USCIS appointments
What happens, what to take, and what to avoid.
I-751 Interview
30-60 minutesThe I-751 interview is conducted to verify that your marriage is genuine (bona fide) and was not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Not all I-751 petitions require an interview -- many are approved without one.
What happens
- 1Arrive at the USCIS field office and check in with your interview notice
- 2Both you and your spouse (if applicable) should be present
- 3You will be placed under oath to answer truthfully
- 4The officer may interview you and your spouse together or separately
- 5Questions will focus on your daily life, living arrangements, finances, and relationship history
- 6The officer will review your submitted evidence of a bona fide marriage
- 7You may be asked to provide additional evidence on the spot or after the interview
- 8The officer may approve, deny, or continue the case pending further review
Take with you
Before the day
- 1
Gather extensive marriage evidence3-4 weeks before
Collect as much documentation of your shared life as possible: financial records, photos, shared accounts, property records, and correspondence.
- 2
Organize photos chronologically2 weeks before
Select photos from throughout your marriage showing milestones: wedding, holidays, vacations, birthdays, and daily life. Label them with dates.
- 3
Get affidavits from friends and family2 weeks before
Ask 2-4 people who know you as a couple to write sworn statements about your relationship. Have them notarized.
- 4
Review your I-751 petition1 week before
Re-read your filed petition and all supporting documents. Be prepared to discuss everything you submitted.
- 5
Discuss your relationship timeline3 days before
With your spouse, review how you met, your dating history, proposal, wedding details, and daily routines. You may be asked about these separately.
- 6
Arrive together and on timeDay of
Both spouses should attend. Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring all evidence organized in a binder.
What people get wrong
- Not bringing enough evidence of your shared life together
- Spouses giving inconsistent answers when interviewed separately
- Not knowing basic details about each other (birthday, workplace, family members)
- Submitting evidence only from the beginning of the marriage -- show evidence from the entire marriage
- Not updating evidence since the I-751 was filed -- bring current documents
- Appearing rehearsed or unnatural in your answers
- Failing to bring your spouse to the interview (unless filing a waiver)
Afterwards
Check your case status online regularly for updates If approved, your 10-year green card will be mailed within 2-3 weeks If the officer requested additional evidence, submit it before the deadline Keep copies of all evidence you submitted at the interview If denied, consult an immigration attorney immediately about your options Save your 10-year green card carefully when it arrives -- you will need it for future naturalization
Worth knowing
- Bring as much evidence of your shared life as possible -- more is better
- Both spouses should know details about each other: birthdays, workplaces, daily routines, family members
- Be prepared for personal questions about your home, bedroom arrangement, daily schedules, and habits
- If interviewed separately, be consistent -- but do not over-rehearse or sound scripted
- If filing a waiver (divorce, abuse, or hardship), bring extensive documentation of the qualifying condition
- Do not bring friends or family to the interview unless they are serving as witnesses
- Stay calm and answer naturally -- officers can tell when answers are rehearsed
- If you do not remember an exact detail, say so rather than guessing
Questions
Will my spouse and I be interviewed separately?
It varies by officer. Some interview both spouses together, others separately to compare answers. Be prepared for either scenario.
What if we are divorced or separated?
If you divorced in good faith (not to evade immigration law), you can file with a waiver. Bring your divorce decree, evidence the marriage was genuine, and any documentation of the circumstances.
What kind of personal questions will they ask?
Officers may ask about: Who cooks? What side of the bed do you sleep on? What did you do last weekend? Describe your living room. What are your in-laws' names? These verify you actually live together.
How much evidence should I bring?
As much as possible. A thick folder of joint financial records, photos, affidavits, and correspondence makes a strong case. Organize it chronologically and by category.
What if the I-751 is denied?
You will be placed in removal proceedings where an immigration judge will review your case. You can present your evidence before the judge. It is strongly recommended to have an attorney at this stage.
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.