1. What is the purpose of the interview for I-864?

The purpose of the interview for I-864, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is to assess the financial ability and willingness of a family member or sponsor to financially support an intending immigrant on their journey to permanent residency in the United States. This form is required to show that the sponsored individual will not become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government assistance for their financial needs. The interview allows the U.S. government to confirm that the sponsor meets these requirements and has sufficient resources available to support themselves and their sponsored immigrant without relying on public benefits.

2. How long does it take for an interview to be scheduled after submitting Form I-864?

The timeline for scheduling an interview after submitting Form I-864 can vary greatly. Factors such as the workload of the USCIS office where the application was submitted, the complexity of the case, and any unforeseen delays can all impact the timing of an interview.

In general, it is not possible to accurately predict how long it will take for an interview to be scheduled. However, applicants can check the processing times for their specific USCIS office on their website to get a better idea of current wait times. It is also recommended to regularly check for updates or requests for additional information from USCIS and respond promptly to avoid any further delays.

3. Will both the petitioner and beneficiary be required to attend the interview?

Both the petitioner and beneficiary may be required to attend the interview. This is at the discretion of the consular officer conducting the interview. In some cases, only the beneficiary will be required to attend, while in others both parties may need to attend. It is important to carefully follow all instructions provided by the consulate regarding who must attend the interview.

4. Can the interview be rescheduled if the scheduled date is not convenient?

It is usually possible to reschedule an interview if the scheduled date is not convenient. You should contact the company or interviewer as soon as possible to let them know of your conflict and request a different date. They may be able to accommodate your request, but keep in mind that their schedule may also be limited and they may not be able to find another suitable time.

When requesting a rescheduled interview, it is important to apologize for any inconvenience and explain your reason for needing to change the date. Be polite and professional in your communication, and make sure you commit to a specific alternative date and time that works for both parties.

If there are multiple candidates being interviewed, it is possible that the interviewer will not have flexibility in their schedule and cannot accommodate a rescheduled interview. In this case, you should try your best to make the original date work or consider withdrawing from the interview process if it conflicts with an important commitment or event.

5. What documents should I bring to the interview for I-864?

When attending an interview for the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, you should bring the following documents:

1. Completed and signed Form I-864: This is the main document that demonstrates your financial support for the intending immigrant.

2. Supporting financial documents: These may include your most recent tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, proof of employment, bank statements, and any other evidence of income or assets.

3. Proof of citizenship or permanent residency: You will need to show a valid government-issued identification document to prove your status as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

4. Sponsor’s letter of employment: If you are currently employed, you can bring a letter from your employer stating your job position, salary, and length of employment.

5. Sufficient proof of relationship: If you are sponsoring a family member, bring documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates to establish your relationship.

6. Evidence of assets: If your income alone does not meet the income requirement, you can also provide documentation of ownership in valuable assets such as real estate or stocks.

7. Any court orders relating to child support or alimony obligations: If you are required by law to provide financial support to anyone else, bring documentation showing this obligation.

8. A copy of Form I-864A (if applicable): If someone else is also contributing to meet the minimum income requirement, they will need to submit Form I-864A along with their supporting documents.

9. Photocopies: Bring photocopies of all these documents (except for government-issued identification documents) in case they are needed for recordkeeping purposes.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the immigration officer’s discretion. It is always recommended to consult with an immigration attorney before attending the interview to ensure that you have all necessary documentation to support your sponsorship.

6. Will a representative be allowed to attend the interview on behalf of the petitioner or beneficiary?

In most cases, a representative may attend the interview on behalf of the petitioner or beneficiary with written authorization from the petitioner or beneficiary and proof of their relationship to the case. However, this may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and it is ultimately up to the discretion of the interviewing officer.

7. Who will conduct the interview?

It depends on the purpose and context of the interview. It could be conducted by a hiring manager, a human resources representative, a journalist or media personality, an academic researcher, etc.

8. What kind of questions can I expect during the interview for I-864?

During the interview for an I-864, also known as the Affidavit of Support, you can expect questions related to your financial situation and ability to financially support the immigrant. Some common questions may include:

1. What is your relationship to the immigrant?
2. Have you previously sponsored any other immigrants?
3. How long have you been employed at your current job and what is your occupation?
4. What is your annual income?
5. Do you have any sources of income besides your employment?
6. Do you have any dependents or financial obligations that could affect your ability to support the immigrant?
7. Is your income likely to change in the near future?
8. Are you able and willing to financially support the immigrant if they are not able to support themselves?
9. Have you filed taxes in previous years? Can you provide copies of tax returns or W-2 forms?
10. Are there any factors that may disqualify you from being a sponsor, such as a criminal record or past bankruptcy?

It is important to be honest with your answers and provide supporting documentation when necessary. The purpose of these questions is to ensure that the immigrant will not become a public charge and that they will have sufficient financial support upon their arrival in the United States.

9. Will my financial support be evaluated during the interview?

It’s not likely that your financial support will be evaluated during an interview, unless the position you are interviewing for involves handling finances or if the interviewer specifically asks about your financial situation. Generally, interviews focus on your qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared to answer questions about your financial stability or how you plan to handle any potential conflicts of interest related to finances in the workplace.

10. Are there any specific income requirements for Form I-864?

Yes, the income requirements for Form I-864 vary depending on the petitioner’s household size and their state of residence. Generally, the petitioner must have a household income that is at least 125% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines for their household size. However, if the petitioner is sponsoring an immediate relative such as a spouse or parent, they are only required to have a household income that is at least 100% of the poverty guidelines. Additionally, if the petitioner is not able to meet the income requirements on their own, they may use assets and/or a joint sponsor to supplement their income. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney or financial advisor for specific information on income requirements for Form I-864.

11. Can I provide additional evidence or documents at the time of the interview?

Yes, you can provide additional evidence or documents at the time of the interview if it is relevant to your case. However, it’s always best to submit all relevant information and evidence before the interview so that it can be properly reviewed beforehand. If you do have additional evidence or documents to submit, make sure to bring them with you to the interview and provide them to the interviewer.

12. Is it necessary to have a joint sponsor present at the interview?

It is not necessary for a joint sponsor to be present at the interview. However, the joint sponsor’s financial information and sponsorship documents may be requested during the interview process.

13. Do all family members listed on Form I-864 need to attend the interview?

No, not all family members listed on Form I-864 need to attend the interview. Typically, only the petitioner or joint sponsor (if applicable) needs to attend the interview. However, if a particular family member’s financial resources are critical to meeting the income requirement, it may be helpful for them to also attend the interview.

14. Will there be an interpreter provided during the interview, if needed?

Yes, an interpreter can be provided during the interview, if needed. Please let us know in advance if you require an interpreter so we can make the necessary arrangements. We want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in the interview process and communicate effectively with our team.

15. Does USCIS conduct background checks during these interviews?

Yes, USCIS conducts background checks on all applicants during the naturalization process. These background checks may include a review of an applicant’s criminal records, employment history, and immigration history. Applicants are also required to submit fingerprints for a background check through the FBI. These checks are done to ensure that applicants meet the eligibility requirements for citizenship and do not have a history of criminal activity or other factors that would disqualify them from obtaining citizenship.

16. How important is it to provide accurate information on Form I-864 before attending an interview?

It is extremely important to provide accurate and complete information on Form I-864 before attending an interview. This form serves as a contract between the sponsor and the government, and any false or incorrect information could lead to serious consequences, including denial of the visa application or legal penalties. Additionally, providing accurate information helps to establish the sponsor’s ability to financially support the intending immigrant and can help strengthen the case for approval of the visa application.

17. What happens if there are discrepancies between my Form I-864 and other documents presented at the time of my immigration application?

If there are discrepancies between your Form I-864 and other documents presented at the time of your immigration application, it may raise concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. This could potentially delay or even result in a denial of your immigration application. It is important to ensure that all information provided on the Form I-864 is consistent with the other documents and evidence presented. If there are any discrepancies, it is best to address them with an attorney or USCIS before submitting your application.

18. Can USCIS deny my application if they are not satisfied with my financial ability to support my sponsored immigrant?

Yes, USCIS may deny an application if they are not satisfied with the financial ability of the sponsor to support the sponsored immigrant. This is because it is the responsibility of the sponsor to ensure that they can financially support the immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge. If USCIS determines that the sponsor does not have sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant, they may deny the application. It is important for sponsors to provide thorough and accurate information about their finances in order to increase their chances of approval.

19.What are some common reasons for denial after an I-864 interview has been scheduled?

1. Insufficient Income or Assets: If the sponsor does not meet the minimum income requirement or does not have enough assets to support the immigrant, their application may be denied.

2. Inadequate Documentation: If the sponsor fails to provide sufficient evidence of their income or assets, or if the documentation is deemed unreliable or fraudulent, their application may be denied.

3. Criminal Record: If the sponsor has a criminal record that renders them ineligible to sponsor an immigrant, their application will likely be denied.

4. Failure to Appear: If the sponsor fails to appear for the interview without a valid reason, their application may be denied.

5. Fraudulent Marriage: If there is evidence that the marriage between the sponsor and immigrant was entered into solely for immigration purposes, their application will likely be denied.

6. Previous Sponsorship Affidavit: If the sponsor has previously sponsored an immigrant and did not fulfill their financial obligations, their new sponsorship affidavit may be denied.

7. Public Charge Grounds: If there is evidence that the sponsored immigrant may become a public charge (dependent on government benefits), their application may be denied.

8. False Information or Misrepresentation: Providing false information or misrepresenting facts during the I-864 process can result in a denial of sponsorship.

9. Lack of Relationship between Sponsor and Immigrant: If it appears that there is no genuine relationship between the sponsor and immigrant, their application may be denied.

10. Age Discrepancies: Significant age differences between spouses can lead to increased scrutiny by immigration officials and could potentially result in a denial of sponsorship.

20.Can USCIS request additional evidence after an I-864 interview has been conducted?

Yes, USCIS has the authority to request additional evidence or information after an I-864 interview has been conducted. This may occur if USCIS needs more information to make a decision on the petition, or if there are discrepancies or concerns with the evidence provided. It is important for applicants to respond promptly and thoroughly to any requests for additional evidence in order to avoid delays in processing their case.