Attending a marriage visa interview can be stressful and daunting even for the most authentically in-love couple. During your interview, a consular officer will ask questions to determine whether or not your marriage is genuine and authentic. They are looking for red flags that may point to a fake or fraudulent relationship. For more information and skilled legal advice, a green card immigration lawyer in NYC can help.
How Can I Prepare for My Marriage Visa Interview?
Being interviewed by a government official can be intimidating, especially with so much on the line. There are a few ways that you can prepare for your interview to ensure a smooth and easy process.
- Prepare all relevant documents that you may need during the interview. You will have already submitted copies of certain documents such as your birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate, photos, etc. when you submitted the green card application. Gather the original documents to have on hand.
- You may also have new documents that you did not submit with your application that may be necessary or could help further prove your commitment to one another. These documents may include tax returns or bank statements that show joint finances, birth certificates of children if you have any, recent photos of you two together, proof of vacations you took together, etc. These can all contribute to proving to an officer that your marriage is legitimate.
- Update any necessary information. You can update your ID or license to reflect your spouse’s last name and address. Also, update your social media profiles and photos to reflect your new relationship status.
- Finally, sit down with your spouse to go over relevant information. You do not need to coach each other, but reviewing important information and major milestones in your relationship can help jog your memories and ease your nerves for the day of the interview.
What Kind of Questions Will the Interviewer Ask?
Your interviewer will ask various questions that pertain to your relationship. They are trying to get a feel for who you are as a couple. They will focus on the history and progression of your relationship, what your wedding was like, your habits and routines, and more. These questions can feel personal or invasive but are necessary to the process.
The exact questions that you are asked will vary depending on the interviewer and the specific circumstances of your relationship. However, some questions that may be asked can include the following.
- When and how did you meet?
- Where was your first date?
- When is your spouse’s birthday?
- Where did you go on your honeymoon?
- What medications does your spouse take?
- What side of the bed do you each sleep on?
- Does your spouse have any tattoos?
- What does your spouse do for work?
- What holiday traditions do you and your spouse participate in?
There are hundreds of potential questions that an interviewer may ask to determine how true your love and marriage are. It is vital that you answer each question honestly to ensure a fair assessment.
