​​​​Purpose of a USCIS Interview

USCIS interviews serve multiple purposes depending on the type of application. In general, officers use interviews to confirm identity, review the application for accuracy, ask follow-up questions, and assess whether the applicant meets all legal requirements. Officers also evaluate credibility, consistency between oral testimony and written filings, and whether there are any inadmissibility or eligibility issues.

 

USCIS interviews are conducted under oath. Everything said during the interview becomes part of the permanent immigration record and may be used in future applications or proceedings. Even minor inconsistencies or misunderstandings can create problems if not addressed carefully.

 

​​​​Asylum Interviews With USCIS

​An asylum interview is one of the most detailed and sensitive interviews conducted by USCIS. In affirmative asylum cases, the interview is typically conducted by a specially trained asylum officer rather than a general USCIS officer. The officer’s role is to determine whether the applicant qualifies for asylum based on past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution on a protected ground.

 

During the asylum interview, the officer closely examines the applicant’s personal declaration, background, and country conditions. Questions often focus on what happened, who was involved, why the harm occurred, and whether the home government was unable or unwilling to provide protection. Officers also assess credibility, including consistency, detail, and demeanor. Because asylum claims often involve traumatic experiences, interviews may last several hours and include difficult questions.

 

Preparation for an asylum interview is critical. Applicants must be familiar with their written application and supporting evidence and be prepared to explain their experiences clearly and truthfully. Inconsistencies between testimony and written submissions are a common reason for asylum denials or referrals to immigration court.

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​​​Other Common USCIS Interviews

​In marriage-based green card interviews, USCIS focuses on whether the marriage is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. Officers may ask questions about the relationship history, daily life, finances, and future plans. In some cases, spouses may be interviewed together or separately.

 

For naturalization interviews, USCIS reviews eligibility, travel history, good moral character, and administers the English and civics tests unless an exemption applies. Officers also review the applicant’s entire immigration history, including prior filings and any pending applications such as an I-751.

 

In VAWA, U visa, or other humanitarian cases, USCIS interviews may focus on credibility, eligibility, and whether statutory requirements are met. Some humanitarian cases are approved without interviews, but USCIS retains discretion to schedule one if additional clarification is needed.

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​​​​What Happens After the Interview

​After the interview, USCIS may approve the case, request additional evidence, continue the case for further review, or deny the application. In asylum cases, a denial may result in referral to immigration court, where the applicant may have another opportunity to present the claim defensively. In other cases, a denial may trigger appeal rights or the ability to refile, depending on the benefit sought. Because the interview record can follow an applicant throughout their immigration journey, how the interview is handled can affect future benefits, including green card renewal or citizenship.

 

Many immigration cases are denied not because the applicant is ineligible, but because of poor interview preparation, misunderstandings, or inconsistent testimony. An experienced immigration interview lawyer can help applicants understand what questions to expect, review potential problem areas, and prepare clear, accurate responses.

 

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Attorney Fee:

USCIS Family-Based or Naturalization Interview: $800 - $1000

USCIS Asylum Interview: $1000

USCIS Asylum Legal Preparation + Interview: $2500

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At Dream Immigration Law, we help clients prepare for USCIS interviews with careful case review, mock interviews when appropriate, and strategic guidance tailored to the type of application. Our goal is to help clients approach USCIS interviews with confidence, clarity, and a full understanding of what is at stake.

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