How to prepare for your interview under the new normal

This week my clients who are husband and wife had an interview at the USCIS for the wife’s adjustment of status application. One year through this COVID 19 pandemic, we have been forced to adjust to new circumstances. Preparing for your interview and attending it on the actual day are no exceptions.

A few months ago, I shared with you that your attorney has the option of calling in at the interview via teleconferencing. This is still a good alternative especially if your attorney is based in another city or state. However, this week, the interview took place at my local USCIS so I had to be physically present.

So what adjustments do you need to anticipate as you prepare and attend your interview?

1.) Adapt to technology. In my case, my clients and I conducted a mock interview via a Zoom. Though it doesn’t truly replace a face-to-face meeting, a virtual conference works just fine. I still have clients who prefer coming to the office especially the elderly and those who have difficulty using virtual technology.

2.) Allow yourself ample time. When you know your date and time of appointment, give yourself extra minutes earlier. Some offices don’t allow you to come in more than 15 minutes early, but be prepared that checking in will take longer due to physical distancing rules and additional procedures at the entrance. There will also be a bit of delay when you will be called in perhaps due to interviews ahead of you were running late, or the office may be short-staffed.

3.) When you are seated in, both you and the officer will be wearing masks and there is a glass barrier between you. If you do not hear or understand any of the instructions or questions because of the mask and the glass separation, you have to politely request the officer to repeat what he said. Do not be timid in asking for clarification. You do not want to give out a non-responsive or a wrong answer just because you assumed that what you heard was accurate.

4.) As there has been a long delay from the time you submitted your petition/application to the time of the interview, you must update the officer if there are changes in your circumstances. If you moved to a new address, changed employment, had a child, purchased a property, etc., now is the time to amend your information. If you have any other additional documents as your new evidence, you must also hand it over to him at this time.

5.) Depending on your application, the interview may take longer than usual especially when it took longer for the USCIS to process and evaluate your case. Expect more questions and clarifications from the officer and be prepared for your answers. There may be questions on your petitioner’s employment as it relates to his income and ability to support you. If he lost his job and is unemployed now, you may be asked for a co-sponsor and that will take your application a bit longer.

6.) Before you leave, make sure you ask the officer when you can expect a decision, or when your greencard will arrive, or if he needs any more evidence, what is the deadline for submitting it, and how he prefers to receive it. It would be very hard for you to schedule a walk-in appointment should you have any clarifications later on. So seek your answers now while you still have the officer’s attention.

In these times, take the due diligence to prepare for your interview. You will avoid a lot of the pitfalls if you take those extra steps. Good luck!