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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

The interview process for an I-751 petition to remove conditions on your residence is critical in demonstrating that your marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration benefits.

While not all applicants are required to attend an interview, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may schedule one if additional scrutiny is needed. Here, Shobhana Kasturi, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Process for I-751 Petitions

What to Expect During the I-751 Interview

The primary goal of the I-751 interview is to verify that the marriage was genuine and not intended to evade immigration laws. USCIS will want to confirm that the relationship was entered into in good faith and continues to be legitimate.

USCIS officers typically ask personal and detailed questions about your marriage, relationship timeline, and daily life.

Common questions include:

  • How did you meet your spouse?
  • What are your spouse’s hobbies, interests, and family background?
  • What are your living arrangements, including who cooks, or how are household finances managed?
  • Questions about significant events, including vacations, anniversaries, or holidays spent together.

The interview usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the officer’s questions. The officers may also ask for clarification of any red flags in the application, such as extended periods of separation or inconsistencies in the documentation.

USCIS will review the evidence submitted with your I-751 petition, including joint financial documents, photos, leases, bills, and other evidence showing a shared life. Be prepared to discuss and elaborate on this evidence if asked.

Do Both Spouses Have to Attend an I-751 Interview?

You and your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse must attend the interview together. In some cases, such as if you have divorced after submitting the petition, only the conditional resident will attend the interview.

How to Prepare for the I-751 Interview

Before the interview, review all the documentation and evidence you submitted with the I-751 petition. Familiarize yourself with your relationship’s timeline, and be ready to explain any gaps or potential concerns USCIS may have.

Bring updated evidence of your relationship, including recent joint bank statements, leases, utility bills, photographs, insurance documents, and other relevant materials that show your continued life together.

Ensure you and your spouse are on the same page with the details. Practice answering questions about your relationship with your spouse. The questions can range from routine to personal, so both spouses should be prepared to answer openly and honestly.

The interview can feel stressful, but it’s essential to remain calm and honest in your responses. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to admit it than to guess or provide inaccurate information.

How Our Skilled Immigration Attorney in Illinois Can Help

Our dedicated Illinois immigration attorney can help you prepare by reviewing your case in detail, identifying potential weaknesses, and advising you on the questions you may encounter.

We can conduct mock interviews to help you feel more comfortable and ensure you and your spouse are well-prepared. We can also help you gather and present the strongest possible evidence to support your case, ensuring that you have the necessary documentation to prove the authenticity of your marriage.

If your case raises red flags, we can help you address these issues proactively during the interview. If any problems arise during or after the interview, such as requests for additional evidence or complications with your case, we can provide ongoing legal support and guidance, helping you navigate any follow-up steps.

Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today For a Consultation

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.