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What are Common Green Card Interview Questions?

Stacy C.
Stacy C.

Green card interview questions are generally designed to test the knowledge of people who would like to permanently move from their country of origin to the United States. Questions are usually asked about U.S. history, about people of significance to the country, and about how the American government works. If the green card interview is scheduled because an immigrant has married a U.S. citizen and is seeking permanent residence, the questions are more personal and revolve largely around the relationship. Employment-based green cards do not always require interviews, but if one is given, simple questions are usually asked about the interviewee's job function and place of employment.

Immigrants who would like to live in the U.S. permanently have to go through a citizenship interview with an immigration officer from the federal Citizenship and Immigration Services to prove they have sufficient knowledge about the country. Green card interview questions may center around current events and information, such as the President and Vice President, but can also delve deep into the history of the country. Immigrants should expect to know historical facts like what the stars and stripes on the American flag symbolize, who the first President was, and what the Fourth of July celebrates, among other things. Some personal questions may also be asked, such as why the immigrant would like to become a U.S. citizen.

Green card interview questions cover US history, people of significance and how American government works.
Green card interview questions cover US history, people of significance and how American government works.

Marriage-based green card interview questions will include many personal inquiries about the relationship. These can range from very broad to extremely detailed. Questions may include how, when, and where the couple met; what each other's likes and dislikes are; how, when, and where the couple got married; what each other's family histories are; career aspirations; and what religious and political views each other have. The questions can also be very detailed to test that the couple actually spends time together and is not just marrying for the citizenship. These questions will usually include mundane things about everyday life, such as what cereal the other person eats or the color of the kitchen curtains.

Green card interview questions may center around current events.
Green card interview questions may center around current events.

The first round of questioning in this type of process is usually not particularly intrusive. If the first round of green card interview questions are not satisfactorily answered and the officer suspects the couple is marrying just for citizenship, however, the questions may get extremely intimate. Queries about the couple's sex life, personal hygiene, and other intimacies are not off limits.

Discussion Comments

Glasshouse

How much does it cost to acquire a green card? Must a person pay an annual fee for their green card? I would assume there is a green card cost, because of all the work going into verifying information in the application. The only problem I see with this is that it creates an economic barrier for those trying to enter the country. If there is a green card cost, how does the government design the process so it is fair for everyone else? I think this must be important in creating a just and diverse society, since the green card process is one of the cornerstones of building society.

PelesTears

@Submariner- To answer your question about the permanence of a green card, a green card recipient will need to reapply for residency every ten years. Within six months of expiration, you will need to file a form I-551 to renew your permanent resident status. If you are a conditional resident, you will need to file another form so that you can have your conditions for residency removed.

There is always a chance that your green card renewal application will be denied, which will require a number of other forms be filed to petition the ruling. There always has to be a reason for an application to be denied, and a negative ruling cannot be appealed. You can only submit evidence that your situation has changed, or the information given was wrong in hopes that residency will be renewed. I hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

Comparables

How hard are the questions that they ask those seeking a family Green Card? Is there anywhere I can find sample green card interview questions? My mother wants to move to this country from Eastern Europe, but she still needs to learn a little about American history and culture. Can she take a class for immigrants? What resources are available for those trying to immigrate to the United States?

Alchemy

@submariner- A number of situations qualify a person for a green card. The article discussed obtaining a green card through marriage, but this is only one situation where a green card can be granted. The other most common types of green cards are those for a job, asylum, or for family. Each of these types of green cards has different application requirements.

Family green cards are the easiest to obtain. If I am not mistaken, family members of a United States citizen are have priority over most others applying for a green card. To qualify for this type of green card, someone who is a permanent resident of the United States must petition on behalf of the person trying to immigrate to this country.

Green cards for employment are granted for those who can contribute to the American economy without displacing an American worker. I know a number of people who have received their green card through because of the lack of employable Americans in the science and technology fields.

Asylee and Refugee green cards are granted to those seeking asylum for humanitarian reasons. Asylum and residency for refugees is granted after the refugee or asylee has been in the country for over a year.

submariner

Is a USA green card permanent? Does a green card recipient need to reapply every so often like a driver’s license, or are they permanent citizens once the green card process is completed? What does it take to become a dual citizen? Is this even possible, or must one denounce his or her former country before becoming an American Citizen?

I find the details of citizenship interesting, and I would like to learn more about the path to citizenship. I was born as a U.S. citizen abroad, but I have family members across the globe. Within my immediate family, including my grandparents, there are citizens of at least four different countries, ranging from the Caribbean to Europe, to East Asia.

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    • Green card interview questions cover US history, people of significance and how American government works.
      By: Anna
      Green card interview questions cover US history, people of significance and how American government works.
    • Green card interview questions may center around current events.
      By: Jeanette Dietl
      Green card interview questions may center around current events.
    • Questions about how and when a couple got married are common during a green card interview.
      By: kazoka303030
      Questions about how and when a couple got married are common during a green card interview.
    • Green card interviews may focus on the length of time a couple has been together.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Green card interviews may focus on the length of time a couple has been together.
    • Green card interview questions may pertain to the type of work an immigrant plans on obtaining.
      By: pio3
      Green card interview questions may pertain to the type of work an immigrant plans on obtaining.