- 1). Gather up documentation of bona fide marriage, even if you submitted it with your initial AOS application. Items like cards, notes, letters, emails, photos and other mementos are helpful. Also include any bills or assets in joint names, like utility or telephone bills, bank account statements, tax returns, property deeds and titles to automobiles. In addition to these items, bring whatever else you think clearly demonstrates that you are in a true marriage.
- 2). Be prepared to present updated financial information. The immigration service will want to see that the US citizen spouse and immigrant spouse have a combined income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level. If not, you'll need to get a co-sponsor to meet this requirement. It can sometimes be hard to prove that you meet this requirement, especially for students or if one or both spouses have started a new job. It's a good idea to bring at least three years' worth of tax returns, as well as a few months of paystubs and a current employer letter stating rate of pay, hours worked and that prospects for continued employment are good.
- 3). Bring your passport with non-immigrant visa, all I-94s and an employment authorization card to your marriage green card interview. The officer will want to review these. If your case is approved, you'll receive a stamp in your passport that will serve as temporary evidence of your status as a permanent or conditional U.S. resident. Bring your original birth certificates, marriage certificate, any documents you used to enter the U.S. and any documents issued by the immigration service.
- 4). Review all of the forms and documents you filed to refresh your memory since you may be asked about your responses to the questions on these forms. If your circumstances have changed since you filed the application, be prepared to explain. Be prepared to update the information. For example, if you have had a child together since the application was filed, bring the child's birth certificate and let the officer know.
- 5). Arrive to the interview 15 minutes early and dress neatly and conservatively. You don't have to dress very formally, but wear something that is clean, presentable and business casual. The officer's subjective impression of you at your marriage green card interview can make a difference in whether or not you are approved. Avoid wearing anything with writing or slogans.
- 6). If you have already been married to your spouse for two years, remind the interviewing officer that you should receive a stamp for permanent residence, and not conditional residency. The officer may simply assume that you haven't been married long enough to meet the requirement. If you've been married for less than two years, the immigrant spouse will receive conditional U.S. residence for a period of two years, and you'll have to apply 90 days before the end of the conditional period to have these conditions removed.
- 7). Answer questions honestly at your green card marriage interview. If you don't remember, say so. It's better to say you don't know instead of trying to make something up.
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