What Are Some Common Interview Mistakes?

Common mistakes include giving incomplete or inconsistent answers, providing false information, arguing with the officer, and arriving unprepared with missing documents

What’s the Most Common Reason To Be Denied a Green Card?

The most common reason for denial is "inadmissibility." This can include having a criminal record, previously violating immigration rules, and providing false or misleading information.

Can USCIS Check Your Phone During an Interview?

No, USCIS officers can’t search or check your phone. In fact, mobile phones are typically not permitted within the U.S. consulate or embassy and are held for visitors at the entrance. However, officers may review any public social media accounts.

How Long Is a Green Card Interview?

USCIS doesn’t specify an official duration, but most Green Card interviews last between 20 and 30 minutes. If an employee’s case is more complicated, the interview may last longer.

Preparing for an Employment-Based Green Card Interview in 2026

As an employer sponsoring foreign talent for the U.S. Green Card, your support doesn’t stop once the I-140 petition is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For employees completing the consular process outside the U.S., the employment-based Green Card interview is the final — and often most personal — step before securing lawful permanent residence.

Preparing your sponsored employees for this stage is essential to avoid delays, denials, or complications that can disrupt business operations. Here’s what your HR or legal team should communicate to employees undergoing the immigrant visa interview process.

Step 1: Complete Medical Examination (Mandatory)

Before the consular interview, applicants must complete a medical examination performed by a Department of State-authorized panel physician. The exam includes a review of medical history, a physical assessment, and verification or administration of required vaccinations for vaccine-preventable diseases.

Applicants can find approved panel physicians through the U.S. embassy or consulate website corresponding to their interview location. Employers may also help by providing a list of recommended clinics or physicians for their sponsored employees.

Before the appointment, remind employees to bring the following:

Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Government-issued ID
Vaccination records
Health insurance card
Payment for the panel physician’s services

Getting this step right the first time helps avoid delays and keeps the employee’s application moving smoothly toward the interview stage.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Employers should make sure their sponsored employees have all the documents needed for their USCIS interview for a Green Card.

Use the following checklist to ensure the employee is ready for their consular processing interview:

Form DS-260
Interview appointment letter
Medical exam results (from Step 1)
Valid passport
Two recent U.S. passport-style photos
Supporting evidence package, including the employment letter, financial documents, and any materials related to the employee’s petition

If any documents are in a language other than English, USCIS requires certified translations. An immigration attorney or law firm can help verify that your employee has all required materials and that each document meets USCIS standards.

Step 3: Confirm Who Must Attend Interview

Employers should ensure that their sponsored employees understand exactly who is required to attend the interview. Attendance requirements can vary depending on the specifics of the case and the U.S. consulate conducting the interview.

In all cases, the primary applicant (the employee) must attend. In some cases, the dependents, such as their spouse or unmarried children over 14, may also be required to attend if they are immigrating at the same time. If dependents don’t intend to immigrate at the same time as the primary applicant, they will schedule their interviews separately.

The employer or petitioning sponsor isn’t required to attend the interview.

What If the Interview Needs To Be Rescheduled?

If an individual is unable to attend their employment-based Green Card interview, they should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible to request a new appointment. Applicants can refer to the official list of U.S. embassies to find their interview center and the contact details.

It’s vital to act quickly, as missing an interview without notice can result in case termination. And, any fees paid during the process will not be returned.

Working closely with an immigration attorney can help employees navigate the rescheduling process and maintain the progress already made in their case.

What Happens During the Visa Interview

The USCIS interview for a Green Card aims to verify the accuracy of the employee’s DS-260 and confirm they still meet all eligibility and employment requirements. Employees should expect a professional but detailed discussion about their background, job, and intent to live permanently in the U.S.

1. Swearing an Oath

To begin the interview, the USCIS officer will ask the applicant to swear an oath that everything they say in the interview is true and complete.

2. Answering Common Interview Questions

Here are some example Green Card interview questions an officer may ask:

Who is your current employer?
What is your job title and role?
How long have you been working for your current employer?
Have you had any other employers in the past five years? If so, provide details.
What is your salary or hourly wage?

Encouraging employees to prepare for these questions ahead of time can help them feel more confident and answer consistently as they move one step closer to securing their Green Card.

After the Interview

In most cases, the consular officer will give verbal indication of approval at the interview. Successful candidates will then receive their passport with the immigrant visa stamp within 15 days. Once the interview is complete, applicants can track their case status through the Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center Case online portal.

If Approved

Individuals will enter the U.S. with their immigrant visa stamp. Once in the U.S., USCIS will mail a candidate’s Green Card to the address that they provided on their DS-260 form.

USCIS recommends that individuals register for Informed Delivery with USPS to automatically track packages and stay up to date on the delivery process. The employee’s Green Card should arrive in 2-4 weeks after their entry to the U.S. In some cases, it may take up to 90 days for delivery.

If Denied

There are several reasons that the USCIS may deny a Green Card application, including incorrect documents, incomplete applications, or inadmissibility issues. The next steps depend on the reason for denial. For instance, if the application was denied due to missing information, the employee may be able to reapply after correcting the issue.

In some cases, an employee may appeal or reopen their case (within 30 days) if they can provide new evidence, believe USCIS misinterpreted legal requirements, or find that the decision was based on erroneous facts.

HR teams should monitor these timelines and work with immigration counsel to support employees if further action is needed.

How To Prepare for a Green Card Interview: Expert Tips

Although a Green Card interview can be nerve-wracking for employees, it’s a standard process that they can prepare for. Keep in mind that the purpose of the interview is simply to verify the details provided in the petition and U.S. work visa application, ensuring that all information is accurate and up to date.

Here are some employee tips to make the interview process as smooth as possible:

Arrive early to go through security: Give yourself plenty of time to go through security and find the interview room.
Ask for clarification if necessary: If a question isn’t clear, it’s always best to ask for clarification rather than risk providing the wrong answer.
Be honest: The interviewing officer already has all the information in front of them; their goal is to confirm accuracy. Be truthful and straightforward in every response.
Avoid giving memorized answers: Rehearsed responses can sound unnatural and raise concerns. Speak authentically and let your answers reflect your real experience.
Stay calm and confident: Answer each question politely and calmly. A professional, composed demeanor makes a strong impression.
Keep documents organized: Arrange all required documents neatly and in logical order to make the process efficient for both the applicant and the officer.
Dress professionally: Professional attire shows respect for the process and helps create a positive first impression.

By preparing thoughtfully and honestly, employees can help ensure a smooth interview experience.

Support Your Employees Every Step of the Way

While an employment-based Green Card interview can feel stressful, effective preparation will help employees feel much more confident. Businesses can partner with Ellis to help their employees through the entire Green Card process, streamlining every stage from petition building to interview preparation.

Reach out to Ellis today to help your employees get their Green Cards.