Preparing for USCIS Interview — What to Bring, How to Behave, Common Questions

The interview with a USCIS officer is the most important moment of your case. Whether you are applying for a Green Card, naturalization, U-visa, or asylum — preparation matters. This guide serves as a checklist for every type of interview.

When the Interview Takes Place

What to Bring — Universal List

Mandatory Documents

1. Interview notice (I-797C)
2. Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
3. Driver's license / State ID
4. Green Card / EAD (if you have one)
5. All previous immigration documents: visas, I-94, EAD cards, Advance Parole
6. Birth certificates of the applicant and all relevant individuals
7. Marriage / divorce certificate (if relevant)
8. Receipt notices and prior USCIS correspondences
9. Tax returns for the last 3 years
10. Original application signed copy

For Marriage AOS — additionally

• Joint bank account — statements for 1-2 years
• Lease / mortgage with both names
• Joint utility bills
• Health insurance (as a dependent)
• Joint auto insurance
• Photos together (chronologically)
• Evidence of shared life (bills, emails, etc.)

For N-400 — additionally

• Selective Service registration (men 18-25)
• Military DD-214 (if you served)
• Criminal records (final dispositions)
• Unpaid taxes — payment plan with IRS
• All trips outside the USA with dates

For Employment AOS — additionally

• Job offer letter
• I-140 approval notice
• PERM labor cert (if relevant)
• Pay stubs for 6 months
• W-2 forms

For Asylum — additionally

• Personal statement
• All evidence of persecution (police reports, medical records, photos)
• Country conditions reports
• Identity documents from the country of origin
• Witnesses (statements)

How to Dress

Business casual / formal. What to ensure:

• Men: collared shirt, long pants, closed shoes. A jacket is not necessary but adds seriousness.
• Women: blouse + skirt/pants. Or a simple dress. Closed shoes.

AVOID: shorts, sandals, t-shirts with slogans, excessive jewelry. Hijab/turban/virgin head coverings for religious reasons are accepted.

How to Behave

• Arrive 30 minutes early — security check + parking
• Turn off your phone (or leave it in the car)
• Be polite: "Sir / Ma'am", "Good morning officer"
• Speak clearly and slowly if you have an accent
• Make eye contact — shows confidence
• Do not lie — lying = denial + future problems
• "I don't remember" is better than making something up
• Do not argue with the officer — answer the questions
• Do not lose your temper even if the officer is aggressive

Your Rights During the Interview

Right to an Attorney

• You can come with a private attorney — Form G-28 required
• The attorney sits next to you, can advise, but CANNOT answer for you
• The attorney can object to inappropriate questions
• Typically costs $200-500/hour (interview ~2-3 hours)

Right to a Translator

• USCIS interviews are typically conducted in English
• Exceptions for N-400: 50/20, 55/15, 65/20 (age + GC years exemptions)
• You can come with a personal translator if you do not know English well (family, friend)
• The translator must be at least 18 years old, competent, and independent (not the applicant, not a witness)
• Polish community law offices often offer translators

Right to Remain Silent

• 5th Amendment — you can refuse to answer self-incriminating questions
• BUT: in a civil case (most USCIS) refusal = adverse inference (the officer may think you are hiding something)
• Better: consult with an attorney about which questions are problematic

Right to Record

• You can request an "official record" of the interview — USCIS does NOT always agree
• You are NOT allowed to record it yourself (telephone)
• An attorney can take notes

Typical Course of the Interview

1. Entry and Oath (5 min)

• The officer calls you from the waiting room
• You go to their office
• You take an oath "to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"
• You show identification documents

2. Review of Application (10-20 min)

• The officer asks about EVERY field of the application
• "Is this still correct?"
• You update if anything has changed (address, job, marital status)
• Checks your biographical data

3. Case-Specific Questions (15-60 min)

Depending on the type of case. See separate sections:

• Marriage interview
• N-400 (test + history)

4. Civics + English Test (only N-400, 15 min)

• 10 questions from a list of 100 — minimum 6 correct
• Reading 1 of 3 sentences
• Writing 1 of 3 sentences

5. Decision (5 min)

• Approve on the spot — the best option
• "Continued" — need for more evidence (RFE)
• Denial — with a written explanation

Most Common Questions (Universal)

• What is your name? Date of birth? Country of birth?
• Current address? How long have you lived there?
• Your current A-Number?
• When was the last time you left the USA? Where? Why?
• How do you support yourself? Who do you work for?
• Have you paid taxes?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• Have you ever been deported?
• Have you ever been a member of a political party, religious organization, etc.?
• Do you want to add anything I should know?

"Tricky" Questions

• "Have you ever been arrested?" — YES if you have, even 30 years ago, even if the charges were dropped. Do not lie — USCIS has access to the FBI database.
• "Have you ever worked illegally in the USA?" — YES if you worked without authorization. Some forms (e.g., AOS) require a waiver — ask an attorney.
• "Have you committed morally reprehensible acts?" — broad definition. Consult.
• "Have you committed a crime without being arrested?" — honestly, even if you were not caught. Lying = lifetime ban.

After the Interview — What Next

Approve

• You will receive a "Welcome Notice" or passport stamp
• Green Card / EAD / Naturalization Certificate by mail in 2-8 weeks
• You can apply for a US passport (for naturalization)

Continued / RFE

• Letter from USCIS — what to send
• Deadline: typically 30-87 days
• Upload documents through my.uscis.gov

Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)

• USCIS warns: I intend to deny — I give you 33 days to respond
• Consult with an attorney immediately

Denial

• Decision in writing with reasons
• Options:
  • Motion to Reopen — 30 days (new facts)
  • Motion to Reconsider — 30 days (legal error)
  • Appeal to AAO (Administrative Appeals Office) — 30 days
  • Federal court — rarely, for complicated cases
• If I-485 denied → you may be placed in removal proceedings

Most Common Mistakes

1. Lack of key documents (passport, marriage cert, etc.)
2. Being late more than 15 minutes
3. Neglected appearance
4. Phone in the room (security will take it)
5. Lies — the worst mistake
6. Changing address without AR-11 — interview notice did not arrive
7. Attorney forgetting G-28 — they will not be allowed in
8. Too nervous responses — appear to be hiding something
9. Lack of spouse at marriage interview — automatic denial
10. Breaking eye contact during important questions

What After Failing the N-400 Test

• Second chance within 60-90 days
• Only the failed section (if you passed English, you have a second test only on civics)
• Failing a second time = denial of naturalization
• You can apply again in the future

Official Links

• USCIS Policy Manual
• USCIS Field Office Locator
• Form G-28 (Attorney representation)
• AILA — Find an immigration attorney

Related: [[interview-green-card-malzenstwo-pytania-i-przebieg]] · [[naturalizacja-usa-n400-test-obywatelski]] · [[adwokat-imigracyjny-jak-znalezc-i-wybrac]]