Question: I have a date for my marriage interview with my spouse. What should we do to prepare for it?
Once you have successfully complied all required and supporting documentation to USCIS, you’ll be sent a letter. The letter does not give an interview date right away. The letter is related to biometrics and work authorization. After about 9 months or more, the marriage interview letter is sent.
The letter will give a date and time for your interview with an immigration agent. These agents can see hundreds of people a day therefore, when a marriage seems suspicious they’ll know right away.
Yet, the anxiety and stress from the marriage interview may make you say or forget things that day. To avoid having anxiety or blanking out, here are a few tips to ease the interview day.
Weeks Before
The weeks before your marriage interview, collect mail, bank accounts, o
r lease agreements that include both you and your spouse names. In addition, employment letters can be written as well as from friends and family.
These letters need to establish the relationship between your spouse and you. Photographs are often another item brought to the interview.
Immigration agents may ask simple question like, “When did you meet?” Or they may choose to be more complex and ask, “Does your spouse drink coffee in the morning? What time does your spouse arrive from work?” These questions may focus on the outer aspect to the inner details of the marriage. Going on a date may help in reviewing questions.
The Day Before your marriage interview
Make sure all supporting documents are in order such as supporting documents and photo album. If anxiety starts kicking in, going on walks, yoga, exercise and breathing mediation can help ease. Get an early night’s rest and continue to practice relaxation techniques.
The Day Of
After a good night’s rest, wake up early and dress appropriately. Having breakfast together, perhaps your spouse is nervous or anxious. Continue to practice relaxation or mindfulness tips.
Review commonly asked questions immigrant agents tend to ask. With this being said, listen carefully to the question before responding quickly.
Each Marriage petition varies therefore consulting an attorney is ideal to help guide and navigate the application and interview process. If spouses do not speak English a translator should also attend. For any question regarding marriage interview please call, (914) 946-3191 or email info@jeffreybinderlaw.com
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/09/meditation-for-beginners_n_3683131.html