The Immigration Interview: Four Tips for Success

If you have an immigration interview scheduled for some point in the future, you should begin preparing as soon as possible. Being as prepared as possible can help ensure the best possible results. The following four tips will help you to avoid common problems.

Listen Carefully and Bring an Interpreter If Needed

When you are in the interview make sure you take the time to listen to each question carefully. If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. If you are not confident in your ability to understand English easily, consider bringing an interpreter with you to assist. You do not need to rush your answers either, so don’t hesitate to take a brief moment to formulate your response before speaking. This will help ensure you convey the information you would like.

Bring All Your Documents (And Copies)

You want to bring all the documents that you could need with you. This includes things like visas, proof of employment or attendance at a school, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and other items. Bring the originals to show the officers, as well as copies that they can keep if needed.

Arrive on Time and Ready to Be Interviewed

One of the most important things you can do is make sure you arrive to the office on time and ready to go. Ideally you should be there at least 15 minutes before the appointment is set to begin. Being ready to be interviewed means that you should be dressed as nice as possible and have the answers to common questions ready in your mind.

Don’t Proceed Without Your Attorney

If you arrive for your interview early, the immigration officers may invite you to begin the interview early. While it may be uncomfortable to refuse to begin early, it is important that you do not proceed without your attorney present. If you face this situation, simply politely decline and tell the officer that you would rather wait until your attorney arrives. They cannot require you to begin without your attorney, so don’t feel pressured to do so.

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