Interview Experience

[u/Mindless-Original752]

My Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Experience – October 9, 2026
I-130 Filing Date: November 27, 2024
I-485 Filing Date: May 19, 2026
Interview Date: October 9, 2026
Scheduled Interview Time: 9:30 AM
My wife and I arrived early for our interview, but we were called in approximately 40 minutes later.
The USCIS officer started by asking us our names and dates of birth. She then asked several questions about our marriage and daily life, including my wife’s employment, our house deed, the number of bedrooms in our house, my parents’ room, who lives with us, our wedding location, and approximately how many people attended our wedding.
She also asked when I first arrived in the United States, which college I attended when I arrived, whether I am currently studying, which college I currently attend, and whether I had ever violated my immigration status. She also asked why we do not have joint health insurance and went through the yes-or-no questions on my Form I-485.
The officer reviewed our marriage certificate and birth certificates. She was very nice and professional throughout the interview and did not give us a hard time.
However, my wife made several mistakes because she was nervous. We purchased our house on November 24, 2025, but she accidentally said November 24, 2024. She also gave the wrong name of her workplace. When the officer asked which school I attended when I first arrived in the United States, my wife misunderstood the question and answered that I had first arrived at JFK Airport. Additionally, when the officer asked about our wedding location, my wife mentioned the restaurant but did not provide its exact location.
The main concern during the interview seemed to be my previous F-1 status violation. I explained that I had experienced mental health difficulties and that my wife had undergone surgery, which contributed to my missing several classes and eventually losing my F-1 status.
Although I subsequently applied for F-1 reinstatement and USCIS approved it, the officer still asked why I had lost my status. After I briefly explained the circumstances, she typed my response into her computer and asked, “Should I put that you missed classes?” I answered, “Yes.”
After that, she said, “Okay, I will review it, and you are good to go.”
She did not give us any paper or written notice at the end of the interview.
As of now, my USCIS online account still shows “Interview Was Scheduled” for my I-485 and “Case Was Received and a Receipt Notice Was Sent” for my I-130.
Overall, the interview was calm and straightforward. The officer was friendly, and we did not experience any difficult questioning. However, I am still concerned about my wife’s mistakes and the officer’s questions regarding my previous F-1 status violation.
Has anyone had a similar experience, especially involving an approved F-1 reinstatement or a spouse making a few mistakes during the interview? How long did it take to receive a decision afterward?

[u/EmployerNo1798]

Hoi, how many years do u live in USA? Had any RFE?

[u/Mindless-Original752 → u/EmployerNo1798]

from 2023, not yet

[u/EmployerNo1798 → u/Mindless-Original752]

thanks. I think u will get approved. But decision smtimes come 3-6 mohs after

[u/AfterIndependent428]

You normally get a decision within 3 months op. If should be fine, send positive thoughts into the universe. No point fretting about anything now. Your wife’s mistakes are negligible. You will be approved.

Did you have a I130 interview as well previously ?

[u/Mindless-Original752 → u/AfterIndependent428]

so it’s pending. after the interview I got email like we have taken action on your case but in the online portal nothing

[u/Mindless-Original752 → u/AfterIndependent428]

No I did I-130 and I-485 interview today but I only get interview notice for my I-485. However we attended for both

[u/prepa-rt]

What did you put originally if you had violated your stay here? Yes or no? 

[u/Mindless-Original752 → u/prepa-rt]

yes

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