Green Card Interview: A Complete Preparation Guide for Couples (2025)
The Ultimate Guide to Your Marriage Green Card Interview & Evidence
After months, or even years, of paperwork, waiting, and long-distance communication, you’ve finally received the notice: it’s time for your marriage-based Green Card interview. This is the final hurdle in the immigration journey, and it’s a moment of truth where your relationship is scrutinized. While the prospect can be intimidating, the purpose is simple: to verify that your marriage is genuine.
This comprehensive guide combines all the preparation you need into one strategic roadmap. We will show you exactly what evidence to gather, how to prepare for the interview questions, and how to act with confidence. With the right preparation, the interview is simply a conversation to confirm what you already know: your marriage is real.
The Real Purpose: Proving a “Bona Fide” Marriage
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer has one primary goal during your interview: to verify that you have a “bona fide” marriage. This is a legal term that means your marriage is genuine and was entered into in good faith, not for the purpose of evading immigration laws. Every document you provide and every question you answer should be focused on proving this authenticity.
Your Core Mission: The officer is looking for the hallmarks of a shared life: combined finances, shared experiences, and knowledge of each other’s daily routines and history. Your goal is to show, not just tell, that you have a life together.
The Pillars of Proof: Your Complete Evidence Guide
The foundation of your case is your evidence. Do not attend your interview with a messy folder of loose papers. Arrive with a well-organized binder with tabbed sections, which should be considered your “proof of a life together.”
| Type of Evidence | Strongest Examples | Good Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Co-mingling | Joint bank account statements, joint credit card statements, and joint tax returns. | Joint insurance policies (health, auto, life), utility bills in both names. |
| Physical Evidence | A shared lease or mortgage with both names, a joint property deed. | Mail addressed to both of you at the same address, keys to each other’s homes. |
| Social & Emotional Proof | Affidavits from friends/family, a detailed photo album with labels, travel itineraries. | Screenshots of call logs, joint gym memberships, and social media photos as a couple. |
Red Flags to Avoid & How to Prepare for Questions
The questions are designed to test your knowledge of each other’s lives, both together and separately. The key is to be honest and consistent. The officer is also trained to spot potential signs of a fraudulent marriage. Being aware of these common “red flags” and preparing to address them honestly is crucial.
Common Red Flags
- No Shared Finances: Lacking a joint bank account or shared bills is a major red flag. It suggests you are not financially intertwined as a married couple.
- Living Separately: If you are not living together, you must have a very good reason (e.g., job, military service, student) and extensive evidence of your ongoing relationship.
- Inconsistent Stories: Your answers must be consistent with your spouse’s and with the information in your application. Inconsistent details (e.g., how you met, wedding details) are a huge red flag.
Expert Tip: It’s okay if you don’t know a specific detail. It’s better to say, “I don’t remember,” than to guess and be caught lying. Your honesty and genuine affection are your strongest assets.
- About Your Relationship: How, when, and where did you meet? What did you do on your first date? Who proposed? Why did you decide to get married?
- About Daily Life: Who cooks? What time does your spouse wake up for work? What side of the bed do they sleep on? What is their favorite TV show?
- About Each Other: What are your spouse’s parents’ names? What are your spouse’s hobbies? What is a scar your spouse has?
Ready to start the visa process? Our expert guides can help.
Your Questions Answered: Green Card Interview FAQ
What is a “Stokes” or marriage fraud interview?
If the officer suspects your marriage is not bona fide, they may schedule a second, more intense interview known as a “Stokes” interview. In this interview, you are separated and asked the same series of highly detailed questions. The answers are then compared for discrepancies. Being well-prepared and honest is the best way to avoid this.
Do we need to have a joint bank account?
While not a strict legal requirement, a joint bank account is one of the strongest forms of evidence for a bona fide marriage. It demonstrates that you have financially intertwined your lives, which is a hallmark of a genuine marriage.
How many photos should we bring to the interview?
You should bring a well-organized photo album with 20-30 photos showing the progression of your relationship. These should include pictures from your wedding, trips, holidays with family, and everyday moments. Make sure each photo is labeled on the back with the date, location, and names of the people in the picture.
Should we hire an immigration lawyer to attend the interview with us?
For most straightforward cases, a lawyer is not required. However, if you have a complex case (e.g., past visa denials, criminal records), having a lawyer present can provide peace of mind and expert guidance.
What if our marriage has a large age or cultural gap?
An age or cultural gap is not a red flag on its own. The officer will simply be more diligent in looking for proof of a shared life. It is crucial to provide extensive evidence of your emotional and financial connections to prove that your marriage is genuine and not a transaction.
What if we don’t have a shared lease or mortgage?
If you don’t have a shared lease or mortgage, you can provide other evidence of your shared residence, such as utility bills, mail addressed to both of you at the same address, or a copy of your driver’s licenses showing the same address.
What is an affidavit, and do we need one?
An affidavit is a sworn letter from a friend or family member who can attest to the authenticity of your relationship. While not mandatory, it is a good form of secondary evidence to support your case, as it provides a third-party perspective on your marriage.
What if our spouse doesn’t speak perfect English?
USCIS interviews are conducted in English. If your spouse is not fluent, you have the right to bring a qualified, neutral interpreter. You cannot act as her interpreter. Inform the USCIS office in advance if you plan to bring one.
We had a big argument the night before the interview. What should we do?
Don’t try to hide it. Real married couples have arguments. If the officer asks if you’ve ever had a fight, you can honestly say yes. It makes your relationship seem more realistic. Just be sure to present a united front at the interview itself.
What if we don’t live together yet because of work or school?
This can be a red flag for USCIS, but it is not an automatic deal-breaker. You must have a very good explanation and provide extensive evidence of your ongoing, active relationship despite the separate residences.
What if we don’t have children together?
Having children is not a requirement for a bona fide marriage. Focus on providing other compelling evidence of your shared life, such as joint financial accounts, insurance policies, and affidavits from friends and family.
Your Love is Your Strongest Evidence
Remember, the goal of the Green Card interview is to see if you are a real couple. Be organized, be honest, and let your genuine affection for each other show. If your relationship is real, you have nothing to fear. You are on the final step of an incredible journey—walk in with confidence and finish strong.
