I-751 Interview Questions: How to Prepare for the Removal of Conditions Interview

Index

• Introduction
• Do All I-751 Applicants Have an Interview?
• Evidence You Should Bring to the I-751 Interview
• Red Flags in I-751 Interviews
• Tips for Preparing for the I-751 Interview
• What Happens After the I-751 Interview?
• I-751 Interview Frequently Asked Questions
• Do I need a lawyer for the I-751 interview?

Introduction

For conditional green card holders, filing I-751 Form, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is a critical step to securing permanent residency. 

Although not every applicant is scheduled for an interview, you may be called for an I-751 interview if USCIS has concerns about your marriage or evidence.

This guide will cover the most common I-751 interview questions, the red flags that officers look for, and practical tips to help you prepare with confidence.

Do All I-751 Applicants Have an Interview?

Not always. Although many applicants are called for an interview, USCIS may waive it if your case is straightforward and your evidence is strong.

When is an interview waived?

Interviews are usually waived when you provide solid proof of a legitimate marriage and there are no concerns about fraud or complex issues in your file. In some cases, applicants report that their I-751 divorce waiver approved without an interview, especially when their documentation is very strong.

Who must attend?

For joint filings, both spouses are typically interviewed. However, applicants may attend an I-751 interview without spouse in situations such as divorce, abuse, or the death of a spouse. In these cases, only the conditional permanent resident (CPR) attends.

Common I-751 Interview Questions

According to USCIS guidelines, the purpose of the I-751 interview is to confirm that your marriage is bona fide and not solely for immigration purposes. Officers will typically ask you about your relationship history, daily life, finances, and family ties:

Basic Relationship Questions

• When and how did you meet?
• What is your spouse’s full name, including their middle name?
• How did the proposal happen, and who proposed?
• When did you decide to get married?
• Where did you get married, and who was there?

Daily Life, Shared Responsibilities and Personal Habits

• When did you start living together?
• Where do you currently live?
• How do you divide household chores?
• Who usually cooks and who does the grocery shopping?
• What time do you usually wake up and go to bed?
• Which side of the bed does your spouse sleep on?
• Do you share a car, and who drives more often?
• Do you have any pets? If yes, who takes care of them?

Financial Evidence

• Who pays the rent or mortgage?
• Do you share a bank account or credit cards?
• Do you file your taxes jointly or separately?
• Do you both contribute to household expenses?
• Do you share health or car insurance policies?

Family and Social Life 

• Do you have children together? If so, what are their names and birthdays?
• How often do you see or talk to each other's parents?
• Have you met your spouse’s family? When and where did you meet them?
• What did you do for the last holiday or birthday?
• Have you traveled together? Where was your last trip?
• Do you celebrate special occasions with family or friends?

Important: Be consistent and honest. Although USCIS officers understand that couples may forget minor details, contradictory answers can raise red flags.

Extra Questions (Sometimes Asked in Stokes Interviews):

Most couples will not face extremely detailed questioning if their case is strong. However, if USCIS doubts the legitimacy of the marriage, they may schedule a Stokes interview, also called a "marriage fraud interview." During this interview, spouses are separated and asked detailed, sometimes very personal, questions. Officers then compare the answers to check for consistency.

For example, they might even go into home details, ask about your plans for the future together, your daily communication habits, and which apps you use. Those questions could be:

• Do you plan to buy a home together?
• Do you plan to have children?
• What are your long-term career and family goals as a couple?
• How many rooms are in your home?
• What color are the walls or bedspread in your bedroom?
• Where do you usually keep household items like toothpaste, cooking pans, and laundry detergent?
• How often do you call or text each other during the day?
• What messaging apps do you use most?
• When was the last time you spoke on the phone with your spouse?

If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) schedules you for a Stokes interview, it’s important to take it seriously. Preparing with an experienced immigration attorney can make a big difference in demonstrating the authenticity of your marriage.

Evidence You Should Bring to the I-751 Interview

USCIS officers want to see ongoing proof that your marriage is genuine and that you continue to share your life together after receiving your conditional green card. The stronger and more consistent your evidence, the smoother your case will go.

Some of the most persuasive bona fide marriage evidence includes the following:

Red Flags in I-751 Interviews

Even genuine couples may face additional scrutiny if certain red flags appear in their file. These can trigger longer questioning or even a Stokes interview: 

• Living at separate addresses without a good explanation
• Lack of shared finances or joint documents
• Significant age or cultural differences without evidence of integration
• Contradictory answers between spouses
• Divorce, separation, or signs of marital breakdown during the process

If any of these apply to your case, it’s best to prepare with an immigration attorney. Addressing red flags in advance will make your interview much smoother.

Tips for Preparing for the I-751 Interview

A successful I-751 interview relies on preparation and honesty. Here are some practical tips to help you feel confident:

• Review your timeline. Refresh your memory on important dates, such as when you met, got engaged, and got married.
• Practice common questions. Go over the likely questions provided in this post, but keep your answers natural.
• Stay organized. Bring all updated evidence in a neat and easily accessible format.
• Be honest: If you don’t remember something exactly, just explain that you don’t recall.
• Stay calm. Officers know that applicants may feel nervous, so focus on being consistent and prepared.

Important: Arrive a little early and dress professionally yet comfortably, as you would for an important meeting. First impressions matter here, too.

What Happens After the I-751 Interview?

Once your interview is complete, USCIS will take one of several paths depending on your case:

• If everything checks out, your petition will be approved and you will receive a 10-year permanent green card.
• If the officer needs more documents, you’ll be asked to provide additional proof (Request for Evidence - RFE) before a decision is made.
• If USCIS determines that your marriage is not genuine or that the evidence is insufficient, your petition may be denied, which could lead to removal proceedings.

If you receive an RFE or face a possible denial, it’s wise to consult an immigration attorney immediately to protect your status.

I-751 Interview Frequently Asked Questions

Do all I-751 applicants have an interview?

No, many cases are approved without an interview if the evidence is strong and there are no red flags.

What if my spouse and I are divorced?

You can file with a divorce waiver, but expect closer scrutiny at the interview.

How long does the I-751 interview take?

Most interviews last 20-30 minutes, but complex cases may take longer.

What questions are asked in the I-751 interview?

Officers typically ask about your relationship history, daily life together, finances, and family connections.

What to bring to an I-751 interview?

Bring updated joint documents, such as leases, mortgages, bank statements, tax returns, insurance documents, photos, and affidavits.

Is there always an interview for I-751?

Not always. USCIS can waive the interview if the file contains strong, consistent evidence of a bona fide marriage.

What is the strongest evidence for I-751?

Joint financial records, such as tax returns, bank statements, and insurance policies, combined with proof of living together, are the strongest. If you have children together, their birth certificates are also considered very powerful evidence.

Why would I-751 be denied?

Common reasons include a lack of evidence, inconsistent answers, suspected marriage fraud, and criminal issues.

What percentage of people are interviewed for I-751?

USCIS does not publish an exact percentage, but many straightforward cases are approved without an interview. Cases with red flags are more likely to require an interview.

Do I need a lawyer for the I-751 interview?

You don’t have to hire a lawyer for the I-751 green card interview, but many applicants find it reassuring to work with an immigration attorney. A lawyer can help you get organized and guide you through the process with confidence.

At Gozel Law Firm, we have successfully guided many clients through the I-751 removal of conditions process, from preparing for common I-751 interview questions to gathering the strongest evidence. Schedule a consultation today to protect your status and secure your 10-year green card with confidence.