When attending an interview at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) you need to remember that there is a lot at stake, in light of this, you must be fully prepared to avoid disappointment and instead increase your chances of success. There is an already established immigration procedure that should be followed but here are simple tips to enable your application going through.
Be punctual
This is the first impression you give while attending an interview. As obvious as this may sound, being late for an interview creates an impression of lack of seriousness on your part and the immigration officer might doubt your seriousness. Therefore, prepare everything you will need a day before the interview and arrive at least an hour earlier since there are usually long queues at the immigration offices. By keeping time you will also give yourself time to relax and arrange your thoughts.
Dress appropriately
The way you dress communicates a lot about yourself. Put on an outfit that is conservative, comfortable and makes you look serious. Remember this is a very formal meeting.
Bring the Necessary Documents
During an immigration application, many documents are required including your ID, financial records forms e.t.c. Bring a set of the original ones and their photocopies. Ensure you have verified all information in the forms and avoid referring to the documents when answering questions.
Remain Calm
A lot of people fail interviews because they fail to calm themselves. Ensure you are cool and composed; this will help you answer the questions with confidence and accuracy. Even when the officer becomes arrogant or rude stay calm and polite.
Bring an Interpreter
If you are not a fluent English speaker ensure you bring an interpreter. Relatives are normally not allowed to interpret since they may be biased. Your interpreter should only interpret what is said to avoid confusion.
Listen and Answer Appropriately
During the interview make sure you are attentive to the questions asked and are swift, but careful when answering them. Avoid stalling or beating around the bush. If you do not know the answer say you do not recall.
Don’t be rude
You might find a not so friendly officer but do not lose your temper. Remember every word you say during the interview counts on your application going through. The officer’s behavior might be unprofessional but you need him, therefore, no matter how annoyed you become, take deep breathes and answer the questions. Do not at any point keep quiet or ignore the officer.
Don’t joke around
It is good to have a good conversation but do not forget it is an interview. Jokes about illegal immigrants, drug trafficking or terrorism should be avoided. This also applies to your lawyer, interpreter, relative or any other person who accompanies you for the interview.
Don’t lie
Lying during an immigration interview might lead to your application being denied and you being deported to your country. It is, therefore, vital to remain truthful no matter how uncomfortable the question might be. If you are uncomfortable with a particular question or matter let your attorney handle it for you.
Don’t argue
Make sure you have discussed the sensitive matters with your spouse or lawyer to avoid arguments in front of the immigration officer. If you disagree dismiss the matter as quickly as possible to avoid buildup of tension.
Don’t make excuses
If the officer finds you at fault during the interview do not make an excuse but apologize and promise to correct the mistake. It could be you forgot a document or omitted some information in the form. Whatever it shows remorse and take responsibility for it.
Hire an Immigration attorney
The lawyer will help you handle the legal part of the immigration procedure you do not understand. He or she will prepare you for the interview giving you tips of questions to expect and how to answer them and help you monitor your immigration status even after making your application. Your lawyer will also accompany you for the interview to clarify legal issues and protect your rights. During the interview ensure you wait for your lawyer. Sometimes the officer will want to question you before your lawyer arrives.
