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Green Card & StatusRancho CucamongaUpdated: December 29, 202511 min read

Green Card Interview Prep in Rancho Cucamonga: Complete Guide for Inland Empire Applicants

Prepare for your USCIS green card interview with confidence in Rancho Cucamonga

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

For green card applicants in Rancho Cucamonga and the Inland Empire, the USCIS interview can be nerve-wracking. SoCal Immigration Services helps you prepare thoroughly with Arabic-speaking support and mock interview practice.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

For green card applicants in Rancho Cucamonga and the Inland Empire, the USCIS interview can be nerve-wracking. SoCal Immigration Services helps you prepare thoroughly with Arabic-speaking support and mock interview practice.

Understanding the Green Card Interview

The green card interview is a critical step in your adjustment of status process:

Purpose of the Interview:
• Verify information in your application
• Confirm your eligibility for a green card
• Assess the genuineness of marriage-based cases
• Review any issues in your immigration history
• Make a final determination on your application

Interview Location for Rancho Cucamonga

Inland Empire residents typically interview at the San Bernardino USCIS Field Office:

Address: 655 West Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early
• No weapons, food, or drinks allowed
• Parking is limited - plan accordingly
• Children should only attend if required
• Turn off cell phones before entering

What to Bring to Your Interview

Essential documents for your green card interview:
  • Interview appointment notice (I-797C)
  • Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license)
  • Passport (current and expired)
  • All I-94 arrival records
  • Original birth certificate with translation
  • Original marriage certificate with translation (if applicable)
  • Divorce decrees for any prior marriages
  • Green card (if renewing or removing conditions)
  • Work permit (EAD) and travel document (Advance Parole)

Additional Documents by Category

Bring documents specific to your case type:
Case TypeAdditional Documents
Marriage-BasedJoint tax returns, lease, bank statements, photos together, birth certificates of children
Family-BasedEvidence of family relationship, petitioner's ID and status
Employment-BasedEmployer letter, PERM approval, I-140 approval notice
Refugee/AsyleeI-94 showing status, any travel documents
Diversity VisaDV lottery selection letter, high school diploma

Common Interview Questions

Be prepared to answer questions such as:
  • Tell me your full name and date of birth
  • What is your current address?
  • How did you enter the United States?
  • Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
  • Have you ever been deported or removed from any country?
  • Have you ever worked without authorization?
  • Do you belong to any organizations?
  • Have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?

Marriage Interview Questions

Couples in marriage-based cases should prepare for:
  • How did you meet your spouse?
  • When and where did you get married?
  • Describe your wedding ceremony
  • What did you do last weekend together?
  • What is your spouse's daily routine?
  • Where does your spouse work?
  • What side of the bed does your spouse sleep on?
  • What is your spouse's favorite food/hobby/TV show?

Interview Day Timeline

What to expect on interview day:
TimeActivityTips
Arrive EarlyCheck in at reception15-30 min before appointment
SecurityPass through screeningNo prohibited items
Waiting RoomWait to be calledMay wait 30-60+ minutes
Called BackMeet with officerStand, raise right hand for oath
InterviewAnswer questions15-60 minutes typically
DecisionApproval, RFE, or denialMay be told same day or later

Tips for Interview Success

Strategies for a successful green card interview:
  • Be truthful - lying is grounds for denial and future bars
  • Listen carefully to each question before answering
  • Answer only what is asked - don't volunteer extra information
  • Say 'I don't know' if you genuinely don't know
  • Dress professionally - business casual is appropriate
  • Be polite and respectful to the officer
  • Bring originals AND copies of all documents
  • Don't panic if the officer seems stern - it's their job

What Happens After the Interview

Possible outcomes of your green card interview:

Approval:
• Officer approves your case
• Green card mailed in 2-3 weeks
• Passport may be stamped as temporary proof

Request for Evidence (RFE):
• Additional documents needed
• Respond by deadline
• Case continues after submission

Denial:
• Officer denies the case
• May appeal or file motion to reopen
• Consult attorney immediately

Rescheduling Your Interview

If you cannot attend your scheduled interview:

• Request rescheduling in writing BEFORE the interview date
• Valid reasons include medical emergency, travel, attorney availability
• USCIS may or may not grant the request
• Missing without rescheduling may result in denial
• Contact USCIS as soon as you know you cannot attend

Special Considerations

Be prepared to explain:
  • Any gaps in your immigration history
  • Prior visa overstays or unlawful presence
  • Criminal history (even arrests without conviction)
  • Prior immigration applications (even if denied)
  • Use of public benefits
  • Employment history and tax compliance
  • Any name changes

Our Rancho Cucamonga Interview Prep Services

SoCal Immigration Services prepares Inland Empire applicants for success:
  • Document review and organization
  • Mock interview practice sessions
  • Question preparation and coaching
  • Review of your application for consistency
  • Day-of interview checklist
  • Translation of documents
  • Marriage evidence compilation
  • Arabic-speaking staff for Middle Eastern families

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long is the green card interview?

A: Most interviews last 15-30 minutes. Marriage-based interviews may be longer (30-60 minutes). Complex cases with issues to address can take longer.

Q:Will I know the decision at the interview?

A: Often yes, but not always. Some officers approve cases on the spot. Others may need to review additional evidence or refer the case to a supervisor. You may receive a decision by mail.

Q:Can I bring an interpreter to my interview?

A: Yes. If you're not comfortable in English, you can bring your own interpreter. They cannot be your attorney or a witness in your case. They must be fluent in English and your language.

Q:What if my spouse and I give different answers?

A: Minor inconsistencies are normal and expected. Major discrepancies about core relationship facts may raise concerns. Be truthful and don't try to memorize scripted answers.

Q:Should I bring an attorney to my interview?

A: You have the right to bring an attorney or accredited representative. This is recommended for complex cases, prior immigration issues, or if you've received an RFE. For straightforward cases, it may not be necessary.

Q:Do you provide legal representation at interviews?

A: We are not attorneys and cannot represent you at interviews. We help with preparation, document organization, and mock interviews. If you need legal representation, we can refer you to immigration attorneys.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Rancho Cucamonga and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: December 29, 2025Last Updated: December 29, 2025

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