1. What does it mean when the USCIS case status shows “interview was conducted”?

When the USCIS case status shows “interview was conducted,” it means that the applicant has had their scheduled immigration interview with a USCIS officer. During this interview, the officer questions the applicant about their immigration application and supporting documents, and may request additional information or clarification. This status update indicates that the interview has been completed and the case is now moving on to the next step in processing. It does not necessarily mean that a decision has been made on the case.

2. Why would an interview be conducted for my immigration application?

The purpose of an interview for an immigration application is to assess the credibility and eligibility of the applicant. The immigration officer will ask questions to confirm the information provided in the application and to gather additional details about the applicant’s background, intentions, and qualifications for immigration. Interviews are typically required as part of the immigration process to ensure that those who are granted entry into a country have legitimate reasons for immigrating and meet all necessary criteria.

3. How will I know if my interview was conducted for my case?

You should receive a notice from the appropriate agency or organization letting you know that your interview was conducted for your case. This could be in the form of a letter, email, or phone call. Additionally, you can also contact the agency directly to inquire about the status of your case and if an interview was conducted.

4. What typically happens during an USCIS interview?

During an USCIS interview, the applicant will be asked to provide various documents and evidence to support their application, such as their passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. The officer will also ask questions about the information provided in the application and may inquire about the applicant’s background and their reasons for seeking a visa or immigration status. The purpose of the interview is to verify the authenticity of the application and ensure that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements. Additionally, if the applicant is applying for a green card based on marriage to a US citizen, both spouses will likely be interviewed together to determine if their relationship is genuine and legitimate. The officer may also conduct a brief English proficiency test during the interview.

5. Do I need to attend the interview in person or can it be done over the phone?

It depends on the hiring company and their policies. Some companies may conduct initial phone screenings before inviting candidates for an in-person interview, while others may only conduct interviews in person. It is best to clarify with the company beforehand if you have any concerns or limitations that may affect your ability to attend an in-person interview.

6. Will I receive notice of my interview date and time?

Yes, you should receive notice of your interview date and time via mail or email. However, if you do not receive a notice, you should contact the organization conducting the interview to confirm your interview details.

7. Can I bring an attorney or representative with me to the interview?

Yes, you have the right to bring an attorney or representative with you to the interview. This can be helpful if you are unsure about your legal rights or need someone to advocate for you. However, it is not necessary and some employers may prefer that you attend the interview alone. It is best to check with the employer beforehand to see if they have any specific guidelines about bringing someone along to the interview.

8. Does a USCIS officer conduct the interview, or is it done by a third party?

A USCIS officer conducts the interview. However, in certain cases, a third party interpreter may also be present.

9. What documents should I bring to my USCIS interview?

When attending an interview with USCIS, it is important to bring all necessary documents to prove your eligibility and support your application. These documents may vary depending on the type of immigration case you are pursuing, but generally, you should bring the following:

1. Valid form of identification: This can be a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or green card.

2. Original immigration documents: Bring any original documents that were previously submitted to USCIS such as your visa petition approval notice or work permit.

3. Supporting evidence: This will depend on your specific case, but can include marriage certificate, birth certificate, employment verification letter, financial records, or any other relevant documents that prove your eligibility for the benefit you are seeking.

4. Passport and travel history: Bring your passport and make sure it has at least six months left before its expiration date. You may also be asked about any international trips you have taken in the past to verify travel history.

5. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): If you are sponsoring someone for a family-based immigration case, you will need to bring a completed Form I-864 along with supporting financial evidence such as tax returns and paycheck stubs.

6. Proof of relationship: If you are applying for a family-based immigration benefit, be prepared to provide proof of your relationship with the petitioner or beneficiary through documentation such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.

7. Court records: If you have ever been arrested or involved in legal proceedings in the United States or abroad, bring copies of court records regarding those matters.

8. Certified translations: If any of your documents are not written in English, be sure to bring certified translations.

9. Biometric appointment notice: Depending on your case type, you may need to attend biometrics appointments where they will take your fingerprints and photograph for USCIS records. Make sure to bring the biometric appointment notice to your interview.

It is important to carefully review the USCIS interview notice and any additional instructions provided. Make sure you bring all required documents and arrive at least 15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment. Failure to provide necessary documentation may result in a delay in processing or denial of your application.

10. Will my spouse/dependent children also need to attend the interview?

It depends on the type of visa you are applying for. If you are applying for a family-based immigrant visa, then your spouse and dependent children will also need to attend the interview. If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, they may or may not need to attend the interview depending on the consular officer’s discretion. However, it is always advisable for them to attend in case any additional documents or information is required.

11. Can I reschedule or request to have my interview at a different location?

It depends on the specific circumstances and availability of resources. You can contact the organization or individual conducting the interview to inquire about rescheduling or requesting a different location. They will let you know if it is possible and provide further instructions if needed.

12. Is there a set timeframe for how long an interview typically lasts?

The length of an interview can vary depending on the company and the position being interviewed for. On average, an interview can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Some interviews may be longer or shorter, depending on the number of questions asked and the flow of the conversation. Ultimately, there is no set timeframe for how long an interview should last, as each interviewer may have their own preferences and time constraints.

13. Will I be asked questions about my background, employment, and/or family history?

It is possible that you may be asked some questions about your background, employment, and/or family history during a job interview. Employers may ask these types of questions to get a better understanding of who you are as a person and how your experiences have shaped you. However, it is important for employers to only ask questions that are directly related to the job and not discriminate against any protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, or marital status. If you feel uncomfortable with any questions asked during an interview, it is appropriate to politely decline to answer or redirect the conversation back to your qualifications for the job.

14. Are there any common reasons why USCIS would request an interview for an application?

Some common reasons why USCIS may request an interview for an application include:

1. Additional information or evidence is needed: If there is missing, incomplete, or inconsistent information in the application, USCIS may request an interview to gather more information or clarify any discrepancies.

2. Eligibility concerns: If there are concerns about the applicant’s eligibility for the requested category or benefit, USCIS may request an interview to verify certain facts or documents.

3. Criminal history: If the applicant has a criminal record or has been charged with a crime, USCIS may request an interview to further review the details and impact of the offense on their immigration status.

4. Security checks: Certain security checks may be required for some applications, and USCIS may use interviews as part of this process.

5. Marriage-based applications: For marriage-based applications, USCIS typically requires an interview to confirm that the relationship is legitimate and not solely for immigration purposes.

6. Employment-based applications: In some cases, USCIS may conduct interviews for employment-based applications to ensure that the job offer and duties align with the requirements of the visa category.

7. Consular processing applications: Some applicants who are applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad may also be required to attend an interview as part of the consular processing procedure.

8. Random selection: In rare cases, applicants may be selected at random for an interview as part of USCIS’ efforts to prevent fraud and protect national security interests.

15. How soon after the interview will I receive a decision on my case?

It depends on the specific circumstances and the agency conducting the interview. In some cases, a decision may be made immediately following the interview. In other cases, it may take several weeks for a decision to be reached and communicated to the applicant. It is important to follow up with the interviewing agency for an estimated timeline.

16. Are there any specific preparations or things I should keep in mind before attending my USCIS interview?

1. Review your application – Before attending your interview, make sure you have reviewed your entire application and are familiar with all of the information included.

2. Gather required documents – Bring all required documents, such as your ID, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), evidence of relationship (if applicable), and any other supporting documents specified in your interview appointment notice.

3. Dress professionally – Your USCIS interviewer is likely to make a decision based on their first impression of you, so it’s important to dress professionally to convey respect and seriousness.

4. Arrive early – Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview to avoid any potential delays or issues.

5. Understand the purpose of the interview – Most USCIS interviews are conducted to assess the validity of a marriage or other relationship that might affect immigration benefits. Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship if this applies to you.

6. Prepare for potential questions – Even if the main purpose of your interview is not about relationships, prepare to answer personal questions about yourself and your background that might be relevant for immigration purposes.

7. Be honest – Honesty is crucial during a USCIS interview. If USCIS finds evidence that you have been dishonest in any part of the process (including on forms or evidence provided), it could lead to serious consequences, potentially including being found ineligible for immigration benefits or being removed from the country.

8. Listen carefully – During the USCIS interview, listen carefully to each question asked and provide clear, concise answers.

9. Stay calm and respectful – Keep in mind that the interviewer has authority over whether or not you will receive immigration benefits and maintain a calm and respectful demeanor throughout the entire process.

10. Practice speaking English (if applicable) – If English is not your first language, practice speaking with friends or family before the interview so you will feel more comfortable answering questions in English during the actual interview.

11. Bring an interpreter (if needed) – If you are not fluent in English, you can bring a trusted friend or family member to act as your interpreter during the interview. However, there are specific language requirements for interpreters, so make sure to check with USCIS beforehand.

12. Bring an attorney (if desired) – It is not required to have an attorney present at the interview, but if you have an attorney representing you, they may attend the interview with you.

13. Understand the process and possible outcomes – Before attending your interview, make sure you understand the possible outcomes and next steps in case you receive a decision at the end of your interview.

14. Be prepared for delays or rescheduling – USCIS interviews can sometimes be delayed or rescheduled due to various reasons, such as inclement weather or staff shortages. Make sure to be flexible and understanding in case this happens.

15. Follow instructions carefully – Your USCIS interviewer will likely provide specific instructions during your interview regarding any further evidence or documents they may need from you. Be sure to listen carefully and follow these instructions correctly.

16. Don’t forget follow-up steps – After the interview, make sure to complete any follow-up steps that were discussed with your interviewer (e.g., providing additional evidence). Also, keep track of any deadlines mentioned for submitting any additional documentation or information requested by USCIS.

17. Is it normal for applications to go through multiple interviews before a decision is made?

It is not abnormal for applicants to go through multiple rounds of interviews before a final decision is made. This can vary depending on the company’s hiring process and the position being applied for. Some companies may have multiple rounds of interviews to thoroughly assess a candidate’s skills and fit for the job, while others may make a decision after just one interview. It is important to communicate with the hiring manager or HR representative about the interview process for the specific position you are applying for.

18. Do all types of immigration cases require an in-person interview, or are some done through correspondence only?

Some types of immigration cases, such as employment-based and family-based visa applications, may require an in-person interview as part of the application process. Other types, such as certain asylum cases, may be done through correspondence only. It ultimately depends on the specific type of case and the discretion of the immigration officer handling the case. However, it is common for most immigration cases to involve at least one in-person interview.

19. If additional information or documentation is needed after the first interview, will another one be scheduled?

It depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If the additional information or documentation is minor and can be easily provided, it is possible that another interview may not be necessary. However, if significant new information or documentation is needed, it is likely that another interview will be scheduled to ensure all evidence is properly reviewed. It is always best to provide as much information and documentation as possible during the first interview to avoid delays in processing your case.

20. If my case has been pending for a long time, does that mean my chances of being approved are lower?

Not necessarily. The length of time a case has been pending does not directly affect the chances of approval. Each case is evaluated on its own merits, and factors such as the strength of evidence and eligibility criteria are taken into consideration. However, if a case has been pending for an extended period, it may be worth contacting the appropriate agency or attorney to inquire about the status and any potential delays that may be affecting the timeline for a decision.