The last step of the marriage green card process is the interview. If your spouse lives in the U.S., it’s scheduled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If they live abroad, it’s handled by the National Visa Center (NVC).
This step can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect makes a huge difference. Let’s break it down so you can walk into it prepared.
Marriage Green Card Interview Questions
No two interviews are the same, but most officers stick to familiar areas. Here are the types of questions you should expect:
Your Relationship History
- How did you meet?
- How long did you date before marriage?
- Who proposed, and how?
Your Wedding
- What was your wedding like?
- Who attended?
- Did you have a honeymoon?
Daily Routines
- Who cooks, who cleans?
- What side of the bed do you sleep on?
- How often do you text when apart?
Kids (if any)
- How old are they?
- How do they get to school?
- Who are their friends?
Home & Household
- Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- How much is your rent or mortgage?
- What color is your refrigerator?
Personal Info
- What time does your spouse get home from work?
- Does your spouse smoke?
- What’s their phone number?
Big Events & Celebrations
- When are your birthdays?
- What’s the most important holiday in your household?
- What did you do last Christmas?
Note: Don’t stress if the questions feel personal or even strange. The goal isn’t to embarrass you. It’s to make sure your marriage is real.
Preparing for the Interview
Here are the best ways to prepare for your marriage green card interview in 2025:
- Practice with your spouse. Go over questions together. Even long-term couples forget small details.
- Submit evidence for the marriage-based green card early. The more proof you include with your petition, the less the officer has to doubt.
- Update your documents. Make sure IDs, driver’s licenses, and addresses match.
- Bring originals and copies of all your documents. The officer will want to see the originals.
- Chat with your attorney. They can run a mock interview to make you more comfortable. Connect with a licensed immigration lawyer at ImmigrationQuestion.com.
- Bring an interpreter. If English isn’t your strong suit, don’t risk miscommunication.
- Dress appropriately. Semi-formal is good.
- Don’t just arrive on time. Get there at least 45 minutes early.
- Be honest. If you don’t know the answer, say so. Guessing or lying causes green card denial in marriage cases.
What to Bring: I-130 Checklist for Spouse
Here’s a starter checklist of documents you’ll want at your interview:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- State ID, driver’s license, or passport
- Current/expired visas
- Medical exam results
- Proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- Police or court records (if any)
- Military records (if any)
- Immigration violation records (if any)
- Joint bank statements in the last 3 months
- Joint utility bills
- Joint phone bills
- Medical and car insurance documents
- Tax returns, if filed jointly
- Life insurance or retirement accounts showing both names
- 10–15 photographs
Keep everything in a folder so you’re not fumbling on the big day.
Dealing With RFEs
Sometimes, USCIS will ask for more evidence after reviewing your file. That’s called a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you get one, don’t panic.
Here’s how to respond to an RFE marriage case:
- Read it carefully to know exactly what they want.
- Gather strong evidence like photos, joint accounts, and affidavits from friends.
- Send everything before the deadline.
- Get help from your attorney to make sure nothing’s missed.
Final Tips
The marriage green card interview is your chance to prove your marriage is real.
All you have to do is:
- Be yourself.
- Stay calm.
- Answer clearly.
- Bring solid evidence.
Do you qualify for a marriage-based green card? Find out by connecting with a professional from the ImmigrationQuestion.com attorney network.
FAQs on Marriage-Based Green Card Interviews in 2025
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What are some marriage green card interview questions?
- They usually ask about how you met, details from your wedding, daily routines, and personal habits. Some questions may be random, like the color of your fridge or what side of the bed you sleep on.
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What evidence for a marriage-based green card should I bring?
- Bring originals and copies of everything that proves your marriage is real. Evidence like a marriage certificate, joint bank statements, utility bills, tax returns, photos, and joint insurance documents.
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What causes green card denial in marriage cases?
- Common reasons are lack of proof that the marriage is real, inconsistent answers during the interview, missing documents, or lying to USCIS.
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How do I respond to RFE marriage case requests?
- Read the notice carefully, gather documents that answer the officer’s request, and submit everything before the deadline. It’s a good idea to have your attorney double-check your response.
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What’s on the I-130 checklist for a spouse?
- You’ll need proof of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship or green card, marriage certificate, passport-style photos, financial documents, and supporting evidence like leases, bills, and pictures.
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Can I bring an interpreter to the marriage green card interview?
- Yes. If you’re not confident in English, bring one. You don’t want to misunderstand a question and give wrong answers.
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How early should I arrive for my interview?
- At least 45 minutes before your scheduled time. Being late can create unnecessary stress.
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Do officers expect couples to remember every tiny detail?
- No. Forgetting a small fact isn’t a deal breaker. But major contradictions, like not knowing where your spouse works, can make them doubtful.
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Should I rehearse interview answers with my spouse?
- Yes. Make sure you’re both on the same page regarding the basics of your relationship.
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Can I refuse to answer a question if it feels too personal?
- Yes. You can politely say you’re uncomfortable. Most officers will move on. However, it is smart to answer all questions if you have the right answers.
