At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience, and a decade representing individuals and families in Illinois and nationwide who are applying to become U.S. citizens.
That includes preparing our clients for the critical step of participating in Consular and Naturalization Interviews.
Here, we discuss the importance of these interviews, what they mean to the immigration process, and how we can help.
What is a Consular Interview?
A consular interview is a meeting between a visa applicant and a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This interview is a critical part of the visa application process for individuals seeking to enter the United States for various purposes, such as tourism, work, study, or immigration.
The primary goal of the consular interview is to determine the applicant’s eligibility for the requested visa and to ensure that they meet all legal and procedural requirements.
The critical aspects of a consular interview include:
To verify the information provided in the visa application.
To assess the applicant’s eligibility and intentions for entering the United States.
This ensures the applicant will abide by U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Our skilled consular interview attorney will handle each aspect of the process, including:
Appointment Scheduling: Applicants must schedule an interview appointment through the U.S. embassy or consulate’s website.
Verifying and Accurately Completing Document Submission: Applicants must bring necessary documents, such as the completed visa application form (DS-160 or DS-260), passport, photographs, financial records, proof of ties to their home country, and other supporting materials.
Conducting a Mock Interview with a Consular Officer: The mock interview will reflect the questions, requirements, and expectations the consular officer asks the applicant about their background, travel plans, financial situation, employment, and other relevant topics.
Preparing for a consular interview is crucial because it significantly impacts the likelihood of obtaining the desired visa. The interview is a critical step where consular officers assess an applicant’s eligibility, intentions, and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Adequate preparation ensures that all necessary documents are in order and that the applicant can confidently and accurately answer questions about their travel plans, financial stability, and ties to their home country. This readiness demonstrates seriousness and credibility and helps avoid unnecessary delays or denials, facilitating a smoother and more successful visa application process. We can help, starting with an initial consultation to understand your immigration goals.
What is a Naturalization Interview?
If you were born outside the United States, a naturalization interview is critical to becoming a U.S. citizen. Conducted by a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, it assesses the applicant’s eligibility for citizenship and knowledge of U.S. history, government, and the English language.
To verify the information provided in the naturalization application (Form N-400).
To assess the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. civics and ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
To ensure the applicant meets all eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship.
During the interview, there will be an English & Civics Test:
Reading: You will be asked to read a sentence aloud.
Writing: You will be asked to write a sentence dictated by the officer.
Speaking: Your ability to speak and understand English will be assessed throughout the interview.
Civics Test: The officer will ask up to 10 questions about U.S. history and government from 100 possible questions. You must correctly answer at least 6 of the questions to pass.
Being prepared for a naturalization interview is crucial because it directly impacts the outcome of your application for U.S. citizenship.
Here are several reasons why preparation is essential:
Accuracy and Consistency: Thorough preparation ensures you can answer questions about your application and personal history accurately and consistently. Discrepancies or errors can lead to delays or even denial of your application.
Confidence: Being well-prepared boosts your confidence, which helps you stay calm and composed during the interview. Nervousness or uncertainty can be misconstrued as dishonesty or lack of eligibility.
Successful Test Performance: The naturalization interview includes English and civics tests. Studying and preparing for these tests increases your chances of passing, which is a requirement for citizenship.
Document Readiness: Preparation ensures you bring all necessary documents to the interview. Missing documents can cause delays and may require rescheduling the interview.
Understanding Requirements: A thorough understanding of the eligibility requirements and the naturalization process helps you anticipate the types of questions you will be asked and the information you need to provide.
Compliance and Eligibility: Preparation helps you meet all legal and procedural requirements. Failure to prepare can result in denial of your application.
Efficient Use of Time: Proper preparation allows the interview to proceed smoothly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of additional follow-ups or requests for more information.
Positive Impression: Demonstrating preparedness shows the USCIS officer that you are serious and committed to becoming a U.S. citizen, which can positively influence their perception of your application.
By preparing thoroughly for your naturalization interview, you increase your chances of a successful outcome and a smoother path to U.S. citizenship. We can help.
Our Immigration Attorneys Also Focus on the Following Areas:
At Kasturi Law LLC, our immigration practice is driven by the desire to give a voice to those who most need it, including those who need help preparing for the Consular and Naturalization Interviews.
Contact Our Attorney at Kasturi Law LLC Today
Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs.
Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.
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I sought the services of Kasturi Law firm to help me with Naturalization Process. The experience of working with Shobhana could not have been better! By end of our Initial...
Very good consultation. Very considerate lawyer. Everything explained very well. Answered all of our questions. My parents were comfortable in hindi language, she speaks the language, made everything a lot...
– V.S.
I met Ms. Kasturi to discuss about my parents green card process. She is an Excellent attorney, is very experienced & knowledgeable and a thorough professional. She gave us all...
– T.R.
Shobana is an extremely caring and talented professional with an iron clad dedication for her clients. She works tirelessly and explores every possible avenue for any problem you come to...
– J.M.
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
– M.S.
Shobhana is a highly qualified and caring lawyer. I did plenty of research before choosing an immigration lawyer and I was looking for someone who was highly rated and someone...
– A.
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
– M.S.
It was pleasure working with Shobhana. I strongly recommend her for RFE response.
– K.G.
My case was that of a change of status from B1/B2 to F-1. This is one of the most difficult change of status to carry out and I got a...
– D.M.
I had the best experience working with Kasturi Law, LLC on my I751 waiver case. She was incredibly human, and responsive throughout the process, patiently explaining all details and taking...
– N.F.
We had a great experience working with Shobhana on our immigration case. She is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to the clients she works with. Shobhana helped us step by step...
– D.M.
Shobhana is a dedicated and caring attorney I will highly recommend her for an incredible job with my case which had a positive outcome. shes always on point and always...
– F.R.
Excellent Experience! I would definitely recommend Shobhana to friends and family. She’s a pleasure to work with and dedicated time to work our case for the best result. Thank You...
– V.B.
Shobhana Kasturi has helped me with the US Naturalization process. She is very organized, well planned, polite and extremely very quick to respond to the questions which makes easy and...
– V.P.
Shobhana is very competent. She walked us throughout every step of the process and she was very informative. I recommend her for any immigration matter
– F.
Shobhana is outstanding as an attorney as well as a person. Detail-oriented, very helpful, accommodative despite being busy, and sympathetic. I would recommend her as immigration attorney without any hesitation.
– M.V.
Shobhana was very responsive and reassuring throughout our legal process. She addressed our questions and concerns quickly and in a very professional manner. She was honest and up-front about any...
– A.
Attorney Shobhana is very knowledgeable and experienced Attorney. I would like to say she is more than an Attorney, in my case (very critical and crucial one, US Citizenship) she...
– S.D.
We retained the services of Kasturi Law, LLC in mid 2021 to assist in getting my wife’s permanent resident status with the USCIS. Shobhana was very professional, thorough, and proactive....
– T.H.
Shobhana is AMAZING! She is extremely knowledgeable.I can’t say enough about her hard work, professionalism and transparency. She is on the top of everything and each step goes nice and...
– P.D.
Shobhana from Kasturi Law is a top notch and very knowledgeable immigration attorney that helped us through the naturalization process including an appeal. She was very proactive, well organized and...
– S.S.
Shobhana is fantastic and is 100% with you for the whole process. She also makes sure you are well prepared before your interview. Two things I really appreciated was her...
– A.F.
I had a great experience with Shobhana representing our case. She stuck by us through the whole process that took year and a half. We are eternally grateful to her...
User
I was very impressed with the attention, care, and professionalism I received from Shobhana. All of my questions and doubts were addressed from the very beginning and I was updated...
– MK.M.
I have had immigration issue with my F-1 status, and Shobhana ma’am provided me with all of the information I needed to take the next steps in my case. I...
– R.T.
I had an excellent experience with Mrs. Shobhana Kasturi as my immigration attorney. From the initial consultation to the final resolution of my case, she provided exceptional service and support....
– L.C.
Shobana was extremely professional, knowledgeable. It was a comfort to feel I was in good hands and to know I had made the best choice in choosing this law firm....
S.Z.
Shobhana was available on short notice on a saturday when I reached out regarding an urgent consultation. She provided competent guidance on the matter and continued to stay available until...
J.V.
We retained Kasturi Law for responding to a RFE for a family member’s green card application. Shobhana’s work is extremely thorough. She took great care in getting the right information...
A.N.
Shobhana @ Kasturi Law, was very professional, yet empathetic, so as to be able to understand her clients needs and situation. Very good advise provided during consultation.
S.B.
Shobhana amended our I130 application from adjustment of status to consular processing successfully and coordinated between our case and congressional help efficiently, which allowed for a timely approval of the...
D.K.
I would highly recommend her for any visa related consultations, is very thorough and professional.
A.S.
Kasturi law firm filed my GC, Shobhana showed high professionalism, a very detailed oriented person who makes sure that the processing will go successfully without any RFEs. The process was...
V.A.
Shobhna is a very talented and knowledgeable lawyer, She is best for all your immigration issues, She is very quick and prompt in communication, I received a RFE in my...
G.M.
Kasturi Law firm is a great and reliable immigration attorney to work with. I highly Recommend Shobana for any of your Immigration needs.
O.A.
I recently went through the Naturalization process using the law firm of Kasturi Law located in Naperville. One of my best decisions was to use this law firm as I...
C.S.
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
D.P.
I had a complex immigration situation that required the expertise of an immigration lawyer, and I’m extremely grateful to have found Shobhana. Her professionalism throughout the process was exceptional. She...
R.M.
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
M.A.
Shobhana is very knowledgeable and thorough. From the initial consult, she clearly outlined what to expect throughout mine and my fiancé’s K1 visa application and what her role would be....
C.Z
I am so so glad I retained Shobhana as my attorney , throughout my case she was highly vigilant and extremely professional She was always ten steps ahead of me...
S.A.
Hired Shobhana because I have a disability and trying to navigate the process of applying for citizenship on my own was such a daunting and unnerving task. From the beginning,...
Y.D.
Shobhana is an excellent immigration attorney. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the approval process and the paperwork requirements, were the key to our success. Mum’s green card arrived in...
K.J.
Ms Kasturi is a dedicated and sympathetic lawyer. She is very well versed, meticulous, detailed, patient and trust worthy. All needed in doing her job well and puts her clients...
S W
I was in process of applying my GC through the L2 visa program and need a lawyer who can help me since I have small problems on my case ....
A.S.
Shobhana is amazing. She’s very thorough and professional. She responds to inquiries very timely and always available for her clients. She explains the immigration process very well. I highly recommend...