Preparing for your Consular Appointment

You should pay close attention to the items that are on the checklist available for download at the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Be sure to bring original documents, where needed, for example:

• marriage certificate;
• birth certificate(s);
• police certificates;
• court records;
• divorce decrees;
• etc.

You should bring copies of all original documents you are required to deliver

.

If you have updated financial records, like new Federal tax returns, please bring those as well.

Additionally, we always recommend that our clients bring 15-20 color photographs to show the relationship between beneficiary and petitioner.

Lastly, you should always refer to the appropriate consulate’s website for any specific information.

Based on feedback from our clients, the interview itself usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. Lots of preparation for such a short interview!

You will be called to a window —similar to the DMV- to have the interview. The officer will look at the documents they have in their hand, and also may ask you for some of the documents that are on the checklist. It is at the officer’s discretion what they would like to request, so it is important to be prepared.

The officer may also ask you some questions. The most common questions are:

• When did you enter the United States?
• How did you enter?
• When did you get married?

They may also ask about whether you have worked in the U.S. without authorization

Whatever the question, it is important to answer truthfully and to the point. The officer already knows a lot about you, so it is best to not contradict the information they already have!
You will know at the end of the interview if your greencard has been approved.

You will need to wait for your passport, with your U.S. visa, and the sealed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) packet to be returned to you: This usually takes about 5 days, but could be shorter or longer depending on the consulate. In order to re-enter the U.S., you will need your passport, U.S. visa, and the sealed CBP packet.
After you re-enter, you are considered a green card holder (congratulations!). You should receive your greencard and social security card in the mail within a few weeks of your re-entry.