Employment Based Greencard

Hello, I just had my I-485 interview and wanted to share my experience. These employment based interviews are pretty new and not a lot of information is out there, so wanted to let others who are also in the same boat know about how my experience was.

PD June 5 2017
Interview Notice date Dec 22 2017
Interview Today
Field Office NYC

Came about an half hour early for my interview but had to wait about an hour past my scheduled time for my interview. The interview itself was very straightforward. Questions asked include:

- Requested an updated letter of employment, pay slips, and tax returns for prior years. Unfortunately I did not bring my tax return but had my W-2
- Run through of the I-485 application: What is your name, your father's name, date of birth, place of birth, previous addresses, etc. All the info in the first part of the application
- Asked all the security questions in the I-485 application: Have you ever been arrested, have you participated in drug trafficking, are you a communist, have you aided in murder or committed murder, etc. Certainly a bit intimidating and daunting to be asked all these questions in person.

The interview lasted about 10 minutes. The Officer said she would have to review a few other things, like run my security check, before the application could be approved.

I've heard that interviews for other applications haven't been as straightforward and interviewers may go into more detail around job description, qualifications, etc. but I was told to prepare to only repeat what was already in the application, and only go into more detail if asked.

My attorney, while present, did not answer any questions or provide input during the interview. Not sure in what circumstances having your lawyer there would be an advantage. Most applicants in the room appeared to be marriage-based applicants and had their lawyers with them.

Hopefully this is helpful!