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USCIS appointments

What happens, what to take, and what to avoid.

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I-485 Interview

20-45 minutes

The I-485 adjustment of status interview is where a USCIS officer reviews your application to become a permanent resident. The officer will verify your identity, review your documents, and ask questions about your eligibility.

What happens

  1. 1Arrive at the USCIS field office and check in at the reception window
  2. 2Wait in the lobby until your name or case number is called
  3. 3An officer will escort you to a private interview room
  4. 4You will be placed under oath -- you must answer all questions truthfully
  5. 5The officer reviews your I-485 application page by page and asks about any changes
  6. 6The officer will review your supporting documents and may ask for additional evidence
  7. 7You may be asked about your immigration history, employment, and family
  8. 8The officer may make a decision at the end or inform you that the case needs further review

Take with you

Before the day

  1. 1

    Review your entire I-485 application2 weeks before

    Read through every page of your filed application. Note anything that has changed since filing (address, employment, marital status).

  2. 2

    Organize all documents1 week before

    Create a tabbed folder with all required documents. Put originals in one section and copies in another. Have everything in the order listed on your appointment notice.

  3. 3

    Prepare updated evidence1 week before

    Gather any documents that have changed since filing: new employment letter, recent tax returns, updated I-864, new photos together.

  4. 4

    Practice common questions5 days before

    Review questions about your immigration history, employment, travel, and relationship. Practice answering clearly and concisely.

  5. 5

    Confirm your medical exam3 days before

    Ensure your I-693 is sealed and not expired. If it was submitted previously, bring a copy. If not yet submitted, bring the sealed envelope.

  6. 6

    Plan logisticsDay before

    Look up the USCIS field office address, parking, and security procedures. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

  7. 7

    Dress professionally and arrive earlyDay of

    Wear business casual attire. Bring your organized document folder. Leave electronics in the car if possible. Stay calm and be polite.

What people get wrong

  • Giving answers that are inconsistent with your application -- review it thoroughly beforehand
  • Forgetting critical documents like the medical exam or I-864
  • Bringing too many people -- only the applicant, petitioner, attorney, and interpreter should attend
  • Not knowing details from your own application (dates, addresses, employer names)
  • Failing to disclose previous immigration violations or overstays
  • Bringing an unsealed I-693 (the civil surgeon must seal it in the envelope)
  • Not updating your address with USCIS if you moved since filing

Afterwards

Check your case status online within 1-2 weeks for an update If the officer requested additional documents (RFE), submit them promptly within the deadline If approved, your green card will be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks If your case is still pending after 60 days, contact USCIS for an update Do not make any international travel plans until you receive your green card or advance parole Save all documents from the interview -- you may need them for future applications (N-400, I-751)

Worth knowing

  • Always answer truthfully -- lying to an immigration officer is a serious offense that can result in denial and bars
  • Bring originals AND photocopies of every document -- the officer may keep copies
  • Dress professionally -- first impressions matter, even though there is no formal dress code
  • If you do not understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat or rephrase it
  • If your spouse is the petitioner, they should attend the interview with you
  • Bring an interpreter if your English is limited -- or request one from USCIS in advance
  • Do not volunteer extra information beyond what is asked
  • If you have an attorney, they can accompany you to the interview
  • Stay calm and composed -- officers conduct hundreds of these interviews
  • If you had any arrests or legal issues, bring certified court dispositions

Questions

Will I get a decision the same day?

Sometimes. The officer may approve your case at the interview, or they may say it needs further administrative review. You may also receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) for additional documents. If approved, you will receive your green card by mail in 2-3 weeks.

Can I reschedule my I-485 interview?

Yes, but rescheduling can significantly delay your case. Send a written request to the field office as soon as possible. Include your receipt number and reason for the request.

What if I have a criminal record?

Disclose everything. Bring certified court dispositions for all arrests, even if charges were dropped. Failure to disclose is worse than the record itself in most cases. Consult an attorney if you have concerns.

Does my spouse need to come to the interview?

If your case is marriage-based, your petitioning spouse should attend. For employment-based cases, only the applicant typically needs to attend.

What questions will the officer ask?

Common questions include: How did you enter the US? When did you meet your spouse? Where do you work? Have you ever been arrested? Have you traveled outside the US? Have there been any changes since you filed?

Can I bring my children?

It is best to arrange childcare. Children can be a distraction during the interview. If their I-485 is also being adjudicated, only bring them if their presence is required.

If you cannot attend, reschedule before the date on your notice — not turning up without rescheduling can have an application treated as abandoned. Find your office on the offices page.