Published: April 18, 2025
Are you seeking to secure a visa, apply for asylum, or pursue citizenship in the US? As the federal agency overseeing lawful immigration, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is crucial for obtaining accurate guidance and information for your petitions and applications.
USCIS has field offices strategically located throughout the US and internationally to provide in-person services during the immigration process. These include, but are not limited to, naturalization and adjustment of status interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and emergency assistance.
USCIS field offices have notable trends and tips you should be aware of to go through the immigration process with a smoother outcome. Below, learn what they are and how to manage them more effectively.
More Detailed Interview for Naturalization Application
Attending an interview is part of the naturalization process. Generally, A USCIS officer will inquire about your application and background. Unless you’re eligible for an exemption or waiver, you will also undergo an English and civics test at the initial interview.
Although it varies depending on the applicant, the interview typically lasts about 20 minutes. Interview questions will focus primarily on the answers you provided on your naturalization application form. Specifically, the application for naturalization has a section comprising a series of yes/no questions intended to gather the applicant’s detailed background information.
Field officers received a mandate from the USCIS headquarters to ask every single question in Part 9 of the application form. With this more detailed interview, reviewing each item with an immigration attorney before the interview is necessary to ensure clear and consistent responses.
Stricter Limits on Interview Waivers
USCIS has the discretion to waive an interview on a case-by-case basis. Officers must take into consideration all relevant evidence in the record when assessing whether it’s necessary to conduct an interview.
Interview waivers are currently subject to stricter requirements. As a result, USCIS field officers are increasingly requiring interviews even in seemingly straightforward cases, such as pending family-based adjustment of status applications.
USCIS also requires in-person interviews for employment-based applicants who are already in the US, including those previously eligible for an interview waiver appointment. Thus, it’s more crucial than ever to set realistic expectations with your immigration lawyer and be ready to answer personal and employment-related inquiries.
Increased Frequency of Stokes Interviews
Proving that the marriage is not fraudulent is a significant part of applying for a marriage-based US green card. Even if the petition for Alien Relative has been approved, USCIS can hold Stokes interviews for more intense and probing examination before granting the spousal green card.
A standard Stokes interview involves a USCIS officer asking the immigrant and the U.S. citizen spouse the same questions about their life together in separate interview areas. Although not all couples undergo this marriage fraud interview, USCIS field offices conduct it more frequently.
Proper preparation and legal guidance are even more critical as USCIS tightens its scrutiny of marriage-based applications. Be consistent with your story and practice giving truthful answers without overthinking.
Simplify Your Immigration Journey With ALG Lawyers
The current trends in the USCIS field offices underscore the crucial need for experienced legal representation from a credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer. Our team at ALG Lawyers can help simplify your immigration journey with confidence, from preparing your applications to understanding interview expectations and responding promptly to USCIS. Connect with our law firm now for a personalized consultation on your immigration concerns.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)