For many new immigrants in the United States, the USCIS interview can feel like the most stressful step in the immigration journey. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card or U.S. citizenship, the interview is your opportunity to demonstrate eligibility and truthfulness. For Arab immigrants in particular, cultural and language differences can add extra pressure. This article offers clear, practical tips to help you prepare confidently and avoid common mistakes.
1. Know What Type of Interview You’re Attending
USCIS conducts different types of interviews. The most common are:
-
Green Card interview (based on family, marriage, or employment)
-
Naturalization interview (for U.S. citizenship applicants)
Each has different goals, but all involve reviewing your documents, verifying facts, and assessing your eligibility.
2. What to Bring With You
Always check your USCIS appointment notice (Form I-797), but in general, bring:
-
Your appointment letter
-
Passport and Green Card (if applicable)
-
State ID or driver’s license
-
Original civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
-
Supporting documents: tax returns, employment letters, lease agreements, bank statements, etc.
-
Interpreter, if you’re not fluent in English (must follow USCIS interpreter policy)
3. Be Ready to Answer Questions Clearly
The officer will ask questions to:
-
Confirm your identity and background
-
Evaluate your English and civics knowledge (if applying for naturalization)
-
Test the authenticity of your marriage (if applying through a U.S. spouse)
Be honest, calm, and direct. Avoid giving extra or unrelated information.
4. Dress and Act Professionally
You don’t need to wear a suit, but aim to look clean and respectful.
-
Greet the officer politely.
-
Sit calmly.
-
Don’t argue or interrupt.
-
If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification — this shows honesty, not weakness.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Arriving late — always come early (at least 30 minutes).
-
Forgetting documents — double check the list the night before.
-
Memorizing wrong answers — USCIS officers are trained to detect this.
-
Getting nervous about your accent — USCIS only cares that you understand and can respond clearly.
6. Special Tips for Arab Immigrants
-
Be prepared for name security checks if you have a common Arabic name — don’t panic if there’s a delay.
-
If you’re bringing an interpreter, make sure they’re not a family member and can translate legal language.
-
Cultural expressions like “Insha’Allah” or “Wallahi” are fine — but make sure you also answer clearly in English.
Your USCIS interview is an important step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing your documents, knowing what to expect, and approaching the interview with honesty and confidence, you increase your chances of success. For Arab and other new immigrants, good preparation is the key to navigating the system with dignity and peace of mind.