Green Card Application: Expected Questions

Introduction

Filing your green card application to become a lawful permanent resident of the US is a significant milestone in every immigrant’s journey. For many, this process presents new challenges, along with the opportunity to work and reside in the US while maintaining a permanent resident status.  

If you plan to apply for a family-based green card or have already begun the process, continue reading. We have addressed all questions that may be asked during your green card application, so you can confidently approach the process, knowing what to expect. 

Green Card Application: Expected Questions

We have compiled a list of sample questions you may be asked during your green card application process. Answer all the questions accurately and truthfully, ensuring you do not leave out or misrepresent any important immigration information. 

This list indicates the questions that may be asked, derived from various immigration forms used during the green card process. Although some questions are the same for all applicants, others may differ depending on whether you are the sponsoring spouse or the beneficiary, or whether you are applying from within or outside the US. 

Questions for Both Spouses

Some of the questions during the application process are general, such as your name, height, place of birth, physical address, and mailing address. There are also specific questions related to your immigration status, so you should prepare well before filling out the form and even consult an experienced immigration attorney if you face any problems. 

Personal Questions 

This information must be filed under the “Information about you” section. 

• What is your current legal name?
• What other names have you used since birth (aliases, maiden names, and nicknames)? 
• What is your date of birth?
• Have you ever used any other date of birth? If yes, mention those dates as well.
• Where were you born?
• What is your current mailing address?
• What is your phone number?
• What is your email address?

Biographical Information or Physical Attributes

The USCIS form typically contains multiple options, allowing you to select the most accurate one.

• What is your sex?
• What is your ethnicity (Hispanic/Latino or not Hispanic/Latino)?
• What is your race (White, Asian, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)?
• What is your height?
• What is your weight?
• What is your eye color (Black, Blue, Brown, Gray, Hazel, Maroon, Pink, Green, or other/unknown)?
• What is your hair colour?

Typically, when selecting your sex on your immigration form, you will only see the options ‘male’ or ‘female’. Also, remember to convert your weight in pounds before filing the option. 

Residential Information

Your green card application form will have different columns asking for your residential history. Remember to provide the complete addresses of all your previous homes. The USCIS will use your current physical and mailing addresses to send you notices. 

• What is your current physical address?
• When did you first move to your current physical address?
• Have you lived at your current address for at least 5 years? 
• Where else have you lived in the past five years, whether abroad or in the US? 
• When and how long did you live at each prior address?
• As a couple, have you physically lived together? If yes, mention that address. 

The centre processing your green card application will also be decided based on your current address.   

Relationship History

• When did you get married to your spouse?
• Where did you get married to your spouse? 
• Have you been previously married? If yes, then for how long?
• How many times have you been previously married? 
• What are your previous spouses’ legal names, dates, and countries of birth?
• When did your marriage to each previous spouse end?

Family History

In your green card application, you would need to fill out a separate space for information about your parents, divided into “Parent 1” and “Parent 2.”

• What are your parents’ current legal names?
• What were the birth names of your parents?
• In which city and country does each parent live?
• Is either or both of your parents deceased?
• When were your parents born/What is your parents’ date of birth? 
• Where were your parents born?

Employment History

• What is your current job?
• What were your previous jobs?
• Are you currently unemployed, or have you been unemployed in the past five years?
• How long have you worked at your current job?
• How long have you worked at your previous jobs?

Immigration Status

You may also be asked questions to verify your immigration and citizenship status, and your identity. 

• What is your A-number (Alien-number)?
• What is your Social Security Number? 
• What US government-issued documents do you have?

Questions for Sponsoring Spouse

Specific questions may be asked only of the sponsoring spouse about their immigration status, financial capability, etc. 

US Citizenship or LPR

• Are you a US citizen? 
• How did you become a US citizen/LPR?
• Did you become an LPR/US citizen through adoption? 

Previous Green Card Applications?

The USCIS may ask questions related to the green card applications you have sponsored in the past to determine whether your current application is genuine and bona fide. 

• Have you previously filed green card applications for any of your previous spouses, or anyone other than your spouse? 
• Were the previous green card applications that you sponsored approved or denied?
• Have you filed an affidavit of support for anyone else in the past? If yes, mention the number of times and the duration of your obligation.

Questions related to Finances and Household

Another primary part of a green card application is the beneficiary spouse sponsoring the applicant by filing a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. The USCIS may ask the following questions related to your finances and the members of your household:

• How many members are there in your household?
• How many of these members are earning?
• Do you have any unmarried children below 18 years of age?
• Are there any other dependents in your household?
• As per your tax returns, what is your current annual income?
• What is the current value of your assets (bank accounts, investments, and property)?
• Can you meet the income requirements to file an Affidavit of Support for your spouse?

Questions related to how you obtained US Citizenship/LPR Status?

• Did you obtain your US citizenship at birth?
• Are you a naturalized citizen? If yes, do you have a naturalization certificate or a citizenship certificate? 
• What is your green card number?
• When did you become an LPR?

Questions for the Beneficiary Spouse

Several questions in different immigration forms are specific only to the green card applicant. Remember to prepare accurate and truthful responses to these questions to avoid any mistakes or delays in your green card application process.  

Immigration History

• What is your current country of citizenship and nationality? 
• Have you previously applied for a US green card?
• Have you previously been admitted to the US? If yes, what was your immigration status? 
• What was the duration of your previous visit to the US? 
• What does your current passport/travel documents expire? 
• What is your passport number? 
• Have you ever been denied a  US visa or refused entry to the US?
• Have you ever been placed in removal or deportation proceedings? 
• Have you ever been a national of any country other than your current home country?
• Have you ever relinquished your nationality?
• Do you plan to reside in the US after your green card is approved? 
• Are either of your parents US citizens or lawful permanent residents? 

Inadmissibility Questions

There are multiple reasons why you may be inadmissible to apply for a US marriage-based green card, ranging from visa overstays, health grounds such as physical or mental disorders, national security reasons, criminal history, drug and addiction history, etc. 

The USCIS may ask you to furnish records and documents and ask questions about these grounds of inadmissibility. If you are inadmissible for any reason, it is advised that you answer the questions truthfully, avoiding any misrepresentation, and consult an expert immigration lawyer.

Residential and Employment Inquiry

• What places have you lived since 16 years of age? 
• What is the address where you live/plan to live when you enter the US? 
• How many people live at this address? 
• Do you presently have any dependents living at your address? 
• What profession do you pursue? 
• What is your job title? 
• What is your work phone number? 
• What is your work email ID? 
• What is your office address? 
• Have you ever been deputed or transferred by your company to work in the US? 
• Were you unemployed at time in the past 10 years? If yes, what was the reason? 
• Have you served in the military of any country? 
• Do you have documented proof of any special skills? 

Education History

• What is the name and address of the school you graduated from? 
• What is the address of your previous school? If there is more than one, state the name and address of each school.
• What field of study did you pursue in these schools? 
• What is your highest educational qualification? 

Questions Specific to Application Route

Different questions may be asked depending on whether you are applying from within or outside the US. If you apply for a marriage-based green card from within the US, you may have to apply for work authorization to carry on employment in the US. Additionally, if you plan to travel to a foreign country from the US, while the USCIS processes your application, you must apply for travel authorization.  

Conclusion 

Getting a green card is a big step, and clearly understanding the process can make things much smoother. Answering questions truthfully and staying organized with your paperwork will save you time and effort. Knowing what to expect is key, whether you are the applicant or the sponsoring spouse. With this guide, you get an idea of the questions that may be asked and prepare your response in advance.  

Contact FileRight Today!

Even after knowing the different types of documents that you may have to attach and bring to your interview, the green card process can still be complicated and overwhelming. By consulting the expert immigration attorneys of FileRight, you can minimize the chance of mistakes and reduce the chances of denials and requests for additional evidence.

Here’s how FileRight can help you:

1. Immigration Error Report: With FileRight’s error report technology, you can have a complete overview of all mistakes and errors, including a review of the eligibility requirements.
2. Supporting Documents Step-by-Step Instructions: FileRight provides easy-to-understand step-by-step document preparation instructions so that you can file all the relevant supporting documents to strengthen your green card application.
3. Post-Filing Support: After filing for a green card, you have to check the case status and follow up with the USCIS. FileRight’s experienced immigration lawyers are ready to answer all the questions you may have after filing for a green card and will help you regularly check case status and follow up with the USCIS.

Book a consultation with our team to get the expert support you need to become a lawful permanent resident!