Marriage-based immigration cases often trigger panic when applicants receive a notice from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about a “re-interview.” Some may even jump to the conclusion that their case is doomed to be rejected.
However, being called for a second interview is not necessarily bad news. It is usually part of the routine review process where officers require additional information or further confirmation of the genuineness of the marriage.
In marriage immigration cases, the initial interview is typically a standard procedure. If after the first interview, officials find certain aspects unclear, inconsistent, or in need of updated information, they may schedule a second interview. Common reasons for this include:
1. Contradictory statements from the spouses: Discrepancies in details such as the “location of the first date,” “partner’s birthday,” or “last time of travel” may lead officers to doubt the authenticity of cohabitation.
2. Insufficient documentation or evidence: Lack of sufficient evidence of shared life, such as lease agreements, bank accounts, or jointly held insurance information, might prompt officials to request additional documents for further confirmation during the interview.
3. Information updates or changes: If the case has been delayed for a significant period, officers may need to verify the most recent status, such as employment, residence, or marital stability.
4. Alerts from the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS): If internal USCIS reviews or external data (e.g., social media) raise suspicions, officers may further investigate based on FDNS recommendations.
In essence, a second interview does not indicate a problem with the case; rather, it is for officials to “confirm” rather than “deny.”
Second interviews are usually more detailed than the first one. Officers may revisit the same questions or follow up on details based on the answers provided during the initial interview, for example:
• When did you start dating?
• Who confessed their love first?
• Is the bed in the bedroom single or double?
• Who cooked dinner last night, and what did you eat?
Sometimes couples may be questioned separately (known as the “Stokes interview” model), with their answers being cross-checked one by one.
Officials are not looking to “trap” applicants but to observe if the responses are natural, consistent, and truthful. In case of discrepancies, applicants are advised to calmly explain and provide reasonable explanations, such as “We had an argument that day, so he may not remember clearly,” or “That incident happened at different times, and I confused the details.” Such explanations, rather than attempting to cover up, can help build trust.
When asked for a re-interview, the key is to “strengthen evidence” and “maintain honesty.”
Officials seek to see the most recent and genuine records of married life. It is recommended to prepare the following materials:
• Recent family photos (e.g., holidays, outings, gatherings with friends);
• Latest lease agreements, utility bills, or joint account statements;
• Joint tax returns or insurance information;
• Emails, transaction records, call or message screenshots;
• If there are children, provide school or medical records.
Moreover, couples should go over life details before the interview, such as household layout, daily routines, friends’ names, birthdays, etc. However, it is crucial not to “recite lines” as overly consistent responses may raise suspicions of falsehood. Natural and genuine reactions are most convincing.
In immigration interviews, the worst mistake to make is “lying to cover lies.”
If officials find inconsistencies in statements and see attempts to cover up, it will be perceived as deliberate deception, leading to potentially more severe consequences than initially anticipated. Conversely, being honest about situations, providing genuine information, even in the face of minor mistakes, often earns understanding.
The immigration agency’s aim is not to penalize genuine marriages but to prevent sham marriages. Therefore, as long as the relationship is authentic, the documentation is thorough, and the attitude is sincere, a second interview is an opportunity to once again demonstrate true love and honesty under legal scrutiny.
For genuine couples, a second interview may induce nervousness, but it is not a dead-end.
It is a chance given by officials for a “second understanding,” and a moment for couples to face institutional challenges together. As long as the marriage is built on love, even amidst doubts, it can stand firm in the scrutiny of the law.
(Note: This article serves as general information and observations on immigration procedures and practices. It does not constitute legal advice or specific legal recommendations for any particular case. Actual case results depend on individual facts and applicable laws. In case of personal matters, consulting a qualified immigration lawyer is recommended.)