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Marriage-Based Green Card Interview

What to Expect After a Marriage-Based Green Card Interview – Here’s What I Tell My Clients

The marriage-based green card interview is a major milestone in your immigration journey – but many couples feel anxious about what comes next. At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers, we’ve helped hundreds of couples across the country navigate this exact moment.

Here’s what I tell every client about what to expect after the interview, how to handle delays, and what to do if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).

 

✅ 1. You Might Get a Decision the Same Day – But Often You Won’t

If everything goes smoothly and your documentation is in order, the officer may tell you during the marriage-based green card interview that your application is approved. That’s the best-case scenario.

However, it’s more common to hear, “We will review your case and get back to you.” This doesn’t mean anything went wrong – it just means your case needs further processing. 

 

⏳ 2. How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card After the Interview?

There is no fixed timeline, but most couples receive their decision within 2–6 months after the interview.

You can check your case status online at uscis.gov/casestatus. If it’s been more than 90 days and you haven’t received any updates, it may be time to:

  • Submit an e-request to USCIS 
  • Contact your local congressional office 
  • Speak with an immigration lawyer about options, including a writ of mandamus for unreasonable delays 

📬 3. What If You Receive an RFE (Request for Evidence)?

An RFE means USCIS needs more information before it can make a decision. Common reasons for RFEs include:

  • Missing tax documents or pay stubs 
  • Not enough proof of a bona fide marriage 
  • Unclear or inconsistent answers during the interview 

👉 You must respond to an RFE by the deadline (usually 30–87 days).
A complete, well-organized response is critical – this is not the time to make mistakes.

 

⚠️ 4. What If You Get a NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)?

A NOID is more serious than an RFE. It means the officer believes your case should be denied unless you can overcome specific concerns, such as:

  • Suspected marriage fraud 
  • Conflicting answers during the interview 
  • Missing legal eligibility (such as divorce documentation or lawful entry) 

You typically have 30 days to respond.

If you receive a NOID, contact an immigration attorney immediately to prepare a strong rebuttal. Your green card may still be approved with the right legal support.

 

🎉 5. After Approval: What Happens Next?

Once your case is approved, you’ll receive a green card in the mail – typically within 7–30 days.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Update your Social Security record 
  • Renew your driver’s license 
  • Start planning ahead for removal of conditions if your green card is conditional (valid for 2 years) 

💔 6. What If Your Case Is Denied?

A denial doesn’t always mean you have to start over. Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

  • File a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider 
  • Reapply with stronger evidence 
  • Explore other immigration options (e.g., waivers or different petitions) 

Don’t try to handle this alone. The right legal guidance can mean the difference between a green card and deportation proceedings.

 

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage-Based Green Cards

Q: How long after my green card interview will I get a response?
Most applicants receive a decision within 2 to 6 weeks after the interview. However, some cases can take several months. If it’s been more than 90 days with no update, consider contacting USCIS or speaking with an immigration lawyer about your options.

Q: What happens if my spouse and I gave different answers during the interview?
Inconsistent answers can raise red flags and lead to delays, a Request for Evidence (RFE), or even a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). USCIS may schedule a second, more in-depth interview (often called a Stokes interview). You should speak with an immigration attorney right away to prepare your response and protect your case.

Q: Can I travel while waiting for my green card approval?
Only if you have valid advance parole or another legal travel authorization. Traveling without it can result in your green card application being considered abandoned. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to travel, consult your immigration attorney before making plans.

Q: What if I missed my green card interview?
Missing your interview without notifying USCIS in advance can result in your application being denied. If you had a valid reason (e.g., illness, emergency), you may be able to reschedule – but time is critical. Contact USCIS immediately and consider getting legal help to submit a formal request.

Q: What if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)?
These notices mean USCIS needs more information before making a decision – or they are planning to deny your case. You’ll have a limited time (usually 30 – 87 days) to respond. A well-prepared legal response can save your case, so don’t ignore it or delay action.

📥 Free Checklist: What Happens After Your Marriage-Based Green Card Interview?

Want a step-by-step guide with timelines, tips, and post-interview red flags?

👉 Download our free “Bona Fide Marriage Interview Checklist” here.

It’s the same checklist we give to our clients – and it’s yours, free.

🤝 Need Legal Support After Your Interview?

At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers, we work with couples across the U.S. who are navigating a marriage-based green card interview, RFEs, NOIDs, and green card delays.

📍 Based in Chicago, serving clients nationwide
📞 Call 855-554-6369 or schedule a consultation to get started.

Mario Godoy
Mario Godoy
Immigration Lawyer and Illinois Crimmigration Attorney

Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.

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Illinois State Bar Association
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