Green Card Marriage Interview Questions: A Complete Guide

One of the fastest routes to obtaining permanent residence (a Green Card) in the United States is through marriage to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

The process includes several steps, one of which is the marriage interview.

If you have reached this point and wonder what the Green Card marriage interview questions look like, this blog is for you.

We will cover the types of questions you may be asked, the way the interview proceeds and some useful tips to make you feel prepared and comfortable. Plus, we’ll tell you how our immigration lawyers

at Spar & Bernstein can help you throughout your Green Card marriage application process.

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

Bradford H. Bernstein

What Is A Green Card Marriage Interview?

A Green Card marriage interview is the last step in the process of adjustment of status and obtaining lawful permanent residence based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.

The goal of this interview is to prove that your marriage was bona fide, i.e., entered in good faith and that you and your spouse plan to establish a life together.

This is done by asking various questions related to you and your spouse, your routine as a couple, your living situation, or future plans.

If the spouse who applies for a Green Card lives in the U.S., the interview is scheduled by the  United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If the spouse who applies for a Green Card lives abroad, the interview is scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC) or US Embassy in the country they reside.

What Happens At The Green Card Marriage Interview?

The Green Card marriage interview will typically start with the introduction of the USCIS officer, who will explain why the interview is being conducted.

Before the interview starts, you will be asked to take an oath, raising your right hand and answering the question, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”

It is important to know that giving false information is considered a crime and can negatively affect your eligibility for a Green Card.

Although sometimes the interview can take months or even years to schedule, being aware of how it goes and the questions it includes will give you enough time to prepare and put your mind at ease.

Sample Green Card Marriage Interview Questions

So, what questions should you expect at a Green Card marriage interview?

While the USCIS officer can practically ask you anything, here are some common questions to consider when preparing for your interview.

Questions About You & Your Family History

These questions aim to reveal your background, values, and family dynamics, helping to assess how your past experiences might influence your future marriage and integration into a new country.

• What is your date and place of birth?
• How did you enter the U.S.?
• What are your parents’ names and age?
• Where do your brothers and sisters live?
• Have your parents ever visited the U.S.?

Questions About Your Relationship

The purpose of these questions is to confirm the details of how your relationship developed, verifying its authenticity and timeline.

• When and where did you first meet?
• Was anybody else present at your first meeting?
• Where were you and your spouse living at that time?
• When did you exchange phone numbers?
• Where was your first date?

Questions About The Proposal And Your Wedding

These questions aim to verify the details and significance of your engagement and wedding, ensuring that the marriage is real and that you share a mutual commitment.

• When did you decide to get married?
• Who proposed?
• When did you get married?
• Who attended the wedding celebration?
• Did you have a honeymoon and where did you go?

Questions About Your Daily Activities

These questions reveal insights into your daily routines and management of household responsibilities, demonstrating how well you coordinate your lives together as a couple.

• What is the typical start of your day?
• What is your and your spouse’s daily routine?
• How many times during the day do you speak on the phone when you are apart?
• Who is the one to cook at home?
• Who does the cleaning in your home?

Questions About Your Children

These questions aim to verify the details about your children’s daily lives, ensuring a genuine understanding of your family’s dynamics.

• What school do your children go to?
• What is the principal’s name?
• Who are your children’s friends?
• What is the favorite food of your kids?
• How do your kids go to school?

Questions About Finances

These questions assess how you manage and plan your finances together, ensuring you understand the financial aspects of your partnership.

• How much is your rent and what is the name of your landlord?
• What was your work and salary before you got married?
• How much is your electricity bill and who is the provider?
• What is your current balance at the bank?
• Who completed the last tax return form?

Green Card Interview Questions You May Not Expect

Being aware of the nature of the Green Card marriage interview questions will give you a psychological advantage and reduce anxiety in a situation that requires your full attention and concentration.

You may think there is nothing that can surprise you — but you’d be wrong! When we said you might be asked anything, we meant it.

Here are some examples of Green Card marriage interview questions you probably did not think of: 

• Who woke up first today?
• What color curtains do you have in each room?
• Who bought the TV in your living room?
• Can you describe the soap in your kitchen and bathroom?
• What brand of deodorant does your spouse use?
• What kind of contraception are you using?

How To Prepare For A Green Card Marriage Interview

Here is a list of recommendations that can help you prepare for your Green Card marriage interview:

• Visit the location where your Green Card marriage interview is going to take place to get familiar with the place — this will boost your level of comfort
• Note the time it takes to reach the place, along with the parking possibilities and the security checks you must go through — this will allow you to properly plan your visit and reduce stress
• Though no specific dress code is required, go for comfortable and professional-looking clothes
• Plan to arrive at the interview location 30 minutes before the scheduled time
• Arrange all required documents in a separate folder to have each of them ready during the interview
• Review the questions on your application — you are likely to be asked the same questions
• Organize a prep session with our trusted immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein — we will hold a mock interview going through various questions to help you feel ready and relaxed
• During the interview with the USCIS officer, answer the questions honestly and openly
• If you think a question is too personal, share your feelings with the USCIS officer

What Happens After The Green Card Marriage Interview

Once the Green Card marriage interview is over, there are two possible outcomes:

• If the USCIS officer is convinced that your marriage is real, you will get a marriage-based Green Card
• If the USCIS officer is doubtful that your marriage is authentic, you will be scheduled for a Stokes interview.

A Stokes interview, also known as a marriage fraud interview, is your second opportunity to persuade USCIS that your marriage is a valid one.  

The Stokes interview takes place between four and six weeks after the first interview and can be as long as eight hours. During the Stokes interview, you and your spouse will be separated and asked the same questions. The answers will be recorded and later compared by USCIS.

Things triggering a Stokes interview can include:

• Statements in your documents that cause suspicion
• Inability of spouses to communicate in the same language
• Lack of joint finances
• Contradictory answers

The questions asked aim to reveal that your marriage is not fraudulent and you know your spouse well. Some of the additional questions you might be asked at the Stokes interview include:

• What was the last movie you watched together?
• Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
• What is the nearest supermarket and how far is it from your home?
• When was the last time you went shopping together?
• Does your spouse write with their right or left hand?

How Can Spar & Bernstein Help You With Your Green Card Marriage Application

In over 60 years, our knowledgeable New York immigration lawyers at Spar & Bernstein have handled thousands of marriage-based Green Card applications guiding couples towards a successful outcome.

Check out some of our success stories!

Our Green Card marriage application services cover the entire process, from checking your eligibility for a marriage-based Green Card based on lawful entry into the U.S. and an authentic marriage through document preparation and filing, up to providing insights, prepping you for the interview and updating you on your case status.

In addition, we can assist with other services you may need while waiting for USCIS to schedule your Green Card marriage interview. This can include help to apply for work authorization, a Social Security number, a state ID/driver’s license, and more.

Talk to our experienced team to stay on top of your Green Card marriage application.

FAQs About The Green Card Marriage Interview

Below, we’ve compiled a list of FAQs to help you better understand what to expect during your Green Card marriage interview.

How long does a marriage interview usually take? 

A marriage interview typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case and the details the officer wants to cover.

What happens if I don’t know the answer to a question? 

It’s OK if you don’t know every detail, just be honest. Avoid guessing or making up answers, as inconsistencies can raise suspicions about the genuine character of the marriage. It’s better to acknowledge that you’re unsure.

What should I do if I am nervous about the interview? 

It’s normal to feel nervous, but preparation helps. Practice answering typical questions together with your spouse and focus on being honest and clear.

How do officers determine if a marriage is legitimate? 

To determine if a marriage is legitimate, officers assess various factors, including how well you know each other, how long you’ve been together, and whether your relationship follows a natural progression.

How far back do the questions usually go? 

Questions can cover the entire span of your relationship, from when you first met to recent events. Be prepared to discuss everything from early dates to current living arrangements.

Is it possible to fail the interview even if our marriage is real? 

Yes, failure can happen due to inconsistent answers, lack of evidence, or appearing unprepared. Talk to our experienced immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein — we will provide tips on minimizing the probability of failing your marriage interview.

How soon after the marriage interview will I be informed about the decision? 

Decisions may be given at the end of the interview or can take weeks or even months, if your case is complex or needs further review.