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At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience and a decade of experience representing individuals and families seeking lawful permanent status or green cards in the U.S.

While most individuals applying for adjustment of status (AOS) are required to attend an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are circumstances where the interview can be waived.

Green Card Interview Waivers

When You Can Skip the Green Card Adjustment of Status Interview: Understanding Interview Waivers

It’s important to note that the decision to waive the interview is entirely at the discretion of USCIS, and even seemingly straightforward cases may still require an interview. Keeping all documentation thorough and complete can improve the chances of waiving the interview, but applicants should always be prepared for the possibility.

Here are common situations where the interview may be waived:

  • Marriage-Based Green Cards

If the applicant and the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse have been married for a long time, and sufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage has been provided, USCIS may waive the interview. This is especially true for those who have already been interviewed for a conditional green card and are now applying to remove conditions.

  • Employment-Based Green Cards

In employment-based AOS cases, interviews may be waived if the applicant’s employment background is well-documented and the sponsoring employer’s legitimacy and ability to pay have been clearly established. These cases generally involve little doubt about the applicant’s eligibility.

  • Petition for Parents of U.S. Citizens

In cases where a U.S. citizen petitions for their parent, the relationship is usually easy to prove, and if no significant concerns arise in the application review, the interview may be waived.

  • VAWA, U visas, and Humanitarian Cases

In cases involving VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitioners, U visa holders, or individuals granted humanitarian parole, USCIS may waive the interview if the case documentation is robust and compelling enough to prove eligibility without additional questioning.

  • No Criminal Record or Security Issues

If the applicant has no criminal record, no prior immigration violations, and all background checks are clear, USCIS may find no need to interview the applicant.

All petitioners should be prepared for a Green Card Adjustment of Status interview, as it is a critical step in the immigration process where USCIS officers assess the validity of the application and eligibility. Even though some interviews may be waived, many applicants are still required to attend, and failing to prepare adequately can lead to delays, additional scrutiny, or even denial of the petition.

Our experienced immigration attorney in Illinois can help by ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, coaching on what to expect during the interview, and addressing potential issues.

Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today For a Consultation

Proper legal guidance can make the process smoother and increase the chances of a successful outcome. Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.

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