(UNITED STATES) — Afghan allies who applied for green cards are bracing for USCIS interviews as holiday enforcement news spreads, including ICE check-ins scheduled on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
USCIS interviews are usually routine, document-focused appointments. Still, many Afghan applicants are worried after reports that some people were arrested after reporting to ICE check-ins around the same time as immigration appointments. It is important to separate the agencies and the appointment types. A USCIS interview notice is not an ICE check-in notice. Each requires different preparation and different risk planning.
This interview-prep guide focuses on a common path for many Operation Allies Welcome parolees and other Afghan allies: adjustment of status through Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It also applies to applicants adjusting through family, employment, or certain humanitarian categories, with category-specific differences noted.
What to expect at a USCIS interview
Most Form I-485 interviews happen at a local USCIS field office. The officer’s goal is to confirm your identity and eligibility and to check for any inadmissibility issues.
Expect these typical steps:
- Security screening at entry. Bring the interview notice and photo ID.
- Check-in at the reception window. You may provide fingerprints or a signature.
- Oath to tell the truth. The officer records your answers.
- Identity verification. The officer reviews passports and travel documents.
- Eligibility review. The officer confirms your category and your history.
- Yes/no inadmissibility questions. These are the long security questions on the form.
- Document review. The officer checks originals and may keep copies.
- Decision or next step. You may get approval, a request for more evidence, or further review.
Many applicants worry the interview will be an interrogation. Most interviews are calm and methodical when the file is complete.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Treating a USCIS interview like an ICE check-in. Bring your USCIS notice and confirm the address is a USCIS field office.
Required documents to bring (bring originals and one copy set)
Your interview notice usually lists what to bring. Bring everything listed, plus a careful baseline set.
Document checklist
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS interview notice | Yes | The appointment letter for your Form I-485 case |
| Passport | Yes | Bring current and expired passports |
| Government photo ID | Yes | Driver’s license or state ID helps |
| I-94 record | Often | Print from CBP if available; USCIS may already have it |
| Parole document | If applicable | Many Operation Allies Welcome entrants have parole paperwork |
| Birth certificate | Yes | With certified English translation if needed |
| Marriage certificate | If applicable | Bring divorce decrees or death certificates for prior marriages |
| Two passport-style photos | Sometimes | Follow the notice instructions |
| Medical exam | If required | Form I-693 in a sealed envelope, if you did not submit it |
| Proof of lawful entry or inspection | If applicable | Officer reviews admission, parole, or other inspection history |
| Court records | If applicable | Bring certified dispositions for any charges, even dismissed |
| Proof of relationship | Family cases | Photos, joint leases, joint bank statements, children’s records |
| Proof of employment | Employment cases | Pay stubs, job letter, recent W-2s |
| Updated address proof | Often | Lease, utility bill, or bank statement |
If you filed a financial sponsor form, bring updated support evidence.
- Many family cases involve Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
- Bring the sponsor’s most recent tax return and W-2s.
Form quick reference (for common interview-related filings)
Fees change. Verify each fee at uscis.gov/fees before filing. Wrong fees can cause a rejection.
| Form | Purpose | Fee | Typical Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Green card in the U.S. | $1,225 (includes biometrics) as of December 2025 | 8–14 months (est.) as of December 2025 |
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Family petition | $625 as of December 2025 | Varies by category (est.) as of December 2025 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | Work permit (EAD) | $410 as of December 2025 | 3–7 months (est.) as of December 2025 |
| Form I-131, Application for Travel Document | Advance parole / travel document | Fee varies | 6–14 months (est.) as of December 2025 |
💰 Current Fee: Form I-485 is commonly $1,225 as of December 2025, including biometrics. Always confirm at uscis.gov/fees.
⏱️ Processing Time: USCIS times are estimates. Check USCIS processing times. Times vary by category and location.
Processing can extend for RFEs, interviews, and background checks. Afghan applicants may also see extended security vetting.
Common USCIS interview questions for Form I-485
USCIS officers ask questions to match your answers to your forms and evidence. Expect a mix of simple biographic questions and eligibility questions.
Identity and background
- What is your full legal name and date of birth?
- What names have you used in the past?
- What is your current address and who lives with you?
- What countries have you lived in during the last five years?
- When did you last enter the United States, and how?
Immigration history
- What status did you enter with, and what is your current status?
- Have you ever overstayed or worked without authorization?
- Have you ever been in removal proceedings?
- Have you ever been arrested or cited, anywhere in the world?
Eligibility and category-specific questions
Family-based cases:
– How did you meet your spouse?
– When and where was the wedding?
– What are your spouse’s work and daily routines?
– Do you share finances and housing?
Employment-based cases:
– What is your job title and work location?
– What are your duties and salary?
– Are you still working for the sponsoring employer?
Humanitarian or parole-related issues:
– Why did you leave Afghanistan?
– What documents did you receive through Operation Allies Welcome?
– Have you returned to Afghanistan since entry?
The “yes/no” security questions
These come from Form I-485. The officer may read them quickly, but they matter.
- Have you ever been a member of a group using weapons?
- Have you ever helped someone enter the U.S. illegally?
- Have you ever failed to file required taxes?
- Have you ever lied to get an immigration benefit?
Answer carefully and truthfully. Ask for clarification if you do not understand.
Tips for the day of the interview (dress, arrival time, interpreters)
Many delays happen because of timing, missing IDs, or language issues.
Create a two-pocket document kit: originals in one folder, copies in another; label each set; before leaving, double-check the USCIS interview notice vs any ICE letter to avoid miscommunication.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early. Earlier arrival can help with parking and security lines.
- Dress business casual. Clean, neat clothing is best. Avoid slogans and uniforms.
- Bring an interpreter if needed. USCIS rules vary by case type and office—confirm in your notice.
- Keep documents organized. Use labeled folders for originals and copies.
- Do not guess. If you do not remember a date, say so and offer an estimate.
- Correct mistakes clearly. If your form has an error, explain it and provide proof.
If you moved, file Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card online through USCIS. Address problems can cause missed notices.
A special note during holiday enforcement news
Reports of ICE check-ins scheduled on Christmas Day have increased fear. Some people have appointments on December 27 or December 30, too. A USCIS interview is not an ICE check-in. Still, take these steps if you received any ICE notice:
- Read the header carefully. USCIS and ICE letters look different.
- Confirm the address. USCIS interviews occur at USCIS field offices.
- Talk to an attorney fast if you have an ICE reporting notice. Holiday timing can limit access to courts.
- Do not ignore either notice. Each has different consequences.
What happens after the interview
USCIS may decide the case the same day, but many cases remain pending for review. Typical post-interview steps include:
- Case held for review. USCIS completes background checks.
- Request for Evidence (RFE). USCIS asks for missing items by a deadline.
- Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). USCIS explains a problem and allows a response.
- Second interview. This can happen in marriage cases or complex files.
- Approval notice and card production. The green card is mailed to you.
As of December 2025, Form I-485 processing times vary widely by field office and category. Use egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ and select your form and office. These times are estimates only.
Possible outcomes: approval, RFE, or denial
Approval
Approval may be immediate or occur after additional review. Confirm your mailing address—USCIS sends the green card by mail.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
An RFE is common when documents are missing or outdated. Common examples:
- Missing Form I-693 medical exam.
- Missing certified court dispositions.
- Missing financial sponsor tax documents.
- Missing proof of bona fide marriage.
Respond by the deadline. Send exactly what USCIS requests and include the RFE cover sheet.
Denial
Denials usually involve ineligibility, fraud findings, inadmissibility, or missing required evidence. A denial can also trigger removal proceedings in some situations; this risk depends on your status history.
If denied, review options quickly. Options may include a motion or appeal, or refiling, depending on the category. Deadlines can be short.
Practical next steps before your interview
- Download your filed forms and compare them to your supporting documents.
- Gather originals and make one clean copy set using the checklist above.
- Check USCIS processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ for your form and office.
- Confirm fees for any follow-up filing at uscis.gov/fees.
- Create or sign in to your account at my.uscis.gov to track notices and case status.
- If you received an ICE check-in notice near Christmas Day, get legal advice immediately.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.
This guide helps Afghan allies and green card applicants navigate the USCIS interview process for adjustment of status. It distinguishes between USCIS interviews and ICE check-ins, provides a comprehensive document checklist, and outlines common interview questions. Practical tips on attire, arrival, and post-interview outcomes like approvals or RFEs are included to help applicants prepare effectively and reduce anxiety during the holiday enforcement period.
