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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✅ Create a cheat sheet for fast recall
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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.