Getting Prepared for an Adjustment of Status Interview

Adjustment of status is the process of changing from a nonimmigrant immigration status to change status to a permanent resident.

To schedule the Adjustment of Status Interview, the individual lawfully must enter the United States and meets certain requirements.

Adjustment of status is one of two paths for obtaining a Green Card.

The following post describes in general terms how to prepare for an Adjustment of Status Interview. Check it out!

File the Form I-485

Immigrants that fit the eligibility requirements for adjustment of status, may file Form I-485.

However, immediate relatives can file Form I-485 and Form I-130 at the same time.

In general, family-based adjustment application packages will include the following forms:

• I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• I-130, Petition for Alien Relative;
• I-130A, Biographic Information;
• I-864, Affidavit of Support;
• I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record;
• I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional;)
• I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional);

For detailed instructions on how to prepare the forms and which supporting documents to include, refer to the Wizard Visa website.

USCIS requires you to attend an adjustment interview to confirm the information you and your petitioner have provided on the petition and the adjustment application.

The interview is the last step in your application process in most cases. USCIS may abdicate the interview for some cases with strong evidence. But, this is the exception.

Things to Take to Interview

Follow the directions on your appointment notice sent by USCIS, there is a list that will get you prepared for the interview. You must take the following items:

• Government-issued photo identification such as a passport;
• Appointment notice (I-797C, Notice of Action);
• A copy of your adjustment of status application package;
• The other forms required, for example, I-130, I-130A, I-864, I-131, I-765;
• Originals of documents that you submitted to USCIS with the application.
• Passport;
• Travel documents;
• Doctor’s report from your required medical examination on Form I-693;
• An employment verification letter from your employer, documenting continued employment at a specified salary, for employment;
• Copies and originals of documents showing your shared life, such as a joint lease or mortgage, joint bank account or credit card statements, children’s birth certificates, etc., for marriage;

In general, if your Green Card application is employment-based, you certainly will be questioned about your job, your qualifications, and your employer.

On the other hand, if your Green Card application is family-based, you will usually be questioned about their sponsor and relationship with the sponsor.

The USCIS officer usually asks if you have any life changes that may affect your adjustment of status application.

What Should I Wear to an Adjustment of Status Interview?

We recommend you wear something like business casual. Something clean and pressed with a discreet appearance and colors, like white, black, or brown.

Casual is the less formal version of classic business clothes.

What Questions do They Ask in an Adjustment of Status Interview?

The common questions adjustment of status interview after introductions and swearing-in is about your application asking you to verify or explain certain answers.

For individuals that filed an adjustment of status application based on spousal relationship, the questions may more personal, like stuff about couple routine, plans together etc.

This kind of question is important to USCIS to confirm that the marriage is real, and to make sure there’s no marriage fraud.

If you’ve honestly answered previous questions, there’s no reason to be nervous right now.

The gold tip is to be truthful because they are simple questions and answers, and remind your reaction is analyzed too.

What Should You Not Say in an Adjustment of Status Interview?

We strongly recommend you don’t joke around with the USCIS officer, be formal e polite.

So, avoid joking about terrorism, drugs, communicable diseases, or religion. Don’t fight with your spouse or other family members during the interview.

How Long Does Interview Take?

Adjustment of the status interview will take around 30-60 minutes.

However, you must consider the waiting time for the interview can be until 90 minutes.

The whole adjustment process may take 8-14 months in most cases.

Our immigration services make USCIS applications easier and help eliminate mistakes that cause delays, rejections, and denials.

Do you need help with your Adjustment Status? Contact Us! We will help you plan for your future!

Find in our blog the best information about immigration to USA! To learn more about immigration services read Wizard Visa blog!