Dealing with immigration interviews

On Behalf of | Jul 25, 2021 | U.s. Immigration Law |

Immigrating to the United States can be a long and emotionally exhausting process. However, many people in Florida find that immigration interviews feel more overwhelming than filling out applications or waiting for replies. This is understandable as you have to speak with another person face-to-face. 

If necessary for your immigration process, your immigration interview will take place with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services official. You do not have to let your interview get the best of you though. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your immigration interview. 

Review your forms and documents 

Be sure to bring along copies of all your documents and forms you have previously submitted. The official who is conducting the interview may have questions related to certain documents and having them on hand can be very helpful. Be sure not to rely on the documents too much though. Instead, review them thoroughly so you can answer questions without looking through your paperwork too much. 

You may also need to be prepared to answer some personal questions. This generally only applies to those who are entering the U.S. to marry a citizen. If you are already married, the attending officer might even ask to interview you separately from your spouse. This may seem scary but is also perfectly legal. 

Avoid jokes and arguing 

Some people deal with stressful situations by cracking jokes. While this might be your go-to stress reliever, it is not appropriate during an immigration interview. In particular, you should avoid any type of jokes or sarcasm that is related to: 

  • Drug dealing 
  • Communicable diseases 
  • Smuggling people across the border

You should also do your best to avoid arguing with any of your family members who might also be at the interview. This can be hard since the interview process often puts people on edge. A good idea is to agree on what you plan to do if a disagreement occurs during the process. 

What else should I do? 

An immigration interview is a formal situation, and you need to dress for the occasion. Avoid wearing clothing that might signal you think the interview is not important or is a casual occasion. Showing up on time is another great way to show that you understand just how important the interview is and that you value the USCIS official’s time. 

Immigration interviews are usually one of the last steps in the immigration process. Getting there typically involves a lot of paperwork and a lot of waiting, both of which are understandably frustrating. However, you can use the time spent waiting wisely by preparing as much as possible for the next step in the process, including reviewing documents and forms for an interview. 

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