Adjustment of Status Interview in Tustin: Green Card Interview Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know to prepare for your I-485 green card interview
Quick Answer
The adjustment of status interview is a key step in obtaining your green card. Proper preparation for your I-485 interview at the USCIS Santa Ana Field Office (serving Tustin) can make the difference between approval and delays.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Tustin residents preparing for their green card interview at the USCIS Santa Ana Field Office, thorough preparation is essential. SoCal Immigration Services helps families get ready for their I-485 interviews with Arabic-speaking support and expert guidance.
What is the Adjustment of Status Interview?
• Verify your identity and eligibility
• Review your application and supporting documents
• Ask questions about your background and immigration history
• Determine if you qualify for a green card
• Make a decision or request additional evidence
Who Must Attend an Interview?
- •Family-based green card applicants (marriage, parents, siblings)
- •Employment-based green card applicants (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
- •Diversity lottery winners (DV lottery)
- •Special immigrant categories
- •Applicants with criminal history or immigration violations
- •Cases with potential fraud concerns
Interview Waiver
• Some employment-based cases with no fraud indicators
• Cases where applicant was interviewed for visa abroad
• Certain renewal or re-application cases
• Low-risk cases with complete documentation
However, even if your interview is initially waived, USCIS can still schedule one if they have questions.
Documents to Bring to Interview
- •Interview appointment notice (I-797C)
- •Valid passport and any previous passports
- •Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- •All original documents submitted with application
- •Updated I-864 Affidavit of Support if over 6 months old
- •Recent pay stubs, tax returns, and employment letter
- •Additional evidence of bona fide marriage (for marriage cases)
- •Birth certificates and marriage certificates (originals)
- •Any RFE responses and additional evidence submitted
For Marriage-Based Cases
| Category | Documents to Bring |
|---|---|
| Financial | Joint bank accounts, joint tax returns, shared bills |
| Living Together | Joint lease/mortgage, mail addressed to both, utilities |
| Photos | Wedding photos, family photos over time, travel photos |
| Children | Birth certificates if you have children together |
| Insurance | Joint health/auto/life insurance policies |
| Other | Emergency contacts listing each other, social media evidence |
Common Interview Questions
- •When and where were you born?
- •What is your current immigration status?
- •Have you ever been arrested or charged with any crime?
- •Have you ever overstayed a visa or violated immigration law?
- •Are you a member of or affiliated with any organizations?
- •Have you claimed to be a U.S. citizen when you were not?
- •For marriage cases: How did you meet? When did you get married? Where do you live?
Interview Day Tips
- 1Arrive Early
Arrive 30-45 minutes before your scheduled time
- 2Dress Appropriately
Business casual attire shows respect for the process
- 3Turn Off Phone
Silence or turn off your phone before entering
- 4Be Polite
Address the officer respectfully and remain calm
- 5Listen Carefully
Wait for questions to finish before answering
- 6Be Honest
Always tell the truth - lying can result in denial and bars
What Happens During the Interview
1. Check-in: Present your appointment notice and ID at the front desk
2. Wait: You'll wait in a waiting area until called
3. Oath: The officer will have you take an oath to tell the truth
4. Document Review: Officer reviews your documents and application
5. Questions: Officer asks about your background and eligibility
6. Marriage Questions: For marriage cases, detailed questions about your relationship
7. Decision: Officer may approve, request more evidence, or refer to supervisor
Possible Interview Outcomes
| Outcome | What It Means | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | Application granted | Receive green card in mail |
| RFE | Additional evidence needed | Submit requested documents |
| Continued | Case needs review | Wait for decision or another interview |
| Referred | Supervisor review needed | May need second interview |
| Denied | Application rejected | Consider appeal or motion to reopen |
USCIS Santa Ana Field Office
• Address: 34 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Serving: Orange County including Tustin, Irvine, Anaheim
• Parking: Limited parking - arrive early
• Security: No phones, electronics, or weapons allowed past security
• Interviews: Typically scheduled in morning hours
Tustin Interview Preparation Services
- •Complete document review and organization
- •Mock interview practice sessions
- •Evidence compilation for marriage cases
- •I-864 updates and financial document preparation
- •Interview accompaniment services
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long is the adjustment of status interview?
A: Most interviews last 15-30 minutes, though marriage-based interviews can take 30-60 minutes. Complex cases may take longer or require a second interview.
Q:Can I bring an interpreter to my interview?
A: Yes, if you're not fluent in English, you can bring your own interpreter. The interpreter must be over 18, fluent in both languages, and not your attorney or petitioner.
Q:What if I need to reschedule my interview?
A: You can request to reschedule, but this will cause significant delays. Only reschedule if absolutely necessary. Call the USCIS Contact Center or submit a request through your online account.
Q:Should my spouse come to the interview?
A: For marriage-based cases, both spouses should attend even if only one received a notice. USCIS may interview you separately or together to verify your marriage is genuine.
Q:What if I'm nervous and make a mistake?
A: It's normal to be nervous. If you misspeak, calmly correct yourself. Officers understand nervousness. The key is to be honest and not to intentionally mislead.
Q:Will I get approved at the interview?
A: Many applicants receive approval at the interview, but some cases need additional review. If approved, your green card will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks.
Need Interview Preparation in Tustin?
Don't walk into your green card interview unprepared. Let our experienced team help you get ready for success.
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