After filing any application for a Green Card, an applicant will be interviewed after the embassy decides that the applicant is eligible. The interview questions will be about applicant’s life, work, interests and related issues. Green card interview gives the INS officer clarity of the applicant’s request in order to decide if at all he presents a threat to the safety and security to the USA. The date and time of interview is notified in advance via a call letter.

At the time of green card interview, the applicant has to submit the originals or certified copies of the following documents:

1. Appointment letter.

2. Two forward facing recent color photographs (size: 5 cm x 5 cm).

3. Passport that valid and any travel documents issued by INS.

4. Application for green card and appropriate alien registration form.

5. Proof of financial support such as bank statement, sponsorship letter, along with the copies of any court or government orders relating to the required payment

6. Proof of completed medical examination as examined by civil surgeons authorized by the Embassy.

7. Birth certificate

8. Marriage certificate, if applicable

9. Divorce or Death certificate

10. Police certificate.

The documents required for green card interview differ from post to post. Therefore, one may have to submit some additional documents if USCIS requests them. If the documents submitted are in a foreign language, then they must be accompanied by a translation in English.

The documents to be submitted will be listed in the applicant’s appointment letter, sent by USCIS. The appointment letter will also contain when and where one should appear for immigrant visa interview. If one fails to bring any of the necessary documents, the case may be delayed or denied.

Important points to remember:

1.  The applicant should not miss green card interview. In case one has to miss interview, it should be intimated to the concerned USCIS office and the interview should be rescheduled. If the applicant does not contact USCIS to schedule interview within 1 year after which USCIS closes the case, the application will be denied. USCIS will not notify if the applicant’s case is closed.

2. It would be better if one already knows where the Embassy office is located to avoid delay in locating the place.

3. If anything in the application is missed, then mentioning it during the green card interview does not help.

4. Always tell the truth as they have the entire file of your immigration history from various sources.