Employment-Based Green Card Interview Process

1. What documents do I need to bring to my Employment-Based Green Card Interview?


At your Employment-Based Green Card Interview, you should bring your original Green Card application (Form I-485), as well as any supporting documents that you submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when you filed your application. In addition, you should bring an original copy of any required medical examinations and vaccinations, as well as valid photo identification. You should also have a copy of your passport and any passports or travel documents used for travel to the United States. Lastly, if you are the principal applicant in the application process, you should bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21.

2. What will the interviewer ask me during my Employment-Based Green Card Interview?


The interviewer will ask you a variety of questions regarding your application for an Employment-Based Green Card. The questions may include:
– What is your relationship to the U.S. company sponsoring your application?
– What skills do you possess that make you qualified for this job?
– Where did you obtain the necessary documentation for your application?
– Have you ever been denied any type of visa or green card in the past?
– Are you familiar with the employment laws and regulations in the U.S.?
– How long have you been in the U.S.?
– Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
– Do you have any outstanding debts to the U.S. government?
– Are there any other reasons why you may not be eligible for an Employment-Based Green Card?

3. How can I prepare for my Employment-Based Green Card Interview?


Preparing for an Employment-based Green Card interview requires you to do several things. Firstly, you should gather all of your documents, such as your visa application form, passport, I-140 form, and any other relevant documents. Additionally, it is important to review all of the documents you submitted as part of your application process, so that you can explain them accurately to the interviewing official. Additionally, you should also review the answers to any potential questions that the interviewing official may ask you. It is also important to review any information on the company or organization that sponsored your green card application and be able to provide details about the role you will fulfill in the United States. Lastly, it is important to practice answering potential questions so that you are calm and prepared during the interview.

4. What types of questions will the interviewer ask me during the Employment-Based Green Card Interview?


The interviewer may ask about the details of your marriage (if applicable), your employment history, your qualifications for the job, and any other information related to your application. The interviewer may also ask questions about the general facts listed in your application, such as your place of birth, current address, and work experience. Generally speaking, the interviewer will ask relevant questions to help determine if you meet the criteria for a green card.

5. How do I know if I am eligible for an Employment-Based Green Card?


To be eligible for an Employment-Based Green Card, you must meet the criteria for one of the five categories of employment-based immigration. These categories are: EB-1 Priority Workers; EB-2 Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability; EB-3 Skilled and Other Workers; EB-4 Special Immigrants; and EB-5 Investors. Additionally, you must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer and have an approved Labor Certification from the Department of Labor. For more information on the specific criteria for each category or to check if you meet the criteria, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

6. Do I need to submit evidence of my qualifications for an Employment-Based Green Card?


Yes. You must submit evidence of your qualifications when filing for an Employment-Based Green Card. This may include documents such as diplomas, transcripts, or certificates from educational institutions, letters of recommendation, and evidence of work experience.

7. How long does the Employment-Based Green Card process take?


The Employment-Based Green Card process typically takes anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the current visa backlog.

8. What happens if I fail my Employment-Based Green Card Interview?


If you fail your Employment-Based Green Card interview, you will likely get an opportunity to explain any discrepancies in the information you provided or submit additional evidence to support your application. Additionally, depending on the nature of the discrepancies found, you may be asked to attend a second interview. If the issues remain unresolved after a second interview, your application may be denied.

9. What is required to maintain an Employment-Based Green Card?


To maintain an Employment-Based Green Card, the individual must maintain employment in the industry for which they were sponsored or prove they have become self-sufficient. If an individual wishes to travel outside of the U.S., they must obtain a reentry permit. One must also periodically file taxes in the U.S., and if leaving the U.S. for an extended period of time, they may need to obtain an advance parole document.

10. How can I update my address or other information on my Employment-Based Green Card?


You must fill out and submit Form AR-11, “Alien’s Change of Address Card”, to update your address or other information. It can be found online at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

11. Are there any restrictions on leaving the United States with an Employment-Based Green Card?


Yes, there are certain restrictions to leaving the United States with an Employment-Based Green Card. The most important restriction is that a Green Card holder must maintain a physical presence in the United States in order to maintain their lawful permanent resident status and continue to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Additionally, if a Green Card holder leaves the US for more than six months, they must obtain a reentry permit or risk losing their lawful permanent resident status.

12. How long is the Employment-Based Green Card valid for?


The Employment-Based Green Card is valid for 10 years.

13. Can I bring my family with me when I apply for an Employment-Based Green Card?


Yes, family members such as a spouse or dependent children who are under 21 can usually accompany an employment-based green card applicant.

14. How much does it cost to apply for an Employment-Based Green Card?


The filing fee for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is $700. The filing fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,140. In addition, there may be other fees associated with the application such as biometrics fees and premium processing fees.

15. What are the grounds of inadmissibility for an Employment-Based Green Card application?


The grounds of inadmissibility for an Employment-Based Green Card application include: health-related grounds, criminal or security-related grounds, public charge, labor certification and job offer, unauthorized employment, illegal entrants and immigration status violators, and documentation requirements.

16. How often do I have to renew my Employment-Based Green Card?


Typically, an Employment-Based Green Card will be valid for 10 years. It must be renewed once the expiration date is reached.

17. What if my employer withdraws sponsorship of my Employment-Based Green Card application prior to the interview?


If your employer withdraws sponsorship of your Employment-Based Green Card application prior to the interview, you may still be eligible for a green card through other family or employment-based categories. You could also explore self-petition options. However, you will need to speak with an immigration attorney to determine the best course of action.

18. Are there any restrictions on working with an Employment-Based Green Card?


Yes, there are restrictions on working with an Employment-Based Green Card. Holders of an Employment-Based Green Card are limited to working for the employer who sponsored their green card application. Certain other restrictions may also apply depending on the type of green card and the country of origin.

19. Will I receive a Social Security Number when I receive an Employment-Based Green Card?


No, you will not automatically receive a Social Security Number when you receive an Employment-Based Green Card. You will need to apply for one separately.

20. Are there any special requirements for naturalizing with an Employment-Based Green Card?


Yes, there are special requirements for naturalizing with an Employment-Based Green Card. In addition to meeting the general qualifications for naturalization, applicants must also:

-Be physically present in the United States as a permanent resident for at least five years prior to applying for naturalization
-Show that they are a person of good moral character
-Be able to demonstrate knowledge of the English language, U.S. history, and government
-Continue working in their qualifying job or occupation
-Have their employer file a Declaration of Intention to employ and support the applicant until naturalization is granted