Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status: A Lawyer's Guide to Interview Preparation and Practice

The marriage-based green card interview can be daunting for a couple facing the immigration system for the first time. Clients' performance at the interview can mean the difference between an approval or a denial. Preparation by the attorney is the key to winning the marriage-based green card interview. This course will provide you with practical tips and strategies to help your clients successfully navigate the marriage-based green card interview process. By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently advise your clients on how to present themselves and their relationship in a credible and consistent manner, and how to avoid potential pitfalls that could jeopardize their immigration goals. In this course, you will learn how to:

The course will cover the following topics:

• Brief overview of the marriage-based green card process and timeline
• The types of documents and evidence that your clients should bring to the interview
• The typical questions and topics that your clients may be asked about their relationship history, daily activities, and future plans
• How to handle difficult or sensitive issues such as prior marriages, criminal records, or discrepancies in information
• How to coach your clients on how to present themselves confidently and credibly during the interview
• How to deal with potential problems or complications such as requests for additional evidence, rescheduling, or denial

1. Identify the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for a marriage-based green card application
2. Explain the purpose and format of the marriage-based green card interview and the common questions asked by the immigration officer
3. Prepare your clients for the interview by reviewing their application materials, conducting mock interviews, and providing tips on how to present themselves confidently and credibly
4. Coach your clients on how to answer common and tricky questions from the immigration officer
5. Handle any issues or challenges that may arise during or after the interview, such as requests for additional evidence, allegations of fraud, or denials of the application