I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolAdjustment of Status Interview Experiences
Updated on April 10, 2024
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Millions of people apply for Green Cards every year. The process is very tricky since it requires applicants to comply with different eligibility criteria. People look for advice from those who have completed the process to aid their own immigration attempts.
The adjustment of status interview is a very crucial part of the process and deserves a big part of your attention. Luckily it doesn’t require anything unreasonable from you, but you can’t take it lightly. Use the information about the adjustment of status interview experience supplied by other people who have been through it.
What is the Adjustment of Status Interview?
The adjustment of status process has a few steps. One of those is the interview. Some cases don’t require an interview but most cases do. The purpose of the interview is to verify the validity of information as provided on the documents required in the initial application. The officer conducting the interview will ask all kinds of relevant questions to determine whether the applicant is indeed eligible for the type of Green Card they applied for.
So to manage your adjustment of status interview experience, have a look at the possible timeline leading up to the interview itself. Please note, this is merely an estimation. This does not guarantee the time it will take for your interview date to be scheduled.
Adjustment of Status Interview Timeline
There are too many variables that affect the timeline of an interview. The type of category, the availability, your eligibility, RFE (Request for Evidence), and the list goes on. Here is a basic estimation of an adjustment of status interview timeline. The items follow upon each other and the timeframe connected to it indicates how long you could expect to wait for it to materialize.
- Adjustment of Status application – Day 1
- USCIS confirm they have received your application – 7 days
- Notice of biometric appointment – A few weeks
- Attend biometric appointment – 1 month
- Request for initial evidence, Form I-130A (in the case of marriage-based Green Cards) – On the day of the biometric test
- Produce the evidence (Form I-130A) requested by the USCIS – As long as you take to gather and produce
- Case status changes to indicate Adjustment of Status interview – approximately 1 month
- Case interview scheduled – A week
- Attend Adjustment of Status (AoS) interview – 2 months (depending on how busy the offices are)
- Decision regarding your case – Either the same day or postponed for further investigation.
Please remember, these are estimates based on the cases of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) that have already been completed. Each step can take longer to fulfill.
Your case could also reach a decision before you have an interview. In such a case you need to work with the requests made by the USCIS. Perhaps you only need to go to a processing facility to get your passport stamped with an I-155 stamp. This stamp temporarily acts as your Green Card until you receive your actual Green Card via mail (or whatever your preferred method is). An I-155 also authorizes employment. You don’t need to get an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) over and above your LPR status because permanent residents are allowed to work in the U.S.
Adjustment of Status Interview Experiences
There are countless ways in which your adjustment of status interview experience can play out. Circumstances can work against you or you could have an absolute dream of an experience. Here are a few ways in which this can play out.
Adjustment of Status Interview Experiences 1 – Best Case Scenario
From the day you’ve applied up until the actual interview, you had no problems whatsoever. You nailed your application and your interview. You supplied all the correct documents and never throughout the process did the USCIS request any additional information.
This scenario takes the least amount of time and is definitely the least stressful. This is attainable to a certain degree. You determine the correctness of the papers you file. You determine how prepared you are for the interview. If you keep to your end of the bargain and the USCIS doesn’t have any processing issues you could experience this scenario.
Adjustment of Status Interview Experiences 2 – Unforeseen Circumstances
Life happens to everyone. Unforeseen circumstances can delay your case process. Don’t worry, delay does not necessarily mean denial. Work with the USCIS to get your case back on track. You could still be successful in your immigration attempt.
Even if your U.S. citizen spouse passes away during a marriage-based Green Card application, you could still become a U.S. permanent resident. Don’t let this unforeseen circumstance derail your dream of becoming an LPR. Use the possibilities to your disposal and still get your Green Card.
Adjustment of Status Interview Experiences 3 – Worst Case Scenario
The perfect storm is always a possibility. You may perhaps hit a few proverbial roadblocks, miss important dates, or suffer unforeseen circumstances. Do try your best to limit the number of roadblocks. Make sure you submit the correct papers. Supply enough evidence. Get professional help from an immigration attorney. They’ll be able to advise you about the best immigration route for your Green Card application.
It’s also impossible to control anything at the USCIS offices. Perhaps they have a particularly busy time. Maybe your state’s USCIS offices are busier than the average office. These things may cause you to wait longer for a decision regarding your adjustment of status. You are in for a rough time if all these issues converge. Do what you can and do it well. Make peace with what is beyond your control and keep your head up. You might wait longer than the average person, but your application could still be successful.
5 Big Mistakes Applicants Make at Their AoS Interview
An adjustment of status interview experience could be determined by the interview itself. So to improve your experience here are a few of the most common mistakes made by people attending their AoS. Avoid these mistakes made at an interview and you’ll increase the likelihood of success.
Forgetting Original Documents to Support the Application
The AoS application requires all kinds of documents. You need to make sure you supply the correct types. But you also need to take these same papers to your interview. And not just any. You must bring the original documents as far as possible. Keep copies in a safe place, but bring the original documents provided in your application to the interview. The officer conducting the interview wants to verify some of the information found in your application.
Not Bringing a Competent Interpreter
People who have not yet mastered the English language may bring an interpreter to their interview. Please be prepared to provide your own interpreter. The USCIS does not provide this service and won’t allow its officers or staff to fulfill the role.
An interpreter must be over the age of 18. They must be adept at both your language and English and most importantly they must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident. Your spouse may not be your interpreter. This is especially prohibited in marriage-based Green Card applications since part of the interview consists of verifying the validity of your marriage.
Get the right interpreter. Pay a little money if necessary, because the cost of an interpreter is small when it increases the likelihood of a Green Card.
Forgetting Proper Translations for Foreign-Language Documents
Interviewing officers are U.S. citizens and generally speak English. They don’t need to translate your information. It must arrive in a way they understand. Make sure all your documents brought to the interview has the originals and an accompanying translated version. The translated version must have a statement that proves its truthfulness from a translator placed under oath.
Failing to Tell the Truth About Criminal Matters
Don’t try to fool the officer conducting the interview. They already ran a background test and would have acquired your criminal records (if any). When asked about it, be honest and work with the interviewer. People have gotten their Green Cards in the past with minor incidents like a DUI (driving under the influence of a substance). Remain calm and explain what happened. You may still have a chance to get your Green Card.
Arguing with the USCIS Officer
Under no circumstances, whatsoever, should you get into an argument with the interviewer. You need to convince the USCIS officer about your eligibility for a Green Card. They hold the power in this situation. Antagonizing them won’t serve you any good. In fact, it may even decrease your chances of success.
Don’t take offense at the questions asked by an interviewer. If you do suspect any unfair treatment you may ask to see their supervisor. But remain calm and remember to never yell at them. Ask their supervisor for an alternative interviewer if you have some grounds for your request.
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Conclusion
It may be tough to get a Green Card, but this information can help you manage your expectations. Use the information supplied here to improve your adjustment of status interview experience.
A Green Card application doesn’t have to be stressful. Make sure to put your best foot forward.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.