What to Expect at Your USCIS Interview — And How to Prepare for Success

Shan Potts
6 days ago
2 min read

If you’ve received a USCIS interview notice, it means your immigration application has reached a critical milestone. Whether you're applying for a green card, asylum, or another immigration benefit, this interview can make or break your case.

Here’s what you need to know — and how to prepare with confidence.

Why the USCIS Interview Matters

The USCIS interview is the government’s opportunity to verify the information in your application, ask questions, and assess your eligibility in person. In most cases, it’s one of the final steps before a decision is made.

For many applicants, it’s also the most nerve-wracking part of the entire process. But with the right preparation, you can walk in ready — and walk out one step closer to legal status.

What Happens During the Interview

Your interview will take place at a USCIS field office. Here’s a typical flow:

Identity check: You'll go through security and present a government-issued ID.
Oath: Before the interview starts, you’ll be asked to swear to tell the truth.
Review of your application: The officer will go through your paperwork and ask clarifying questions.
Additional questions: Based on your case type — marriage-based green card, asylum, post-conviction relief — expect specific follow-ups.
Document review: You may be asked to show originals of documents you submitted, like marriage certificates or court dispositions.

The interview usually lasts 15–45 minutes, but it can be longer depending on complexity.

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Common Reasons Interviews Go Wrong

Even strong applicants can run into issues if they aren’t prepared. Some common pitfalls:

Inconsistent answers between you and your spouse (in marriage-based cases)
Outdated or missing documents
Not knowing your own application (especially if someone else filled it out)
Getting emotional or defensive under pressure
Surprises from your record, like unresolved criminal or immigration history

This is why having an attorney can be critical — not just for the interview itself, but to catch and fix these issues before you walk in.

How to Prepare for Your Interview

Here’s what we recommend for every client:

Review your entire application: Don’t assume you remember everything. Go over your forms line by line — we’ll help you do that.
Practice your answers: Especially for asylum or marriage cases. We do mock interviews to make sure you’re confident and clear.
Organize your documents: Bring originals and copies. Know what you submitted and have it ready.
Bring an attorney if you can: We’ve sat through hundreds of these interviews. We can step in if something goes wrong — or prevent issues from the start.
Stay calm and be honest: If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so. Don’t guess or lie.

We’re Here to Help You Prepare

At Shan Potts Law Offices, we’ve helped thousands of clients prepare for — and pass — their USCIS interviews. Whether you’re applying for asylum, a green card, or seeking post-conviction relief, we’ll help you feel prepared, protected, and in control of your case.

Book a free consultation today and take the next step with confidence.