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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

Applying for a green card through Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) is a significant step in your immigration journey. In many cases, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) schedules an in-person interview before approving the application, but not every applicant is required to attend one. If you’ve received an interview notice, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.

At Kasturi Law, LLC, we help individuals and families across Illinois understand why interviews are triggered and how to prepare for a successful outcome.

Person at a desk with American flags looking at an applicant, representing a USCIS I-485 interview – learn why applications are flagged and how to prepare.

Why Some I-485 Applications Are Flagged for Interview

Although USCIS has the discretion to waive interviews in specific adjustment of status cases, many are still flagged for in-person review. Some interviews are standard, while specific concerns trigger others.

Common reasons USCIS may schedule an interview include:

  • Marriage-Based Green Card Cases

Interviews are standard in most marriage-based green card applications. USCIS wants to confirm that the relationship is legitimate and not solely for immigration benefits. These interviews can include detailed questions about your relationship, shared finances, and daily life.

  • Inconsistencies or Missing Information

If there are discrepancies between your forms, supporting documents, or previous immigration records, USCIS may call you to clarify. This can include mismatched dates, prior visa violations, or omissions in your immigration history.

  • Criminal History or Prior Immigration Violations

If your background check reveals any arrests, charges, or prior overstays, USCIS may want to question you further before making a final decision. Even expunged or dismissed cases can raise flags and must be disclosed and addressed correctly.

  • Security and Background Concerns

USCIS may refer certain applicants for additional screening if there are potential national security or public safety concerns, often due to travel history, name matches, or affiliation with flagged organizations.

  • Employment- or Humanitarian-Based Applications

While less common, interviews can also be triggered in employment-based or asylum-based green card cases if questions about eligibility, sponsorship, or qualifications arise.

How to Prepare for Your Adjustment of Status Interview

An interview is your opportunity to present a clear, truthful, and well-supported case. Preparation is key.

Here’s how we help clients at Kasturi Law get ready:

  • Review your entire application thoroughly. Know the information you submitted, and be prepared to explain any updates or inconsistencies.
  • Gather updated documents, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, medical exams, or marriage evidence (for family-based cases).
  • Practice interview questions with your attorney, especially if your case involves a spouse or complex immigration history.
  • Bring originals and copies of all relevant documents, including identification, travel records, and USCIS notices.
  • Remain calm and honest. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so, as long as your responses are truthful and consistent.

Don’t Face Your Green Card Interview Alone

At Kasturi Law, LLC, we’ve successfully guided countless clients through USCIS interviews in Illinois. Whether your I-485 interview is routine or triggered by red flags, we’ll help you understand what to expect and prepare thoroughly.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get trusted legal support for your adjustment of status interview. We offer multiple ways to connect, so you can choose what works best—meet with us in person, talk by phone, or schedule a virtual consultation via Zoom. Use our online booking system to select a 30- or 60-minute appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.