Marriage-based green cards are prone to fraud. Some will enter marriage for the sole purpose of getting a green card in California. Since the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is aware of this problem, they have made it a requirement for marriage visa applicants to prove their marriage is genuine or bona fide.
One of the many steps you need to take to provide proof of bona fide marriage is to attend a USCIS marriage interview.
This all sounds quite intimidating, but the best way to go into it is to be prepared. So, what should you do before going into that interview? Here's what the Best Immigration Attorneys In Los Angeles have to say about it:
Crucial Preparation Tips For USCIS Marriage Interview
Remember, immigration interviews are crucial. So, aside from being on time, you want to make sure you have everything prepared before coming in:
1. Review And Compile All Relevant Immigration Paperwork
You should have a photocopy of each form and the supporting documentation. Go through each of these documents and review them. Ensure all the information is accurate and there are no missing documents.
You should also familiarize yourself with all the documents you have. This enables you to quickly and confidently respond to any potential questions about it. Then, the USCIS official will review the dates, residences, employment histories, and other information.
If you're having trouble with your documents, consult an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, CA. They can help you go through, review, and compile all the necessary documents and requirements. They can also help you with any potential problems arising from your application process in California.
2. Go Over The Details With Your Spouse
Talk about your relationship's history with your partner. Our California immigration lawyers know that some couples, no matter how long they've been together, might not remember relationship milestones the same way.
Sometimes, you'll forget the exact dates or remember certain events wrong. This can be exacerbated if you're nervous. So, you want to review everything and ensure you're prepared to answer any questions.
Review the details and events that led up to your relationship, such as:
- How you met
- Where the relationship started
- Who proposed
- How the family reacted to the relationship
- When you had kids
- Any unique activities you enjoy doing together
- And so on
Don't presume your partner will provide the same response. Giving the USCIS officer wildly different replies will be embarrassing and potentially detrimental to your case.
3. Bring Everything You Need
You will be sent an appointment schedule and a list of things you'll need to bring. Not every case is the same, so you might need more or fewer than other couples.
That said, here are some things you might need:
- Your Appointment Notice
- Your passport (unless you're a refugee or seeking asylum)
- A photo ID issued by the government (i.e., your passport, even if it is out of date. But it can also be any other government-issued picture ID, such as a driver's license)
- Copy of your application requirements
- Original copies of any supporting documentation you sent to USCIS (i.e., divorce judgments, birth, marriage, and death records (if applicable)
- Any additional travel documentation, such as permits
- Copies and originals of any documents that are proof of marriage, such as a combined mortgage or lease, credit card or bank account statements, a birth certificate for each child, etc.
If you're having trouble with your documents, have your California immigration lawyer ensure you have everything in place.
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