The Visa Interview and Interviews for Other Immigration Proceedings
Once a visa applicant’s file is complete, all fees have been paid, and all of the required documentation has been submitted, the National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule an interview with the applicant. The applicant, petitioner, attorney, and third-party agent if applicable, will all receive appointment notifications by email, or letter. This notification will include the date and time of the interview and instructions as well. These instructions are very important as they describe what items the applicant needs to bring to the interview and contains other valuable information as well.
The following is a list of items that the visa applicant must bring to the interview:
- The appointment letter that the applicant received from the National Visa Center
- An unexpired passport that is valid for six months beyond the applicant’s intended date of entry into the United States
- Two identical color photographs for each applicant
- The results of the applicant’s medical examination
- Any unpaid fees
- Original documents or certified copies, and one photocopy of each document, except your passport and photographs, for every family member that applied for a visa
In addition to visa applications, many other immigration procedures require an interview as well. These interviews are conducted by an official from the USCIS and may require the applicant to bring other items to the interview besides the items that are listed above. Whatever items the applicant needs to bring should be spelled out in the notification letter that he or she receives from the USCIS.
The applicant should make sure that they are well prepared for the interview so that it goes well. For example, the applicant should make sure that they are prepared to answer personal questions if the interview is related to their marriage to a U.S. citizen. The applicant should also dress appropriately for the interview, follow the directions of the USCIS officer, remain calm, be on time, and it would be beneficial to bring an attorney to the interview as well. Much of the tenor of the interview will depend on the personality of the USCIS officer that is conducting it, and while the officer does not have anything against the applicant personally, it is important to remember that it is the officer’s job to determine if there is anything about the applicant’s background or current circumstances that should disqualify them from obtaining the immigration status they applied for.
Immigration interviews are extremely important because of the significant impact they have on the interviewee’s immigration status. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals in this situation enlist the aid of an attorney to help them prepare and assist them during the actual interview. Attorney Jose C. Campos, Esq. has significant experience in immigration interviews and will strongly advocate for your position which will enhance the prospect of achieving your desired outcome in the interview.
Please contact us to get more information or to schedule an appointment.
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