How to prepare for the Green Card interview

Confirmation of interview appointment

Once the U.S. authorities have reviewed the completed DS-260 form, the applicant will receive an e-mail informing him or her that an interview has been scheduled at the selected U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants must log on to the Diversity Visa program website using their registration number. This connection will enable him to confirm the date, time and place of the interview.

Interview preparation

Interview preparation is essential. The candidate must complete the following important steps before the interview date:

1. Review the participant information on the DV Program website;
2. Consult the interview instructions of the embassy where your interview will take place;
3. Plan and carry out a medical examination. You must make an appointment with a licensed physician in the country where you will be interviewed. You must pass your medical examination, as well as any required vaccinations, before the date of your visa interview. When your medical examination is complete, you will receive a sealed medical examination envelope to bring to your visa interview. Some doctors will send the results of the medical examination directly to the embassy or consulate.
4. Gather photographs and all required documents. Each applicant must bring two identical Green Card photos to the interview.

Documents to be provided at the Green Card interview

During the interview at the U.S. Embassy, the candidate must present the following information:

• Appointment information printed from the participant’s account on the DV Program website ;
• The confirmation page of the printed DS-260 form ;
• A passport valid for six months after the planned date of entry into the United States;
• Original documents or certified copies of civil documents submitted to the Kentucky Consular Center when validating the DS-260 form.

Pay visa fees

Before the interview at the embassy, each candidate must pay the diversity visa fee. For Green Card 2024 Lottery applicants: the fee is $330 per person. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the Diversity Program visa application.

You must arrange to pay your fees before the date and time of your interview by following the instructions of the American embassy or consulate where you will be interviewed.

Can the Green Card interview be cancelled?

Yes, the Green Card interview can be cancelled or postponed in certain circumstances. Here are a few reasons why this may happen:

• Candidate deferral request: If you have a conflict or emergency, you can ask USCIS to defer your interview. It is important to provide a valid reason and supporting evidence if necessary;
• An administrative problem: USCIS may cancel or postpone an interview if documents are missing, if there are problems with your file, or if the officer in charge of your file is unavailable;
• Weather conditions or natural disasters: Unforeseen events such as severe storms or other natural disasters may force USCIS to close its offices and cancel scheduled interviews;
• Safety or public health reasons: Situations such as pandemics may lead to the cancellation of interviews for safety or public health reasons.

If your interview is cancelled, it is important to keep your contact information up to date with USCIS to ensure that you receive all important communications regarding your case.

Can I get a Green Card without an interview?

The vast majority of Green Card applicants are required to attend an interview. The interview allows USCIS to verify the information provided in the application, authenticate the documents and ensure that the applicant meets all the requirements to become a permanent resident.

However, in certain specific circumstances, maintenance may not be necessary. Here are some situations where this can happen:

• Adjustment of status for certain categories of immigrants: In some cases, for specific categories of immigrants, USCIS may decide that an interview is not necessary and approve the application for adjustment of status without an interview. This can happen for certain categories of employment-based visas, especially if the file is particularly clear and complete;
• Interview waivers: In rare cases, if the applicant can demonstrate that travel for the interview would cause extreme or unnecessary hardship, USCIS may consider waiving the interview. These situations are exceptional;
• Past experience: During periods of high demand or operational constraints, USCIS has sometimes adjusted its practices by limiting interviews for certain categories of applicants. In the past, this has been the case for certain Green Card renewals or status adjustments that did not raise complex issues requiring an interview.
• Policy changes in response to a crisis: During a health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS adapted its policies and procedures. The number of interviews required has been reduced.

How long does the interview last?

The length of a Green Card interview can vary depending on a number of factors. It usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour. The complexity of the case, the questions the immigration officer wishes to address, and the number of documents to be checked can all influence the length of the interview.

It is advisable to arrive at the interview well prepared and ready to answer all questions fully. Allow sufficient time before and after the interview for any additional on-site administrative procedures.

How long does it take to get a Green Card?

As a rule, USCIS informs the applicant of the decision concerning his/her application shortly after the interview. If the application is approved, it may take a few weeks for the production and dispatch of the Green Card to be finalized. USCIS often provides an estimated time for receipt of the card after the application has been approved.

It is important to keep in touch with USCIS and to monitor the status of the application on the Diversity Visa program website.