USCIS employment visa interviews can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can walk in with confidence. Join us LIVE today at 6:00pm EST as we break down what you need to know to succeed in your interview — from key documents and common questions to body language and post-interview steps. Whether you’re applying for an H-1B, I-129, I-140, or another employment-based visa, these tips will help you prepare smarter, avoid red flags, and understand what officers are really looking for.

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CIS Interview Preparation for Employment-Based Visa

The discussion centers around the importance of proper preparation for CIS interviews related to employment-based visas, highlighting the potential consequences of being unprepared.
Sam Shihab and Brian Burke emphasize that many candidates have invested significant time, often over a decade, waiting for their green card interviews, particularly in cases like the backlog for individuals from India.
There is a clear need to understand the preparation process to avoid wasting time and effort, as the stakes are high for applicants who have waited so long.

Current Policy Changes

The conversation shifts to the new policy under the current administration regarding interview waivers for employment-based visas, indicating that such waivers are becoming less common.
Brian notes that while interviews were previously waived for certain cases, the new guidelines suggest that interviews will now be mandatory for most applicants.
Exceptions may still exist for specific low-risk cases, such as unmarried children of U.S. citizens and certain family members, but these are limited.

Pre-Interview Preparation

The importance of thorough pre-interview preparation is discussed, with a focus on reviewing the applicant’s case and understanding the information submitted in forms like the I-485.
Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with their personal information, such as full names, dates of birth, and addresses, as these are commonly verified during the interview.
Sam and Brian stress that applicants should keep track of their immigration history, including previous applications and statuses, as these details may be scrutinized during the interview.
Consulting with an attorney about any concerns or irregularities in one’s case is crucial to avoid potential issues during the interview.

Understanding the Interview Process

During the interview, candidates must project credibility and maintain a professional demeanor, which includes dressing appropriately and answering questions politely.
The interviewers are looking for consistency in responses, and candidates should avoid guessing or providing inaccurate information.
It is also essential for candidates to be aware of their body language, maintain eye contact, and show respect to the interviewing officer to foster a positive impression.
Candidates are reminded that they should answer questions thoroughly but concisely to avoid unnecessary follow-up questions from the interviewer.

Post-Interview Best Practices

After the interview, candidates can ask the officer about the next steps in their case, although responses may vary based on the officer’s discretion.
Individuals are encouraged to document their interview experiences immediately after leaving the office, as this will help in recalling details if needed later.
If a candidate feels the interview went poorly, they should write down their concerns and discuss them with their attorney as soon as possible.
In cases where incorrect information was provided during the interview, it is advisable to send a follow-up letter to clarify any mistakes, ensuring that the applicant maintains a defensible position in their immigration case.

Addressing Immigration Questions

The session concludes with a Q&A segment where various immigration-related questions are addressed, including specific scenarios and procedural inquiries related to green card applications and interview processes.
Questions from viewers cover a range of topics, including the implications of priority dates, the impact of medical RFEs, and the nuances of concurrent filing for immigration applications.
The hosts provide detailed responses, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the procedural and substantive aspects of immigration law to navigate the complexities of the process effectively.