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When applying for a green card, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct an interview where they ask applicants questions to verify the applicant is eligible to become a permanent resident and that all of the information provided on their application is valid. During the naturalization process, it is critical to come prepared for your immigration interview. Unfortunately, many people attend their immigration interview unprepared, and the consequences can be devastating as their case may be denied or even result in their deportation. Coming to your interview prepared is imperative to maximize your chance of a favorable outcome. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for your immigration interview and discover how a knowledgeable Middlesex County, New Jersey Green Card Lawyer can help you today.
What are the best ways to prepare for an immigration interview?
To increase your chances of winning your immigration case, you should arrive at your immigration interview on time. Often, long lines could stall your progress in making it to your interview on time. That said, arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot is advised. Alongside arriving at your appointment on time, you should dress appropriately. Despite many not wanting to be judged based on their appearance, it is often the reality. USCIS officers will judge applicants based on their manner of appearance. Therefore, you should dress conservatively and professionally, as immigration interviews are serious.
In some cases, USCIS officers may call you for your interview earlier than your appointed time. Regardless of whether the USCIS officer is pressuring you to begin the interview without your lawyer present, it would be best if you waited until your lawyer has arrived to start. Do not make the avoidable mistake of agreeing to be interviewed without your lawyer present, as it can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Without a lawyer present, USCIS officers may disregard your legal rights and deny your case without valid reasoning. A lawyer will protect your rights throughout the interview.
Once the interview begins, USCIS officers will ask specific questions and expect you to give direct answers. If you do not directly answer the questions asked, it will hurt your chances of reaching a favorable outcome. As mentioned above, the interview aims to ensure that applicants are eligible and the information provided on their applications is valid. It will hurt your case if the officer cannot verify your information because you do not provide logical answers. If you are not fluent in English, you must bring an interpreter who can help you understand the questions being asked. However, the interpreter can only relay the questions asked and the answers given. Furthermore, it would be best if you came prepared with original documents and copies for the USCIS officer. The immigration officer will examine these documents and ask for a copy to keep in their files.
If you do not come prepared for your immigration interview, USCIS officers will think you are not taking this process seriously, destroying your case. If you have an upcoming immigration interview, contact an adept Middlesex County green card lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC. Our firm is prepared to help you prepare for your immigration interview and ensure your rights are protected.