Your immigration interview is one of the most important steps of your application process. This is because, based on your interview, a United State Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official will determine if there is anything in your background or presently that rules out your ability to obtain the immigration status that you desire. Read on to discover what tips you should follow for your upcoming immigration interview and how a seasoned Baltimore County, Maryland citizenship lawyer at the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC can help put your best foot forward.
What are helpful tips to follow for my upcoming immigration interview?
As with any interview that you have participated in, it is important that you properly prepare for your meeting with the USCIS official. And to “properly prepare,” it is in your best interest to follow the below tips:
- Bring copies of all required forms: with this, it is important that you memorize their contents so that you do not have to constantly look back at them for reference.
- Answer questions carefully: with this, it is important that you do not divert from the questions that the USCIS official asks. And if you do not understand or know the answer to a question, it is best to plead ignorance rather than lie.
- Follow the cue of the USCIS official: with this, it is important that you comply if they wish to interview you and your spouse separately, have you answer personal questions, etc.
- Bring backup: with this, it is important that you bring an interpreter with you if you do not fully understand English. And if it makes you feel more comfortable, you may even be able to bring your attorney with you.
What should I avoid doing at my interview?
In addition, there are tips on what you avoid doing at your immigration interview. Some of these tips read as follows:
- Do not joke around when answering questions that the USCIS official asks.
- Do not lie when answering questions that the USCIS official asks.
- Do not refuse to answer questions that the USCIS official asks.
- Do not argue with the USCIS official if they claim your application is incomplete.
Overall, the odds are that every question the USCIS official asks you is critical in determining your eligibility for immigration status. Additionally, the odds are that every question the USCIS official asks you is within the boundaries of what they are allowed to inquire about.
Your immigration interview is a serious matter. And so, you should answer your questions seriously as well. If you require assistance with properly preparing for your interview, you must consult with a competent Baltimore County, Maryland immigration lawyer today.