Updated June 22, 2026.

What Should I Bring and Expect on the Day of My Adjustment of Status Interview?

What original documents do I need to bring to the interview?

Bring the original of every document you submitted as a photocopy with Form I-485. The USCIS officer will compare your originals against the copies in your file to verify authenticity. Required originals include your current passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if you are filing through a U.S.-citizen or lawful-permanent-resident spouse), divorce decrees from prior marriages, employment authorization documents, tax returns for the past three to five years, and any police certificates or court dispositions for arrests or charges. Also bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card.

Think of originals as the proof behind your story. You already told USCIS your story in writing when you filed I-485. Now the officer wants to see the actual documents that back up what you said. If you submitted a photocopy of your birth certificate, bring the certified original. If you listed three years of tax returns, bring the original 1040 forms or certified IRS transcripts for each year. The officer will look at each original, compare it to the copy in your file, and hand it back to you.

If you cannot find an original, get a replacement certified copy from the issuing authority before your interview date. A regular photocopy is not enough. For example, if you lost your birth certificate, request a new certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you lost a divorce decree, request a certified copy from the court that issued it.

How early should I arrive at the USCIS field office?

Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Security screening at most USCIS field offices takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will walk through a metal detector, and your bag will pass through an X-ray scanner. After security, you must check in at the reception desk. The receptionist will take your interview notice and give you a number or tell you to wait in a specific area. If you arrive late, you may miss your appointment slot and the officer may reschedule you or issue a notice of intent to deny.

Plan your route the day before. Look up the field office address on your interview notice and use a map app to check traffic patterns at the time of day you will travel. If you are driving, find out where to park. Many USCIS offices are in federal buildings with limited nearby parking, so you may need to use a paid garage or public transit. If you are taking a bus or train, add buffer time in case of delays.

Bring your interview notice with you. Security will not let you into the building without it. Also bring a valid photo ID. Leave prohibited items at home. Most USCIS offices do not allow cell phones, laptops, USB drives, recording devices, weapons, or large bags inside the secure area. Check the notice or call the field office ahead of time to confirm what you can bring.

What should I wear to the interview?

Dress in business casual clothing. Men can wear slacks and a button-down shirt or a polo shirt. Women can wear slacks or a skirt with a blouse or a simple dress. Avoid shorts, tank tops, ripped jeans, athletic wear, or anything too revealing. The goal is to show respect for the process and help the officer see you as prepared and serious. You do not need a suit, but you should look neat and professional.

Your appearance is part of the impression you make. The officer is evaluating your credibility and whether you meet the statutory requirements for adjustment of status. Dressing appropriately signals that you take the interview seriously. It is the same reason you would dress neatly for a job interview or a court appearance.

Wear comfortable shoes. You may be on your feet in the waiting area for 30 minutes or longer if the officer is running behind schedule. If your interview is in winter, bring a light jacket or sweater because federal buildings often run cold. If your interview is in summer, dress in layers so you can adjust if the office is air-conditioned.

Should I answer every question honestly, even if the answer might hurt my case?

Yes. Answer every question honestly. If the officer asks about past visa denials, prior deportation proceedings, arrests, or periods of unauthorized employment, tell the truth. Lying to a USCIS officer is a federal crime and an independent ground for denying your I-485 and barring you from future immigration benefits. Honesty is more important than giving the answer you think the officer wants to hear.

If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. Do not guess. If you need to check a document to give an accurate answer, ask the officer if you can look at the document. If you realize you made a mistake after you answer, correct it right away. Officers appreciate when applicants catch their own errors.

If the officer asks about something you did not disclose on Form I-485, explain it clearly and offer to submit documentation after the interview. For example, if the officer asks about a traffic ticket you forgot to list, acknowledge it, explain the circumstances, and offer to get a copy of the court disposition. Practitioners writing after the May 2026 policy memorandum noted that officers now weigh negative factors more heavily, but honesty and a willingness to correct the record can work in your favor when an officer exercises discretion.

What questions will the officer ask during the interview?

The officer will verify the information on your Form I-485 and ask follow-up questions about your background. Common topics include your entry into the United States (date, place, visa type), your current immigration status, your employment history, your family relationships, your address history, and any prior immigration filings. If you are filing through marriage to a U.S. citizen, the officer will ask detailed questions about your relationship to verify it is genuine and not entered into solely to obtain immigration benefits.

The officer may also ask about negative factors such as arrests, deportation proceedings, visa denials, unauthorized employment, or periods of unlawful presence. If you listed any of these on your I-485, be ready to explain the circumstances and provide documentation. If you did not list something and the officer discovers it, explain why it was omitted and offer to submit evidence.

Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. The officer is trying to fill in gaps in your file and make sure everything adds up. Answer each question directly. If the officer asks a yes-or-no question, start with yes or no, then add a short explanation if needed. Do not volunteer information the officer did not ask for, but do not leave out material facts.

Can I bring someone with me to the interview?

If you listed an attorney on Form G-28 with your I-485 filing, that attorney may accompany you into the interview room. The attorney can object to improper questions, clarify your answers, and help you understand what the officer is asking. If you did not list an attorney on G-28, you cannot bring one into the interview unless you submit a new G-28 before the interview date.

You may bring a family member or friend to the waiting area for moral support, but that person cannot enter the interview room unless they are a party to the case (for example, a U.S.-citizen spouse who filed Form I-130 on your behalf). If you are filing through marriage, your spouse should attend the interview with you. The officer may interview you separately to verify your relationship is genuine.

If you need an interpreter because you are not comfortable answering questions in English, request one when you receive your interview notice. USCIS provides interpreters at no cost, but you must request the service in advance. Do not rely on a family member or friend to interpret for you during the interview. The officer needs to hear your answers directly, and an untrained interpreter may misunderstand technical immigration terms.

What happens after the interview?

At the end of the interview, the officer will tell you one of three things. First, the officer may approve your case on the spot and tell you that your green card will arrive by mail in two to four weeks. Second, the officer may tell you the case is under review and that you will receive a written decision by mail. Third, the officer may issue a request for evidence (RFE) or a notice of intent to deny (NOID) if additional documentation is needed or if the officer identifies a problem with your case.

If the officer asks you to submit additional documents, respond within the deadline stated in the RFE or NOID. Mail the documents to the address on the notice and keep a copy for your records. If you do not respond by the deadline, USCIS may deny your case without further review.

If your case is approved, your green card will arrive by mail at the address you listed on Form I-485. If you move before the card arrives, file Form AR-11 online to update your address with USCIS. If your case is denied, the notice will explain the reason and tell you whether you have a right to appeal or file a motion to reopen.

After the interview, give yourself credit for preparing and showing up. The interview is a milestone in the adjustment of status process. Whether the outcome is immediate approval or a request for more evidence, you have moved your case forward. If you need help understanding the decision or your next steps, consult a licensed immigration attorney who can review your file and explain your options.

Ready to move forward? Use our intake form to organize your documents and timeline, and visit our attorney directory to connect with a licensed immigration professional who can review your case. This post offers general educational information about day-of-interview preparation; it is not a substitute for individualized guidance from a licensed attorney.