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

Most couples expect a marriage-based immigration interview to be a joint conversation. In some cases, however, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) separates spouses and interviews them individually. This can feel unexpected and stressful, especially if you were not told in advance that it might happen.

Understanding why USCIS uses this approach and how to prepare can help you respond more confidently.

Why USCIS Separates Couples

Separate interviews are typically used when an officer wants to assess the credibility of the relationship more closely. USCIS is evaluating whether the marriage is bona fide, meaning it was entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration purposes.

This may occur when:

  • Answers during the initial interview raise follow-up questions.
  • Documentation does not clearly establish a shared life.
  • There are inconsistencies across forms, statements, or evidence.
  • The case falls into a category that receives closer scrutiny.

A separation does not automatically mean the case will be denied, but it does indicate that USCIS is looking more carefully at the details.

What Happens During a Separate Interview

When couples are separated, each person is interviewed individually and asked similar or identical questions. The officer compares the responses to determine whether they are consistent.

Questions often focus on:

  • Daily routines and living arrangements.
  • Important dates, such as when you met or got married.
  • Details about the home, finances, or shared responsibilities.
  • Family members, employment, and schedules.

The purpose is not to test memory, but to evaluate whether the relationship is genuine based on consistent, credible answers.

USCIS Separates Couples During Marriage-Based Interviews

What USCIS Is Really Evaluating

USCIS is not expecting identical wording from both spouses. Instead, officers are looking at the overall pattern of responses.

They are assessing:

  • Whether answers align with key facts.
  • Whether discrepancies are minor or significant.
  • Whether each person appears familiar with the details of the relationship.
  • Whether the information matches the documentation submitted.

Inconsistencies that go to the core of the relationship may raise concerns, while small differences are often expected.

How to Prepare Effectively

Preparation should focus on familiarity and consistency, not memorization. Trying to rehearse scripted answers can create more problems if responses sound unnatural or inconsistent.

A more effective approach includes:

  • Reviewing your application and supporting documents together.
  • Talking through timelines, shared activities, and daily routines.
  • Making sure both spouses understand key details about the relationship.
  • Being honest about areas where memory may differ slightly.

The goal is to ensure that both individuals can speak naturally and accurately about their shared life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Couples sometimes approach separate interviews without preparation or with the wrong mindset.

Common mistakes include:

  • Assuming the interview will be routine and not reviewing the case.
  • Guessing or speculating when unsure of an answer.
  • Providing information that conflicts with prior filings.
  • Trying to overcorrect or match answers too precisely.

These issues can create unnecessary concerns during the review.

Get Support Before a Marriage-Based Interview

If you have been scheduled for a marriage-based interview or are concerned about the possibility of being interviewed separately, preparation can help you approach the process with greater clarity. At Kasturi Law, Chicago immigration attorney Shobhana Kasturi works with individuals throughout Schaumburg and Naperville, and across Illinois, to prepare for interviews, address USCIS concerns, and present cases effectively.

Consultations are available in person, by phone, or via Zoom, and you may schedule directly through our online calendar, choosing either a 30-minute or 60-minute consultation.

To better prepare for your interview and understand what to expect, Contact Kasturi Law to schedule a consultation tailored to your situation.

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