Top Ten Questions Asked During an Immigration Interview

When applying for a green card, it’s best to be prepared ahead of time. This includes more than having your documents ready; it includes
preparing for the intimidating interview process. Luckily, many people have gone before you and have shared their stories so you might benefit.

Here are the top ten topics to expect to hear questioned during an immigration interview:

1. Explain to me these forms

If anything came up as suspicious or confusing regarding forms you’ve turned in, then expect to get grilled about it. Just remember to answer truthfully to the best of your knowledge. If you don’t know the answer, don’t make something up!

2. When were your parents born?

Just to make sure you are who you say you are the immigration officer may ask a few basic information questions like birthday and names of your parents. This is probably to see how you answer and not so much about the info.

3. So your husband’s mom is in her 60s?

Some immigration officers are a little tricky! Instead of asking an outright question, they will phrase it as a bit of a trick. For instance, they will ask of your 70 year old mother in law, “So your husband’s mom is in her 60s?”

4. Tell me how you met

Anything a new friend would ask about your relationship, the immigration officer will ask as well. Where you met, how your first date went, funny stories along the way – these are all up for asking.

5. This is a great photo!  Tell me what you had for lunch that day

You’ve undoubtedly taken a bunch of fun photos in with you for proof, and the officer won’t just ignore them. They may ask you to tell them stories behind the photos – what was going on that day, what you ate, and other small details.

6. What color is your wife’s toothbrush?

This is often used as the “horror story” of the marriage immigration interview. Basically, the officer will ask a simple yet hard to remember detail like what color your new bride’s toothbrush is. Again, though, it’s more about your reaction, so stay and calm and try to remember. If you can’t, don’t freak out or lie!

7. How your day is going?

Innocent questions about how your day is going can quickly turn into serious inquisitions. The interview is often not just shooting the breeze, he’s trying to get an idea of your routine and what you do all day.

8. I’d like to understand these savings accounts you have

Also expect some deeper questions about your finances and savings. They will probably ask for more documentation, so have those papers with you. If you have any off-shore money, be prepared to explain it!

9. Tell me about the last fight you had with your spouse

Some couples go in to the interview overplaying their love for each other. The interviewer may then ask to describe their last fight to bring them back down to earth.

10. I presume your wife brushes her teeth with that toothbrush.  What color what it?

Like the trick questions above, the interviewer may ask you the same question several times but in a different way. Keep your ears open and if you don’t understand the question, ask them to repeat it.

Remain calm, honest, and come prepared and you are going to do just fine.  We’ve covered immigration rather extensively so spend some time getting ready and the entire process will be done in no time!