Hi, everyone. I wanted to make this video to discuss some of the top USCIS
immigration interview tips. I know that if you're going through the immigration
process, for most couples the interview is the part that you're most nervous about.
This video will help you to hone in on some of the most important tips and most important
things to be prepared for during your interview. If this is of interest to you, you'll definitely
want to stay tuned. Before I dive in to that topic of USCIS and immigration interviews,
I'd like to introduce myself and my firm. My name is Attorney Megan Pastrana from Corado-Pastrana,
the immigration firm for couples and our firm is dedicated to assisting
couples navigate the immigration process from adjustment of status and consular processing
to fiancé visas, removal of conditions and naturalization. We know how important it is
for you to have up-to-date information as it relates to immigration in the world of couples.
We regularly update our YouTube channel. If you haven't already subscribed to our channel,
please do so now so you can receive all of the videos that we post on our channel.
Also, we have a Facebook group, Immigration for Couples, the link is listed below and if
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can benefit from the information. Let's dive in immigration interviews top tips.
For most couples going through the immigration process, the interview is
probably something you're very nervous about and have been thinking about since the beginning.
I want to clarify that this video is primarily applicable to applications or individuals who are
applying for adjustment of status which is a process here in the United States.
A lot of the information is also helpful if you're going through a US embassy or consular
interview but I did want to clarify that this video is specifically related to
USCIS interviews that happen here in the United States for adjustment of status
specifically couples who are going through the adjustment of status process.
What are some of the main tips that you should know for your interview?
Tip number one is first and foremost, you'll want to be as prepared as possible.
Immigration will send you an interview notice with a list of documents that you need to bring.
Frequently, there's other documents in addition to that you'll need to bring but make sure
you have everything on that list. Specifically, your passport, your recent
tax returns, your birth certificate, your certified marriage license among others.
Also, updated relationship evidence. Being prepared and bringing all of your documents to
your interview is really important because if you don't bring something on the list, the immigration
officer can either reschedule your interview or you can be sent a request for more evidence.
It can definitely cause delays in your case. Being prepared is tip number one with
all the documents you need to bring. If you already have an immigration attorney, your attorney can
assist you with making sure you have everything you need for your interview.
Alternatively, if you don't have an attorney and you're looking for assistance, our firm would be happy to help
you to review your application and make sure you have everything in order to take to the interview.
A good rule of thumb is to follow the instructions on your interview notice to
bring everything and then some additional relationship evidence.
Tip number two would be making sure that if you don't know an answer to a question,
don't guess. If you don't know the answer, don't guess. When you're on
the hot seat and you're being asked questions, you might get nervous and you can completely
draw a blank. It's always better to not guess. I like to give clients the example that
if they ask your address two years ago and you can't remember the street number but you
remember the street name. The road would happen to be
Orange Boulevard but you can't remember the number of the street, you can say it was two
years ago, I know it was Orange Boulevard but I can't remember the exact number of the street.
You should definitely be prepared ahead of time and make sure you know that information
so you don't get thrown off. But if you don't know, don't guess. That's always huge
because if you guess or make up something
that could cause issues with your immigration application. The officer might think that you're
trying to misrepresent something or that you're trying to lie.
Tip number two: if you don't know, don't guess and be honest about what information you do know.
Tip number three. Part of your interview, there's going to be a long list of yes or no questions.
It's always best that if an officer asks you a question, if you can answer with yes or no
then be respectful and answer just yes or no. You might feel compelled to go into even more details
but if the officer is just asking you a yes or no question, it's best to just answer yes or no.
It'll keep things more clear not only for you but for the officer and make the process go smoother
if you answer the question that you're asked without going into a whole lot more detail.
It seems obvious but we always like to prepare clients for this.
Another important tip would be treat this interview as something very important.
All of you are going to treat this interview as something important but know that this is a
very formal setting. It's very important to be respectful and courteous and listen to the officer
and treat it as a job interview. Treat it as something important because it is.
I have faith that all of you will do that but I know that when couples are put on the hot
seat and you're being asked a lot of personal questions, sometimes it can get uncomfortable
and it might feel a little frustrating. But know that it's part of the process you're applying for
this immigration benefit and it's the job of the officers to make sure you have a real relationship.
Make sure you're answering their questions in a kind and courteous and respectful manner.
Another tip would be if you don't understand a question that the officer is asking you, a lot of
times the forms and the words that the immigration officers use, they use a lot of what's
called legal jargon. If you don't happen to understand one of the words
or what the question is or maybe if the officer mumbles and you didn't hear the question, don't
be afraid to ask for clarification. "I'm not sure if I heard what you said officer or what exactly
does that mean, officer? I'm not clear on that." It's very important to
make sure you understand the question before you ask because you don't want to cause more issues by
answering a question and not really hearing or not understanding it because it'll prevent
you from being able to answer accurately and honestly.
Another important tip that we recommend all couples be prepared before your interview with
questions about your relationship. At the end of the day, we know you know each other but it's good
to make sure you're on the same page about where you both agree was your first date. You might have
had a few first dates and one of you remembers it being different than another date or they might
have kind of blended together. It's good to be on the same page about significant dates.
Your last vacation together and things like that. We do have a whole separate video on our
YouTube channel of common interview questions. The best thing to do would be check that out
to help you prepare for your interview. Those are some of the
main USCIS marriage interview tips that you should follow on the day of your interview.
If you are just starting out on your immigration journey
or even if you've already begun your immigration journey and you're needing assistance, our team of
attorneys would love to help you. Our link to book an appointment is below.
Again, if you like this video please give it a thumbs up so YouTube can share it with others who
can benefit from this information. We hope to see you in a consultation. Have a great day