarily straightforward regarding the background of the relationship, but the answers each of you gives must match. This part of the interview aims to prove you met and fell in love before marriage.
How you met questions to expect:
- Where did you meet?
- Did someone introduce you?
- Were you friends before dating?
- What was your first conversation about?
- How long after you met was your first date?
- Where was your first date?
- When was your first kiss?
- How long did you date before you got engaged?
- Have you met each other’s parents?
- How did you propose?
- Where did you propose?
Wedding Questions
Expect to answer several questions about your wedding day. Since couples cherish their wedding day, they are more likely to remember small details. Therefore, the officer will ask precise questions about the day to ensure you are giving consistent responses. Some questions to expect about your wedding will include questions like the following:
- When was your wedding?
- Where was your wedding?
- Did you have a bridal party?
- Who was your best man and maid of honor?
- Did you exchange rings at the ceremony?
- Who was your ring boy?
- Did you have a wedding planner?
- How many guests were at your wedding?
- Did both of your parents come to the wedding?
- Did both your siblings come to the wedding?
- What food was served at your wedding?
- What flavor was your wedding cake?
- What was the name of the DJ who played at your wedding?
- What is the name of the song you played during your first dance?
- Did you have a honeymoon?
- Where did you honeymoon and for how long?
Education and Employment Questions
The officer will direct education and employment questions to one of the individuals to answer about their partner. These questions are formulated to determine how familiar you are with your partner’s day-to-day lifestyle and background. Married couples often know this information about each other before or shortly after marriage. These questions will be questions similar to the following examples:
- Did your spouse go to college?
- Where did your spouse go to college?
- What did your spouse study?
- What is the name of the company your spouse is employed by?
- What is your spouse’s position at the company?
- What is your spouse’s job description?
- What is your spouse’s salary?
- What is your spouse’s career goal?
Family and Friends Questions
The officer will also ask questions about each of your friends and family. A married couple will likely get to know each other’s friends and family well. They will ask for details about relationships you have with people in each other’s circle, similar to the following:
- Do you spend time with each other’s families?
- Are you close with your spouse’s siblings?
- Does your spouse have any nieces or nephews?
- Does your spouse have more than one best friend?
- What is your spouse’s best friend’s name?
- Do you have any mutual friends?
- Who is your spouse’s favorite cousin?
- Do you spend the holidays with your friends or family?
These are all questions that the officer may ask during a marriage-based green card interview. Remembering the questions may get more specific and detailed throughout the questioning is essential. They will also examine your behavior and body language from the moment you enter the building and exit your interview, so be sure your answers are honest and consistent. The interview is the most crucial part of the evaluation process for obtaining a marriage-based green card.
Also Read: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa