USCIS Interview Preparation Guide: Tips from an Immigration Lawyer in Newport Beach, CA

✅ 1. Know What Type of Interview You’re Attending

There are several types of USCIS interviews, including:

• Marriage-Based Green Card Interviews

• Employment-Based Green Card Interviews

• Naturalization (N-400) Interviews

• Adjustment of Status Interviews

• Asylum or Humanitarian Case Interviews

Each has different requirements, questions, and possible outcomes. Working with a local immigration attorney ensures you prepare for your specific case — not just generic advice.

✅ 2. Bring the Right Documents — Every Time

Even a simple mistake like a missing form or ID can delay your case or lead to a denial. Here’s a basic checklist to review:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Interview notice (Form I-797C)

• Original birth, marriage, and divorce certificates (plus translations)

• Updated pay stubs, tax returns, and sponsor information (for green cards)

• Any documents requested in your RFE or notice letter

• Your entire application copy (bring what you submitted)

💡 Pro tip: Use labeled folders to keep your documents organized. We help clients review these during pre-interview prep at our Newport Beach office.

✅ 3. Practice Answering Common Questions

USCIS officers are trained to assess your credibility and the accuracy of your application. Expect questions like:

For Green Card Applicants:

• How did you meet your spouse?

• Where do you live?

• Who pays the bills?

• What side of the bed do you sleep on?

For Citizenship Applicants:

• What does the Constitution do?

• Who is the current governor of California?

• Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?

  
  

We offer mock interview sessions to help clients feel confident and avoid panic under pressure.

✅ 4. Know Your Case’s Weak Points — and Address Them

Have a past overstay? A misdemeanor charge? A prior immigration denial?

Don’t hide it — explain it. USCIS already knows. We help you prepare clear, honest explanations supported by legal waivers, affidavits, or supplemental evidence.

✅ 5. Consider Bringing an Attorney with You

Bringing an attorney to your USCIS interview is your right — and in many cases, it’s the smartest move. Here's why:

• We ensure fair treatment and help clarify any confusion with the officer.

• If your interview goes off-track or becomes adversarial, we can intervene.

• We provide real-time legal support in case of unexpected issues.

Anthony Marcus has represented clients at USCIS Santa Ana and Los Angeles field offices with successful outcomes — even in tough or high-risk cases.

📍 Serving All of Orange County

Our firm proudly serves clients in:

• Newport Beach

• Costa Mesa

• Irvine

• Santa Ana

• Tustin

• Laguna Beach

• …and surrounding communities.

✅ Final Tip: Don’t Guess. Prepare with a Pro.

Your immigration future is too important to leave to chance. Whether you're weeks away from your USCIS interview or just received your appointment notice, it’s never too early to get prepared.

📞 Schedule Your Immigration Interview Prep Today

Call us at (949) 463-2727 or book your consultation online. We’ll help you walk into your interview confident, informed, and ready.