Marriage Fraud Interview Defense Ontario

Quick Answer

When USCIS suspects a marriage may not be genuine, they schedule a Stokes interview — a high-stakes fraud investigation that can determine the outcome of your green card application. For couples in Ontario and the Inland Empire, proper preparation is the difference between approval and denial. SoCal Immigration Services helps genuine couples build strong cases and face these interviews with confidence.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Triggers Marriage Fraud Suspicion at USCIS

USCIS officers are trained to identify potential marriage fraud during the green card process. Understanding what raises red flags helps you prepare a stronger case.

Common triggers for fraud suspicion include:

•Significant age difference between spouses (15 years or more)
•Short relationship history before marriage (meeting and marrying within weeks)
•The foreign spouse has prior immigration violations or a removal order
•The U.S. citizen spouse has previously sponsored other foreign spouses
•Spouses speak different languages with no common language
•Inconsistent information on the application compared to prior filings
•Anonymous tips or reports from neighbors, coworkers, or former partners
•Spouses live at different addresses or in different cities
•No photographs together or evidence of shared life

The Stokes Interview Explained

A Stokes interview, named after the court case Stokes v. INS, is a specialized fraud interview where USCIS separates the spouses and questions each one individually about their relationship. Officers then compare the answers for consistency.

Key facts about Stokes interviews:

• Both spouses must appear at the USCIS field office
• Each spouse is interviewed separately by different officers or the same officer at different times
• Questions cover intimate details of daily life, routines, and relationship history
• Officers compare answers side by side for inconsistencies
• The interview can last 2 to 4 hours total
• You have the right to have an attorney or accredited representative present
• USCIS may record the interview

How to Prepare for a Stokes Interview

Thorough preparation is essential for a successful Stokes interview. Genuine couples sometimes fail these interviews simply because they were not prepared for the level of detail asked.

1
Review Your Relationship Timeline
Go through every major milestone: how you met, first date, proposal, wedding, moving in together. Both spouses must know these dates and details consistently.
2
Study Your Daily Routines Together
Discuss morning routines, bedtime habits, who cooks, who cleans, grocery shopping patterns, and weekend activities. These mundane details are exactly what officers ask about.
3
Review Your Home Layout
Both spouses should be able to describe your home in detail: number of rooms, furniture placement, color of walls, what is on the nightstands, and bathroom arrangement.
4
Organize Your Evidence Package
Prepare a comprehensive binder of joint documents, photographs, communication records, and affidavits from people who know your relationship.
5
Practice Answering Questions
Go through common Stokes interview questions together. Focus on being truthful and detailed rather than rehearsing scripted answers.
6
Address Potential Red Flags
If your case has factors that may look suspicious (age gap, short courtship, cultural differences), prepare honest explanations with supporting evidence.

Evidence to Bring to Your Stokes Interview

Bringing comprehensive evidence demonstrates the authenticity of your marriage. Organize documents in a labeled binder for easy reference:

•Joint bank account statements showing regular activity over time
•Joint lease agreement, mortgage documents, or property deed
•Joint utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet) at shared address
•Joint health, auto, or life insurance policies
•Photos together spanning your entire relationship (not just wedding photos)
•Travel records showing trips taken together (boarding passes, hotel receipts)
•Birth certificates of children born to the marriage
•Affidavits from family members and friends attesting to your genuine relationship
•Text messages, emails, and call logs showing regular communication
•Joint tax returns filed as married
•Shared subscriptions or memberships
•Cards, letters, and gifts exchanged between spouses

Common Questions Asked in Stokes Interviews

USCIS officers ask detailed questions designed to test whether spouses genuinely live together and share a life. Here are categories of questions to expect:

•How and where did you first meet? Who introduced you?
•Describe your first date in detail — where did you go, what did you eat?
•Who proposed? Where and when did the proposal happen?
•Describe your wedding ceremony — who attended, what food was served, what music played?
•What did you and your spouse do last weekend?
•What did you have for dinner last night? Who cooked it?
•What side of the bed does each spouse sleep on?
•Describe your bedroom — what color are the sheets, what is on each nightstand?
•What time does your spouse wake up and go to sleep?
•What is your spouse's favorite food, TV show, and hobby?
•Name three of your spouse's closest friends or family members
•What gifts did you give each other for the last birthday or holiday?
•How do you celebrate religious holidays or cultural events together?
•What was your last argument about?

Your Rights During a Stokes Interview

Knowing your rights during a Stokes interview helps you remain calm and confident throughout the process:

•You have the right to have an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative present during the interview
•You have the right to an interpreter if English is not your primary language
•You do not have to answer questions about private intimate details — you can politely decline
•You can ask for clarification if you do not understand a question
•You can request a break if you feel overwhelmed or need to collect your thoughts
•You have the right to review and correct any written statements before signing
•You can bring additional evidence that was not previously submitted
•If you feel the officer is being hostile or unprofessional, you can request to speak with a supervisor

What Happens After the Stokes Interview

After the Stokes interview, USCIS reviews the answers from both spouses and the evidence submitted. Several outcomes are possible:

1
Approval
If USCIS is satisfied that the marriage is genuine, your green card application is approved. You receive your conditional or permanent green card.
2
Request for Additional Evidence
USCIS may issue an RFE asking for more documentation to support your case. You typically have 30 to 90 days to respond.
3
Second Interview
In some cases, USCIS schedules another interview to clarify inconsistencies or gather more information.
4
Fraud Referral
If USCIS believes fraud is likely, the case may be referred to the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit for further investigation.
5
Denial and Removal Proceedings
If USCIS determines the marriage is fraudulent, the green card application is denied. The foreign spouse may be placed in removal proceedings and face a permanent bar on future immigration benefits.

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Ontario

SoCal Immigration Services helps genuine couples in Ontario and the Inland Empire prepare for and navigate marriage fraud interviews with confidence:

•Arabic-speaking staff who understand cultural marriage practices that may be misunderstood by USCIS
•Detailed interview preparation sessions covering common Stokes interview questions
•Evidence package organization and document preparation
•Guidance on addressing red flags and explaining cultural differences
•Experience with marriage-based green card cases in the Inland Empire
•Connections to immigration attorneys for cases requiring legal representation in fraud proceedings

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What is a Stokes interview and why was I scheduled for one?

A: A Stokes interview is a specialized fraud interview where USCIS separates spouses and questions each one individually about their relationship. You are scheduled for one when USCIS has concerns about whether your marriage is genuine, often due to red flags in your application or initial interview.

Q:Can I bring a lawyer to my Stokes interview?

A: Yes. You have the right to have an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative present during the Stokes interview. While they cannot answer questions for you, they can advise you, object to improper questions, and ensure your rights are protected.

Q:What happens if our answers do not match during the Stokes interview?

A: Minor inconsistencies are normal and expected. USCIS understands that no two people remember every detail identically. However, major discrepancies on fundamental facts — like how you met, when you married, or where you live — raise serious concerns and can lead to denial.

Q:Can cultural differences hurt my case in a marriage fraud interview?

A: Cultural practices common in Arab and Middle Eastern marriages, such as arranged marriages, family involvement in matchmaking, or traditional gender roles, can be misunderstood by USCIS officers. Proper documentation and clear explanations of your cultural practices are essential.

Q:How long does it take to get a decision after a Stokes interview?

A: Decision timelines vary. Some couples receive a decision the same day, while others wait weeks or months. If USCIS needs additional investigation, the process can take several months. You can check your case status online or by calling the USCIS Contact Center.

Q:What if my green card is denied after the Stokes interview?

A: If denied, you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider with new evidence, appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), or defend against removal proceedings in immigration court. Consulting an immigration attorney immediately after a denial is strongly recommended.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Ontario 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: February 10, 2026Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Facing a Marriage Fraud Interview in Ontario?

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Marriage Fraud Interview Defense in Ontario: Protecting Your Green Card Application