In the United States, many immigration procedures require applicants to interview with a Bureau of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official. Immigration interviews could be stressful for anyone, especially if you don’t know what to expect. If you have an immigration interview coming up, continue reading or contact an Immigration Lawyer in NYC today to learn how you can ensure a successful interview process.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PASS IMMIGRATION INTERVIEWS?

If you are an immigrant just beginning the process, there are many things that you should know before your immigration interview. You should definitely prepare extensively for the meeting to ensure it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. You’ll need to bring copies of your forms along with the original documents so that you can respond to questions about your documents without any unnecessary confusion. You can also make a good impression by dressing appropriately and arriving at your interview on time. If interviewing with other people like family members or a spouse, you should all coordinate in case any disagreements arise during the interview. It’s not a good look to argue in front of the USCIS officer. You should comply with all of the officer’s directions and listen carefully to the questions before answering. You can also bring an interpreter if you don’t understand English.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID DURING MY IMMIGRATION INTERVIEW?

Maintaining professionalism throughout the process is the most important tip for ensuring a smooth interview. If you are interviewing for a marriage to an American citizen, it’s likely the officer might ask personal questions that may seem inappropriate. Even if you find the question personally invasive or unimportant, there’s a good chance that the question is allowed by USCIS policy. You should remain calm and answer all questions without arguing with the officer. Not complying with an officer could be detrimental when going through an immigration process.

You shouldn’t try to joke with them either, especially not about serious offenses like smuggling people into the country or drug dealing. What you may see as harmless sarcasm could come off as suspicious to your officer. Honesty is of the utmost importance when applying for citizenship status. Do not ever lie to the officer even if there is a circumstance that might be difficult to explain. An immigration attorney can help you determine how to defuse problematic situations during the interview process.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY IMMIGRATION INTERVIEW?

Before your immigration interview, you should consider speaking with a trusted immigration attorney to find out the best steps for you in securing a successful interview. Hiring an immigration lawyer is essential if you’re unfamiliar with the process. If you’re too nervous to go to the interview alone, your attorney can actually accompany you. Your lawyer can also help you prepare for commonly asked questions.

If you’re seeking a compassionate immigration lawyer, look no further! Contact the Law Offices of Cheryl R. David today for quality legal counseling.