6 Quick Do's Before Your Adjustment Interview from a Former Immigration Officer

This list is a quick list of things to consider before your interview. As a former USCIS officer, here are some tips to make sure you bring your A-game to the interview that I saw worked for applicants.

1. Do Dress Smartly

   You don't have to go in a full-on suit, dress or tux. However, clean cut, business casual is preferable. Highly revealing clothing, jeans or general unkemptness says a lot about you before you even walk through the officer's door.

2. Do be on Time

   Obvious right? Not necessarily. Federal buildings are large and have security systems in place (think airports). Be prepared to take off belts, jackets and any electronic devices for the screener. This all takes time. Although you will more than likely end up waiting on the officer, you cannot make the officer wait for you. Also, make sure everyone in your party is there (petitioner, beneficiary, attorney, interpreter) before checking in. Also, make sure to leave plenty of time. They dictate when the interview will happen, so you could be waiting 5 mins, or 3 hours.

3. Do Try to Eat Something

   Try to have a light breakfast or snack before entering the federal building. Sometimes they have a cafeteria, but you don't want to check in on an empty stomach. You will regret it.

4. Do Have a Copy of Your Materials

   Sometimes an officer might not have something in the file. Make sure you bring all of your originals for official documents (like passport, birth certificates, marriage certificate, etc.) for their inspection. Also, by having a copy on hand, you will have something to reference during the interview, in case they ask you a question that you know you wrote down the answer to in one of the forms. Although you wont be able to reference anything if you end up in a separation interview for married couples.

5. Do Try to Relax

   You will be nervous. But do what you need to in order to relax (but don't drink or do drugs of course). If you come across as nervous and uncomfortable, the officer will pick up on that and start wondering what you are hiding.

6. Do Select a Competent Interpreter

   There's nothing like having to use an interpreter that's someone's cousin who can understand the foreign language but can't translate it properly. It is worth it for you to find an actual interpreter (doesn't have to be certified) to ensure that they observe accuracy. This could be the difference in a grant or denial.