So you have been a Green Card holder for years? You filed your N-400 naturalization application, and now- the date has finally come- you received an interview notice! The day of your interview is exciting; however, it can also be nerve-racking. This article includes information on what to expect during your interview and some helpful tips and suggestions.
Related: Immigration Interview Questions You Need To Know
Immigration officials can ask applicants details about how they obtained their green cards. Officers seek any information that may indicate that someone received a green card illegally. If they uncover false information that could disqualify applicants from citizenship, and it may lead to removal or deportation proceedings. You must be ready to accurately answer questions about the process of getting your green card.
You may need additional documents for your interview. Always consult with your immigration lawyer to see which ones apply to your situation.
Generally you will need:
Sometimes, your name may not match that on a Permanent Resident Card. With that, you need to bring a supporting document that the name has been changed, such as a divorce decree, marriage license, or court document. Even if you submitted these documents to the USCIS, continue to bring them along to the interview. There must also be a translation in English if any of the documents are in another language.
You will need to bring tax returns for the interview in some situations. For example, if you are naturalizing as a spouse of a United States citizen, you need proof of the marriage. An original Internal Revenue Service form lists your tax information for the past years. With that, you can show that you have been filing taxes together as a couple and prove your residency in the country.
In other cases, you want to make sure you are abiding by all laws, including those involving taxes. By bringing your tax returns, you can show that you have declared all your income to the IRS. The USCIS wants to ensure individuals are of "good moral character." Legally filing taxes is one step to providing your character to the USCIS agent.
You always want to be prepared for an interview. It is better to bring along too much documentation than not enough. Plus, it will show the interviewer that you are prepared and serious about your application. Remember, a good impression is vital for an interview.
You already know you must wear business attire clothes, but what does that mean? Whether the citizenship interview occurs at a consulate, embassy, or USCIS office, it is essential to dress appropriately.
You want to find clothing that fits you well and is comfortable but not too casual. Make sure not to wear heavy perfume or cologne. Too much fragrance can be off-putting to the interviewer. Along those same lines, limit the amount of makeup as well. Your clothes and shoes all help present you with the best image for the interview. If you wear sweatshirts and old shoes, the official may think you are not serious about your application. In all cases, ensure that your clothes are clean and ironed. Consider wearing dress shows that are also cleaned and polished. With that, you can make a great visual impression on your interviewer.
Related: Getting A Green Card Through Marriage: A Complete Guide
Some people choose to bring someone with them to their interview, such as:
Yes, you should always bring an attorney to the USCIS interview. While the adjudicator will direct all questions towards you, a lawyer continues to play a vital role. They can help explain a few facts and provide clarifications to answers. In many cases, the attorney can keep the interview on track. There are times when you may need your legal counsel to make an argument on your behalf or draw the interviewer's attention to some details in your application.
Many applicants wrongly believe that having an attorney at the interview can negatively affect the outcome. That is not true! Some think that the interviewer will assume something is wrong with the application or that the individual is trying to hide something, which is why the attorney is present. These officials have conducted hundreds of interviews, and they can tell if someone is trying to hide information. An attorney at your side does not mean something is wrong with your case.
Having an attorney with you during the interview can make it a more positive experience. With an attorney present, you will have someone on your side during this process. Along with that, the adjudicator may appreciate that you bring someone to the interview, meaning they can make a decision without seeking clarification later. With an attorney, all of those questions are answered at the moment.
Your interview will take place at a local USCIS field office. Most states have at least one; some have several. You will meet with your interviewer in a private area such as an office or cubicle.
The entire interview can take between 20 -45 minutes. You will most likely spend more time preparing for, traveling to, and then waiting for your turn to interview than you will spend meeting with the interviewer!
There are three possible outcomes:
Related: What Are the Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Citizenship?
At Brudner Law, we are up to date with the latest trends and developments in immigration policies to best prepare our clients in the application process and the citizenship interview.
https://youtu.be/UDF8lZYqL0k
An essential part of the process of gaining U.S. citizenship is the citizenship interview. You will have to sit down with an officer from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) who will ask you a number of questions. These questions help to determine your eligibility for citizenship in a variety of ways. An experienced immigration lawyer in Orange County can advise you of common questions and help prepare you for the interview.
Among immigration officials is to ask applicants details about how they
obtained their green cards. Officers are seeking any information that may indicate that someone obtained a green card illegally, which would then disqualify them from citizenship, and it may lead to removal or deportation proceedings. It is absolutely critical that you are ready to accurately answer questions about the process of getting your green card.
Some unlawful ways to obtain a green card can
include:
Be prepared to answer questions about your personal documents and the answers on your green card application. This application occurred more than five years ago, so it may be difficult to recall specific details if you are not prepared. Not knowing the answers, however, can also raise suspicions for the officer.
If you received a green card based on your marriage, you should be ready with dates and details about how you met to prove your relationship is legitimate and that your green card is valid. If you were petition by an Employer, be prepared to submit proof that you worked for that employer after you received your green card.
For more information: https://my.uscis.gov/citizenship/what_to_expect
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