Green Card Interview with INS

[waverlywoodsgeo]

Can anyone provide examples of the interview questions that the INS will ask during the dual interview of me and my wife.  

We have an interview in a few weeks.  My wife is worried.  So any help on the type of questions, or suggestions on other materials to bring to the interview would be great!

[Charles]

... in response to Green Card Interview with INS, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Apr 4, 2002

I agree with the comments below that a lot depends on who you get and whether you are prepared.  You should bring all parties' birth certificates, divorce decrees, K-1 visa, marriage certificate, evidence of living together (lease with both parties, mail receipts, health insurance cards, joint bank accounts).  Like KenC, we were "over-prepared" but unlike the other experiences posted, we were grilled on each document and the interviewer said it would have been easier if we had photos of our church wedding, which at that time had not occurred.

[Mike]

... in response to Re: Green Card Interview with INS, posted by Charles on Apr 5, 2002

I've read many times that the interview was quick and easy from many people, but I've also read that if there is a big age gap, or the two look totally out of place together then you may want to be ready for war! ( that means bring everything including his and her towels! - wink )
Mike

[KenC]

... in response to This may be something to consider., posted by Mike on Apr 5, 2002

Mike,
Lena and I have a 25 year age gap and the INS sgent didn't bat an eye.  The age gap was one reason for my over preparation too.  We also had an attorney present that knew the agent, so I don't know if that made a difference or not.  My guess is that it may have.  An attorney's presence tends to lead the INS to believe that all the i's are dotted and the t's crossed.  Truth of the matter is that I prepared all the documents and the attorney was handed her copy at the interview.  The agent had one question regarding my current income and that was it.
KenC

[KenC]

... in response to Green Card Interview with INS, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Apr 4, 2002

Waverly,
My advice is to be over prepared.  If you have ALL of your documentation (and more) and have presented it to the INS officer in an organized manner, they will have few, if any, questions.  I got a little anal about my preperation for this interview (in honor of the INS).  I handed the INS officer and my attorney two binders complete with tab organizers with all the documentation needed.  I kept the binder with the originals for myself.  The sections were "Legal documents" for marriage license, birth certificates, divorce papers, passport copies ect.  "Joint accounts, travel and leases", Financial", "Correspondence" and "Photographs" were other sections.  Most of our stress was at home preparing for the interview as we went in ready for anything.
KenC

[Stevo]

... in response to Green Card Interview with INS, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Apr 4, 2002

Weren't asked any questions by the INS officer.  He just looked at our paperwork and busied himself signing the documents.  Just chatted about the weather.  For us it was a no brainer, but we were actually disappointed that he didn't ask any questions.

Stevo

[Mike]

... in response to Re: Green Card Interview with INS, posted by Stevo on Apr 4, 2002

N/T

[RickM]

... in response to Green Card Interview with INS, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Apr 4, 2002

Interviewer was a real (geek) (weird) guy...
He first asked us each for identification.Next he asked my wife if she believed in communism...Next he asked her if she ever lies...NEXT "I" asked him "where does communism exist nw anywhere?" "And if he even knew where Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan was on the map,which is where she is from all her life"..DUH...He next answered "Russia???" ...
Next we informed him it is in central asia and he went on to congratulte my wife with her I-551 temporary green card stamp in her passport...
BTW:We had also with us our 7 week old son and showed him the kid's Am.Citz.ss# and birth certificate...
IT WAS ALL SO IMPERSONAL...

[Patrick]

... in response to Green Card Interview with INS, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Apr 4, 2002

Our interview in San Diego lasted maybe 3-4 minutes and all we did was talk about the cost of housing in San Diego.  There didn't seem to be any doubts about the validity of our marriage and it was basically a short chat while the guy filled out the paperwork.  I think it completely depends on what your interviewer is like and what side of bed he/she got out of on that day.

[Patrick]

... in response to Re: Green Card Interview with INS, posted by Patrick on Apr 4, 2002

From the time my wife arrived until she finally got the green card was almost 3 years.  That's three years of constantly renewing work permits and temporary driver's licenses.  What a relief it was for her to finally get it!

[Mike]

... in response to But it took nearly 3 years!, posted by Patrick on Apr 4, 2002

N/T

[Stan]

... in response to Green Card Interview with INS, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Apr 4, 2002

My wife and I had our interview at Milwukee INS this last Jan. We had a very good interviewer and had no problems. I should have brought MY birth certificate and divorce papers even though their form stated for Tanya to bring only hers and her spouse? Also, bring a copy of your mortgage bill even if only your name is on it.
Hope this helps?
Steve