INS Sample Questions

MARRIAGE INTERVIEW SAMPLE QUESTIONS

During the marriage interview the parties may be questioned separately concerning the bona fides of the marriage. Usually the US citizen will be questioned first and then the alien spouse will be asked the same questions. Below is a list of some of the typical questions asked during this interview.

Name and address.

Name and Date of Birth of Spouse.

When and where did you meet your spouse?

Describe this 1^st meeting.

Did you make arrangements to meet again?

Did you exchange phone numbers?

When did you meet next?

Where were you living at the time? Where was your spouse living?

When did you decide to get married? Where were you at the time?

Did you live together before marriage?

When and where did you get married? How did you and your spouse get to the church, courthouse, etc.?

Who were the witnesses to the ceremony?

Did you exchange wedding rings?

Where had you purchased these rings? Did you and your spouse purchase them together?

Did you have a reception after the ceremony?

Where was it held?

Do you have any photos of the ceremony and /or reception?

Describe the reception.

Did any of your, and your spouses, family members attend? If so, who?

Did you go on a honeymoon? If so, when and where?

If you did not have a reception, what did you do after the wedding ceremony?

Where did you live after the wedding?

Describe the place where you lived right after the marriage. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms; furnishings; color of walls, floor coverings, appliances, etc; type of air conditioning, heating, etc; # of telephones, televisions, etc. Do you have cable television?

Where did you get the furniture? Was it already there, did you buy it, was it a gift, or did it come from your, or your spouses, previous residence?

If brought to the house or apartment, describe how it was transported.

Describe your bedroom. Where do you keep your clothes? Where does your spouse keep his or her clothes? Where are the bathroom towels kept? Where do you keep the dirty clothes?

Where is the garbage kept in the kitchen?

On what day of the week is the garbage picked up?

Where do you shop for groceries? Do you go together with your spouse? How do you get there?

Where do you work? What days of the week do you work?

What hours do you work? What is your salary?

What is your telephone # at work?

When was the last vacation you had from work?

Did you and your spouse go anywhere together at that time?

When was the last vacation you and your spouse took together?

Where did you go? How did you get there? Describe it.

Where does your spouse work? What days of the week? What hours? What is the salary, if you know?

What is your spouses telephone # at work?

When was the last time your spouse got a vacation from work?

Do you know your spouses family members? If so, which ones? If your spouse has children from a previous marriage, their names, ages, where they live, and where they go to school, if applicable.

Where do you live now? (If different from where you lived right after the marriage, then go over the same questions as above). How much is the rent? When is it paid? How do you pay it?

Do you have a bank account together? Where? What kind of account? (Checking, savings).

Are both of you listed on the account? (Do you have a bank letter, cancelled checks, etc.?)

Did you file a joint tax return this year? Do you have a copy with you?

Do you own any property together? What property? Did you bring copies of the documents with you?

What kind of automobile do you and your spouse have? Describe them.

Do you have an insurance policy listing your spouse as the beneficiary? If so, do you have a copy?

Have you taken any trips or vacations together? Do you have photos from these trips?

Do you have any utility bills, or receipts from items you have purchased together?

What other documentation do you have to show that you are living together as husband and wife?

Do you have any pets? What kind, what are their names, and describe them?

What did you do for Christmas, New Years, your anniversary, or you or your spouses last birthday? Did you exchange gifts? If so, what kind of gift?

Did you or your spouse go to work yesterday? If so, at what time did you and/or your spouse leave the house and return?

Who cooks the meals at the house?

What is your spouses favorite food? What is your favorite food?

Does your spouse drink coffee? If so, does he or she use cream and/or sugar?

Did you eat dinner together last night? Did anyone else have dinner with you? What did you have?

What time was dinner served? Who cooked it?

Did you watch TV after dinner? What shows did you watch?

At what time did you go to bed? Who went to bed first?

Did you have the air conditioning or heater on?

Who woke up first this morning? Did an alarm clock go off?

Did you or your spouse take a shower?

Did you come to the interview together? Who drove?

Did you have breakfast? Where and what did you eat?

Please remember that the number and types of questions that can be asked is almost limitless. Therefore, you and your spouse should review your entire lives together prior to attending the immigration interview. Even married couples living together for many years sometimes have difficulties remembering all of the facts of their relationship. Be prepared and take original documents with you. Then you will have no problem passing the interview and obtaining permanent residence in the United States.

TEN (10) ESSENTIAL TIPS TO A WINNING IMMIGRATION CASE

(INCLUDING THE MOST COMMON ERRORS MADE BY APPLICANTS & ATTORNEYS)

1.         Read and follow the instructions on the forms carefully. Remember that the immigration forms are considered part of the regulations, therefore they are the law. Read the instructions on the forms carefully for specific information regarding the requirements for each petition or application. Then, after the forms have been completed, double-check everything to make sure that you didnt leave anything out. If you are unsure about how to answer a specific question, check with a competent immigration attorney or appropriate government employee for help. Never answer a question on a form unless you know all of the consequences of your answer.

2.         Send the correct filing fees with each petition or application, and make sure you have enclosed all of the required documents. If an incorrect filing fee is sent, the Immigration Service will return the documents to you and your case will not be accepted for processing. Since it often takes the Immigration Service 30 days or more to return the forms, you may now be out of status and, even if you return the forms with the proper fees, your case may be denied because it was filed late. Also, if you do not enclose all of the documents requested, an additional request will be made to you, which will significantly delay the processing of your case.

3.         Mail or deliver the application or petition to the correct address. Just as above, if the Immigration Service does not receive the application at the correct office, it will not accept your case and the forms will be returned to you. Once again, you may now be out of status and your case can be denied because it was filed late. Since government addresses are constantly changing, it is a good idea to check with the appropriate government agency prior to submitting your application.

4.         Make sure everything is timely filed. Do not procrastinate. Nearly everything that is filed has a deadline. If you miss the deadline, it is very likely that your application or petition will be denied and, depending on the type of application or petition, there may be no opportunity to appeal. In addition, if you fall out of status, you may become subject to the three and ten year bars, and/or any visas you have will be considered void.

5.         Make sure your priority date is current. You can obtain a copy of the most current priority dates on our site. Before filing your case, please refer to the list to make sure that the date has been reached in your preference category. If you file your petition or application before the date is current, it will be rejected by the Immigration Service or State Department, and not only will you have wasted your time, but some of the documents may have become outdated and will have to be obtained again.

6.         Get a receipt for everything you mail or deliver to INS, the Immigration Court, the Department of Labor, US Consuls, etc. These agencies have an uncanny way of losing or misplacing your documents. If you dont get a receipt, and if there is no cancelled check or money order, it will be impossible to prove that your documents were received. These government agencies will not take your word for it. They want to see a receipt.

7.         Never send original documents unless they are absolutely required. As stated above, government agencies have a way of losing things. Also, when a case is finished they do not return the original documents to you. Some of these documents are one of a kind and cannot be replaced, or are extremely hard to replace. In most cases, you will be permitted to certify on your application or petition that the document is a true copy of the original. If the original document is required, please be sure to send both the original and a copy. Also, supply a stamped self-addressed return envelope and ask the agency to return the original to you when they are completed with it. While this will not guarantee that you will get it back, it will significantly improve your chances.

8.         If a case is returned to you for more information, make sure you respond to each point, even if you have already provided the information. If Immigration or another agency took the time to write you back for specific information, it is because they obviously were not satisfied with what you originally provided, or because they didnt see it. So answer each point in detail. If you dont supply the information requested, there is a very good chance your case will be denied. If you are not sure how to respond to the inquiry, seek competent legal assistance.

9.         Follow-up on your case frequently. If you just sit and wait for a response, you could wait forever, because, as stated above, your documents could be lost or misplaced. If your receipt gives normal processing times, then do not check before the time given. However, if you have not received any type of response within the normal time frame, check on your case immediately. Make sure you get a response to your request, and keep a record of all contacts you make with the government agencies.

10.     Check references and ask questions when deciding which immigration attorney to use. Remember that the cheapest is not usually the best. If an immigration attorney is much less expensive than anyone else, there is probably a reason. Usually, if you want quality, you have to pay a little more for it. Obtaining a visa or permanent residence in the United States is often a once in a lifetime opportunity. Dont ruin your chances just because you want to save a few dollars.

Good Luck and Best Wishes in Achieving Your Immigration Goal!

NATURALIZATION QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Q. What is the Supreme Law of the Land?

A. The Constitution.

2. Q. Name the three (3) branches of government.

A. Executive, Legislative and Judicial.

3. Q. What does the Executive consist of?

A. The President and his Cabinet.

4. Q. What does the Legislative consist of?

A. The Senate and the House of Representatives.

5. Q. What does the Judicial consist of?

A. The Supreme Court and the Federal Courts.

6. Q. Who is the President of the United States?

A. George W. Bush.

7. Q. Who takes the President's place in the event the President dies?

A. The Vice President.

8. Q. Who is the Vice President?

A. Richard Cheney

9. Q. Who becomes President of the United States if the President and VicePresident should die?

A. The Speaker of the House.

10. Q. Who is the current Speaker of the House?

A. Denny Hastert

11. Q. How is the President elected?

A. By popular vote.

12. Q. Who gives the President his job?

A. The people.

13. Q. For how long a period is the President elected?

A. Four (4) years.

14. Q. How many terms can a President serve?

A. Two (2) terms - (4 years each).

15. Q. According to the Constitution, a person must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to become President. Name one of these requirements.

A. He must be born in the United States; be at least 35 years of age.

16. Q Who was the first President of the United States?

A. George Washington.

17. Q. Which President is called the "Father of our Country?

A. George Washington.

18. Q. Which President served during the Civil War and freed the slaves?

A. Abraham Lincoln.

19. Q. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

A. It was the Presidential Order that freed the slaves.

20. Q. What special group advises the President?

A. The Cabinet.

21. Q. Who is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Military?

A. The President.

22. Q. Which President was the first Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

A. George Washington.

23. Q. Who has the power to declare war?

A. The Congress.

24. Q. What is the "White House?

A. The official home of the President

25. Q. Where is the "White House" located?

A. In Washington, D.C.

26. Q. In what month do we vote for the President?

A. In November.

27. Q. In what month is the new President inaugurated?

A. In January.

28. Q. Who makes the laws?

A. The Congress.

29. Q. Who elects those who serve in Congress?

A. The voters from each State.

30. Q. How many branches make up the Congress?

A. Two (2).

31. Q. Name the branches of Congress.

A. Senate and House of Representatives.

32. Q How many Senators are there?

A. One hundred (100).

33. Q. What is the term of office for a Senator?

A. Six (6) years.

34. Q. How many times may a Senator be re-elected?

A. Indefinitely.

35. Q. Who are the two (2) United States Senators from Your State?

A. Two Applicable People

36. Q. How many Representatives are there?

A. Four hundred and Thirty-Five (435).

37. Q. What is the Term of Office for a Representative?

A. Two (2) years.

38. Q. How many times may a Representative be re-elected?

A. Indefinitely.

39. Q. What are the two (2) major political parties in the U.S. today?

A. The Republican Party and the Democratic Party.

40. Q. What kind of government does the United States have?

A. A Democratic Republic.

41. Q. Can the Constitution be changed?

A. Yes.

42. Q. What do we call a change to the Constitution?

A. An Amendment.

43. Q. How many changes or Amendments are there to the Constitution?

A. Twenty-six (26).

44. Q. What is the Bill of Rights?

A. The first ten (10) Amendments to the Constitution.

45. Q. What are some of the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights?

A. Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Assembly, and The Right to bear arms.

46. Q. Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?

A. The citizens of the U.S.

47. Q. In what year was the Constitution written?

A. In 1786.

48. Q. What is the introduction to the Constitution called?

A. "Preamble".

49. Q. Where does Congress meet?

A. In the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

50. Q. What are the duties of the Supreme Court?

A. To interpret the laws.

51. Q. What are the members of the Supreme Court called, and how many Justices are there?

A. Supreme Justices. Nine (9).

52. Q. What is the term of office for a Supreme Court Justice?

A. They are appointed for life.

53. Q. Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

A. William Rehnquist.

54. Q. Who selects the Supreme Court Justices?

A. The President with the concurrence of Congress.

55. Q. Where is the Supreme Court located?

A. Washington, D.C.

56. Q. What is the Judiciary Branch of our government?

A. The Supreme Court and the Federal Courts.

57. Q. Which branch of the government makes the laws?

A. The Legislative branch.

58. Q. Which branch of the government carries out and enforces the laws?

A. The Executive branch.

59. Q. Which branch of the government interprets the laws?

A. The Judicial branch.

60. Q. From whom did the United States get its independence?

A. Great Britain (England).

61. Q. During what period?

A. The Revolutionary War.

62. Q. Who was the General of that War?

A. George Washington.

63. Q. When did we declare our Independence from England?

A. On July 4, 1776.

64. Q. How many states are there?

A. Fifty (50).

65. Q. What color is the American Flag?

A. Red, White and Blue.

66. Q. How many stripes does our Flag have?

A. Thirteen (13).

67. Q. What color are the stripes?

A. Red and white.

68. Q. What do these stripes represent?

A. The first thirteen (13) colonies.

69. Q. How many stars does our flag have?

A. Fifty (50).

70. Q. What colors are the stars of our flag?

A. White.

71. Q. What do these stars represent?

A. The fifty (50) States.

72. Q. Where is the Capitol of the United States located?

A. Washington, D.C.

73. Q. What is our national anthem?

A. The StarSpangled Banner.

74. Q. Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner?

A. Francis Scott Key.

75. Q. What is our national symbol? (Bird)

A. The eagle.

76. Q. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence

A. Thomas Jefferson.

77. Q. What is the basic belief contained in the Declaration of Independence?

A. That all men are created equal.

78. Q. Why did the Pilgrims came to America?

A. To flee from religious persecution in their homeland.

79. Q. What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?

A. The Mayflower.

80. Q. Who helped the Pilgrims in America?

A. The Indians.

81. Q. What holiday did the American colonists celebrate for the first time?

A. Thanksgiving

82. Q. What were the thirteen (13) original states called?

A. The Colonies.

83. Q. Name one benefit of being a Citizen of the United States.

A. To vote; serve on a jury; run for public office.

84. Q. Who said, "Give me liberty or give me death"?

A. Patrick Henry.

85. Q. Which were the last two (2) States admitted to the Union?

A. Alaska and Hawaii

86. Q. Which countries were our enemies during World War II?

A. Germany, Japan and Italy.

87. Q. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

A. A Civil Rights Leader.

88. Q. What is the head executive of a State Government called?

A. The Governor.

89. Q. Who is the Governor of Your State?

A. Applicable Person.

90. Q. In what city is the Capitol of Your State?

A. Applicable City.

91. Q. What is the head executive of a City Government called?

A. The Mayor.

92. Q. Who is the Mayor of Your City?

A. Applicable Person

92. Q. Who is the Mayor of Your County?

A. Applicable Person

93. Q. What is the minimum voting age in the United States?

A. 18 years.

94. Q. Name one purpose of the United Nations.

A. To foster World Peace.

LOCAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

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Immigration Court Effective Date

Arlington May 1, 1992

Atlanta No LOP

Baltimore March 1, 1998

Batavia (Uses Buffalo Rules) November 30, 1993

Bloomington July 28, 1999

Boston March 1, 1999

Bradenton No LOP

Buffalo November 30, 1993

Chicago August 28, 1992

Dallas August 5, 1999

Denver No LOP

Detroit April 26, 1999

El Centro No LOP

Elizabeth No LOP

Eloy September 1, 2001

El Paso No LOP

Fishkill (Uses New York Rules) April 15, 1993

Florence (Uses Phoenix Rules) April 8, 1998

Harlingen No LOP

Hartford August 9, 1999

Honolulu March 5, 1999

Houston May 30, 2000

Houston SPC (Uses Houston Rules) May 30, 2000

Huntsville (Uses Houston Rules) May 30, 2000

Imperial No LOP

Krome No LOP

Lancaster (Uses Los Angeles Rules) April 6, 1992

Las Vegas (Uses Phoenix Rules) April 8, 1998

Los Angeles April 6, 1992

Los Fresnos No LOP

Memphis September 27, 1999

Miami August 18, 1999

New Orleans July 1, 1998

New York April 15, 1993

Newark September 1, 1996

Oakdale No LOP

Orlando No LOP

Otay Mesa (Uses San Diego Rules) July 2, 1997

Philadelphia August 16, 1999

Phoenix April 8, 1998

Portland October 14, 1997

San Antonio/Laredo No LOP

San Diego July 2, 1997

San Francisco October 15, 2001

San Juan No LOP

San Pedro (Uses Los Angeles Rules) April 6, 1992

Seattle October 14, 1997

Tucson October 1, 2001

Ulster May 21, 1996

Varick Street (Uses New York Rules) April 15, 1993

Wackenhut (Uses New York Rules) April 15, 1993

York March 25, 2002