The U.S. immigration interview. Just hearing those words can make your heart race, right? It’s a big deal—there’s no way around that—but it doesn’t have to feel like an impossible mountain to climb.
We’ve helped countless people like you walk into their immigration interviews feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed. Whether it’s for a green card, a fiancé visa, or naturalization, a little preparation and guidance go a long way. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea), take a deep breath, and let’s chat about how you can make your interview experience smoother.
Here are 7 secrets to help you approach your U.S. immigration interview with confidence.
Walking into the unknown is enough to make anyone feel nervous, but here’s the good news: immigration interviews tend to follow a predictable process.
The officer will likely:
For example, in a marriage-based green card interview, questions might focus on your relationship—like how you met, where you live, or even the color of your spouse’s toothbrush (yes, it happens). The goal isn’t to trick you; they’re simply ensuring your relationship is real.
Secret Tip: Spend some time reviewing your application before the interview. It sounds obvious, but many people forget this step. Know your answers, and double-check names, dates, and addresses. If you’ve been honest on your forms, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
If there’s one thing that can derail an interview, it’s missing paperwork. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers love their documents—everything needs to be neat, organized, and ready to go.
Here’s a quick checklist of must-haves:
We recommend organizing everything in a folder with labeled tabs. It’s a small step, but it shows the officer that you’re responsible and serious about your application.
Secret Tip: Bring copies of all important documents along with the originals. If the officer wants to keep something, you’ll still have your backup. Reference this pocket study guide made by the USCIS to study and prepare for your naturalization test.
Rehearsing common interview questions will help you feel less anxious, but remember: this isn’t a test where you need to memorize answers. You just need to tell your story truthfully.
Let’s say you’re applying for naturalization. A typical question might be: “Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?” The officer isn’t looking for a perfect answer—they want to hear your reasons. Maybe it’s about reuniting your family, gaining new opportunities, or embracing the country you now call home.
If English isn’t your first language, consider practicing with a friend, or even in front of the mirror. The more you speak your answers out loud, the more natural they’ll sound.
Secret Tip: Don’t rush your responses. If you’re unsure about a question, it’s perfectly fine to ask the officer to clarify. See this guide on commonly asked interview questions.
You don’t need to wear a suit (unless you want to), but dressing neatly and professionally sets the tone for the interview. Think of it like meeting someone important—you want to make a good first impression.
Avoid casual clothes like jeans, flip-flops, or T-shirts with bold graphics. A clean, polished outfit not only looks good but also helps you feel more put together. When you look confident, it’s easier to act confident, too.
Secret Tip: Stick with simple colors like blue, gray, or white. These shades convey trust and calmness.
Here’s something we tell all of our clients: it’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
Immigration officers are human, and they know you won’t remember every tiny detail of your life. If you’re asked a question you can’t answer—like an exact travel date from years ago—just be honest. Say something like, “I don’t remember the exact date, but I believe it was in June 2018.”
Guessing or making up answers will only raise red flags. Honesty and calmness are your best tools.
Secret Tip: Take a moment to think before responding. Pausing for a second is completely normal and can help you avoid nervous rambling.
You might not realize it, but your body language sends signals during the interview. USCIS officers pay attention to more than just what you say—they’re also watching how you say it.
Here are a few simple ways to show confidence through body language:
Avoid fidgeting with your hands, tapping your feet, or crossing your arms tightly—these can make you look nervous or defensive.
Secret Tip: If you’re feeling nervous, take a deep breath and focus on staying still. Slow, intentional movements will help calm your nerves.
This might sound like common sense, but it’s worth repeating: honesty is everything during your immigration interview. USCIS officers are trained to spot inconsistencies, so it’s better to admit a mistake or clarify a misunderstanding than to try to cover it up.
For example, if you forgot to mention a past address on your application, simply explain it during the interview. Transparency goes a long way in building trust with the officer.
Remember, immigration interviews aren’t designed to trick you—they’re there to verify your eligibility. If you’ve been truthful in your application, you have nothing to hide.
Secret Tip: If you’re feeling unsure about anything in your case, don’t wait. Talk to an immigration attorney who can help you prepare and address any concerns ahead of time.
The U.S. immigration interview can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation, mindset, and support, you can walk in with confidence, knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
At Brudner Law, we’ve helped countless individuals and families prepare for their interviews, and we’d be honored to help you, too. Whether it’s reviewing your documents, practicing answers, or addressing any last-minute concerns, we’re here for you every step of the way.
If you’re preparing for your immigration interview and need a little extra guidance, give us a call or stop by our office. Let’s tackle this together—one step at a time.
Ready to feel confident for your interview? Contact Brudner Law today, and let’s make sure you’re fully prepared. Your story matters, and we’re here to help you tell it.
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