The Stokes interview
The Stokes interview
The Stokes interview
When an applicant, married to a resident, files for adjustment of status to obtain a permanent residence in the United States they will be scheduled for an interview. However, if the immigration officer is not convinced that the marriage is bona fide in the initial I-485 interview, they will request a second meeting known as the Stokes interview.
During a Stokes interview, an immigration officer will question each member of the couple separately and then together as well. If the officer considers that the interview did not go well they will proceed to try to clarify discrepancies between the spouse’s answers and even ask very personal and intimate questions.
If the immigration officer considers that the marriage is legitimate, then the couple’s case will be approved. However, if the officer thinks that there is a reason to believe the marriage was only entered into order for a Green Card, the case will be denied and it will be considered marriage fraud.
Common questions asked in a Stokes interview
There are no universal questions that are asked during a Stokes interview but there are some typical ones that show up on a regular basis. These are some of them:
- How did you meet?
- Where was your first date?
- Who is in charge of cleaning the house?
- Who pays the bills?
- How many bedrooms are there in your house?
- How many windows does your home have?
- Who usually gets up first in the morning?
- What do you eat for breakfast?
- Who sets up the alarm clock?
- What are your pets’ names?
- What kind of sofa do you have in your living room?
- Who went to sleep first last night?
- What type of music do you listen to?
- Where did you buy your furniture?
- What are your favorite TV shows?
- What does your spouse like to drink in the morning?
How many cars do you have? - Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
- What kind of mattress do you have?
- Who is your cable/internet/phone provider?
- How many appliances do you have in your kitchen?
- Do you have computers at home, how many?
- How often do you eat out?
- Who does the laundry?
- What kind of shampoo do you use?
- What type of birth control do you use?
Tips to avoid or overcome the Stokes interview
If you are going to your I-485 interview, here are some tips to help you avoid the Stokes interview or overcome it if you are scheduled for one.
- Be well prepared
Before the interview, you and your spouse should prepare for the questions that are going to be asked to you. Get your documentation that proves your bona fide marriage ready for the I-485 interview and go through it together with your immigration attorney beforehand.
2. Be honest
To avoid being scheduled for the Stokes interview you need to be honest in your I-485 interview. Be careful not to misrepresent the facts in your relationship and be honest with yourselves and also your immigration lawyer. It will also hurt you if you lie to the immigration officer. If there is an answer you don’t know, it is better to let him/her know this instead of being dishonest.
3. Be confident with your answers
If the immigration officer senses that you are uncomfortable speaking to him/her, it may signal that you are lying or hiding something regarding the marriage. Among other tips, maintain eye contact with the officer and don’t interrupt him or her while he or she is asking questions. Also, be polite, courteous and respectful at all times.
4. Show good etiquette
Immigration-related interviews are very formal and we advise you to attend them accordingly. This includes how you look and your behavior. It is also not positive to exaggerate the feelings you have for your spouse since it may appear over-exaggerated or insincere. Behave as you would normally do.
5. Your rights
Immigration officers are trained to use intimidation tactics to put pressure on individuals so that they can uncover any fraudulent behavior. If your marriage is genuine, you don’t need to be nervous or panic and don’t give in to the pressure. Remain firm and direct in your convictions and if at any time of the interview you don’t feel comfortable or feel that you are being intimidated, you can stop the meeting and ask to speak with an attorney.
Immigration is a complicated area of law in the United States, this is why we advise you to seek assistance if you are going to be involved in this process. At Kannan Law, we can help you with your immigration in California. If you need an immigration lawyer, don’t look any further, contact us today.