EB-2 Interview Complete Guide

The EB-2 visa classification is the second preference level of employment-based green cards for foreign nationals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees. The EB-2 program has three subdivisions, all of which may require an interview to verify your personal information and eligibility, confirm your intent, and protect against fraud. Foreign nationals who may be required to have an interview include:

• Advanced degree holders;
• Those with exceptional ability, and
• Those with a National Interest Waiver.

It’s important to prepare as much as possible, alongside your immigration attorney, before these interviews to ensure you are well equipped to answer the immigration officer’s questions.

How to Prepare for EB-2 Green Card Interview 

Whether you are using consular processing or are already in the U.S. and are undergoing an adjustment of status, it is essential to prepare for the interview before the actual date.

In preparation for the interview, you must first:

1. Have a Medical Examination

You and each dependent family member of the visa application must schedule and complete a medical examination and any required vaccinations to determine your admissibility into the United States based on your health. An authorized physician must conduct the examination.

You can contact the embassy or use the USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon page to locate an authorized physician nearest you. After undergoing the exam, the doctor may give you an envelope containing the results of the exam or send it directly to the embassy or the USCIS.

If the envelope is provided to you, do not open it; you must bring it to the interview sealed.

2. Gather the Required Documents

You will need to ensure you have all the required documents that correspond with the answers you’ve entered into your petition and every other form you have submitted. Also, if you’ve changed your address since you began the process or changed your marital status, you must notify the immigration office.

Guidelines and the required documents may vary among different embassies. It is essential to review the instruction page of the embassy you are applying to for the specific requirements. For example, some embassies do not allow visa applicants to bring cell phones to the interview.

EB-2 Interview Question Examples

As the interview begins, the officer will review your file and ask questions about your documents and forms. This is to ensure that your answers match the information on your application.

The questions are case-by-case and mostly about your biographic information, job, qualifications, or employer. Some of the usual EB-2 visa questions you can expect include the following:

Details About the Sponsoring Organization

Prepare to discuss your role, responsibilities, and how your qualifications align with the position at the new organization. Some questions might be:

• Can you provide an overview of the organization you will be working for?
• What are its mission and main activities?
• How did you learn about this organization and the job opportunity it offered?
• What specific role will you be performing within the organization?
• What are the responsibilities and duties associated with your position?
• How do your educational background and work experience align with the requirements of this position?
• Can you explain the significance and impact of the work performed by this organization within your field of expertise?
• What projects or initiatives has the organization undertaken recently, and how do they relate to your prospective role?
• How does this job offer contribute to the advancement of your professional career?
• Can you provide information about the organization’s reputation within the industry or field?
• What are the long-term goals and prospects for growth within this organization?

Qualifications, Training, Past Job Experience

Discuss with your immigration attorney the best way to address any questions you’re unfamiliar with, but these should be straightforward for the most part. You may be asked things like:

• Can you provide an overview of your educational background, including degrees earned and institutions attended?
• How does your educational qualification align with the job requirements you have been offered in the United States?
• Can you explain any specialized training or certifications you have obtained relevant to your field of expertise?
• Describe your previous work experience and your positions in your home country.
• How does your past job experience prepare you for the responsibilities and duties associated with the job offer in the United States?
• What specific skills or expertise do you possess that make you well-suited for the job you have been offered?
• Can you provide examples of projects or assignments you have completed in the past that demonstrate your abilities and accomplishments?
• Have you received any awards or recognition for your work in your home country? If so, please explain.
• Describe any research, publications, or patents you have been involved in that are relevant to your field.
• How do you envision applying your qualifications, training, and past job experience to contribute to the growth and development of your field in the United States?

Job, Salary, and Roles

Whether you are still going to have the same job, salary, and roles (as mentioned in your I-140 or if there have been any changes

• Can you confirm if you will assume the same job position mentioned in your I-140 petition?
• Has there been any change in your job responsibilities or roles since the filing of your I-140 petition?
• Have there been any changes to your salary or compensation package since filing your I-140 petition?
• Are there any modifications to the job title or job description that differ from what was stated in your I-140 petition?
• Has there been any change in the employer who filed your I-140 petition or any change in the ownership or structure of the company?

Current Resident Status

Particularly if you are already in the United States:

• What is your current immigration status in the United States?
• Are you currently in lawful status in the United States? If so, what type of status?
• Have you maintained a continuous lawful presence in the United States since arrival?
• Have you ever violated the terms of your current immigration status?

For an EB-2 visa while already in the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful answers to the USCIS officer during the interview.

Admissibilities

Such as previous arrest, Conviction, immigration Violations, or misrepresentations:

• Are you subject to any bars or restrictions preventing you from adjusting your status within the United States?
• Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime in any country?
• Have you ever violated any immigration laws or regulations in any country, including the United States?
• Have you ever been refused a visa or entry into the United States or any other country?
• Have you ever been involved in any activities that could be considered a misrepresentation of your identity or purpose, either in the United States or elsewhere?
• Have you ever been subject to deportation, removal, or exclusion proceedings in any country?

These questions aim to assess your admissibility into the United States and ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

EB-2 Interview Checklist

Again, this may vary based on your location and whether or not you are already in the U.S. The following are some of the items usually required at an EB-2 interview:

• An unexpired passport that is valid for the next six months
• Your I-94 record
• Two color passport photographs – 2×2 inches with a white background. See the DOS photo requirements
• Your medical report, given to you by the authorized physician
• Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable
• Your advance parole card, if applicable
• Your educational certificates
• Your birth and marriage certificates
• A government-issued identification, e.g., a driver’s license
• A letter from your employer confirming your employment offer and past employment, if applicable
• Documents showing tax payments
• An original court-certified record, if you have been arrested or convicted of any crime in the past
• A letter of a job offer from your sponsoring employer
• I-140 approval notice, if applicable
• An I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability, if applicable
• If any of the documents are written in any language other than English, you will need to submit an English translation of it
• Any additional documents listed on the embassy website

Discuss with your attorney if you need to provide pay stubs for the last two months. If you submit incomplete documentation, the immigration officer can’t complete the interview process and can’t decide on your case. The process will be on hold until you bring the required evidence.

Attending EB-2 Visa Interview

On the interview day, arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time. If you have derivative beneficiaries (spouse and/or children under the age of 21) on the petition, they will also need to attend the interview. Although immigration officers have the option to waive interviews for minors who are under 14, it is not a guarantee.

In any case, take everyone whose name appears on the application along with you, and ensure each person has the required documentation. Depending on the officer’s discretion, they might conduct a joint interview for the whole family or a separate session for each person. Either way, everyone needs to be truthful in answering the questions to avoid giving contradicting accounts.

EB-2 NIW Interview

Those who are petitioning for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) are required to go through an interview with an immigration official. During the interview, you’ll be asked about your personal information, documentation you’ve submitted, and other details about your case.

Inside the U.S.

For those who are already in the U.S. and applying to adjust your status, you should receive an I-797 in the mail, which details your interview date, time, and location.

Outside of the U.S.

For those outside of the U.S., when your priority date is current (or will be soon), you will receive an invoice from the National Visa Center to pay your application fees. You will then need to submit the application as well as supporting documentation. The interview will then be scheduled. Learn more about the EB-2 NIW in this guide.

What Happens During and After the EB-2 Interview?

The following is a general outline of the interview procedures:

Arrival: Arrive at the interview location early to allow time for security checks and registration.

Interview process: The interviewing officer will verify your identity and ask questions about your qualifications, job offer, and intentions to work in the United States. Prepare to answer questions concisely and honestly.

Language interpreter: If you require an interpreter, make arrangements beforehand or inquire about the availability of interpreters at the interview location.

Fingerprinting: You may be required to provide fingerprints for security and identification purposes at the interview.

Fee payment: If applicable, you must pay any required visa fees during the interview.

In most cases, the decision will be made at the end of the interview, and the EB-2 visa petition will be either approved or denied. In some cases, however, there may be a need for further internal processing or additional documentation. If this applies to you, the officer will inform you. You will not receive your green card immediately for an approved case, but you’ll be given a temporary document. The document you will receive will depend on the location of the interview.

Consular Processing:

For a consular processing interview, you will receive a visa packet after your successful EB-2 interview. You will have to pay the USCIS immigrant fee. Do not open the visa packet when you get it. When traveling to the U.S., you must take it with you and give it to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.

If the CBP officer inspects you and deems you fit, you can enter, reside, and work in the U.S. as an EB-2 lawful resident. Your green card should be mailed to you within 45 days after arriving in the U.S.

Status Adjustment:

For an adjustment of status interview in the U.S., you will get an I-551 stamp on your passport, which serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status. USCIS will mail you your physical green card a few weeks later.

Expert Tips for a Successful O-2 Visa Interview

1. Dress professionally: Wear formal attire to make a good impression during the interview.
2. Be prepared: Familiarize yourself with your application and the details of your job offer to answer questions confidently.
3. Communicate clearly: Speak clearly and concisely, using language that is easy to understand. Be honest and avoid providing unnecessary information.
4. Stay calm and composed: Maintain a calm demeanor throughout the interview, even if you encounter challenging or unexpected questions.
5. Ask for clarification: If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the interviewing officer to repeat or clarify it.
6. Follow instructions: Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the interviewing officer and follow them accordingly.
7. Maintain eye contact: Maintain eye contact with the interviewing officer to demonstrate attentiveness and confidence.

How to Apply for an EB-2 Visa

1. Determine Your Eligibility

   • The EB-2 visa is for individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field.

   • To qualify for an EB-2 employment-based green card, you must have a job offer from a prospective employer, unless you qualify for a National Interest Waiver (NIW).

   • If applying with an NIW, you can self-petition without an employer or a labor certification.

2. Obtain a PERM Labor Certification (If Required)

   • Your U.S. employer must file a Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) request with the Department of Labor (DOL).

   • This process ensures no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

   • Processing time: Several months, depending on DOL review and potential audits.

   • Exception: If you have an NIW, you can skip this step.

3. File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

   • Once the PERM is approved, your employer must submit Form I-140 to USCIS to classify you as an EB-2 immigrant.

   • If self-petitioning under NIW, you file Form I-140 yourself.

   • USCIS will process the petition and, upon approval, forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC).

4. Wait for a Current Priority Date

   • The NVC assigns you a priority date based on when your I-140 is filed.

   • You must wait for your priority date to become current in the Visa Bulletin before proceeding with your green card application.

   • The wait time depends on visa availability and country of chargeability.

5. Apply for Your Green Card (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing)

   • If you are in the U.S., File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) once your priority date is current.

   • If you are outside the U.S., apply through consular processing at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

   • Supporting Document: You may need to submit Form I-485J to confirm a bona fide job offer or request job portability.

6. Attend the Green Card Interview

   • You will be scheduled for an interview with USCIS (for Adjustment of Status) or at a U.S. consulate (for consular processing).

   • Be prepared to provide supporting documents and answer questions about your qualifications and job offer.

7. Receive Your EB-2 Green Card

   • If approved, you will receive your EB-2 green card in the mail (if adjusting status) or an immigrant visa (if going through consular processing).

   • The green card grants you permanent residence in the U.S.

Recommended read: Form I-485J: Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability. 

Tip: You must ensure you follow the given instructions to avoid delay. Depending on the number of people ahead of you, your priority date may take several months or even years before becoming current. While waiting for the priority date, you can begin preparation for your EB-2 green card interview. Once your priority date is about to become current, you will get a notification letter.

How VisaNation Law Group Immigration Attorneys Can Help 

One good thing about the EB-2 visa is that, as stringent as the requirements are, there is the privilege of having an attorney with you at the interview. VisaNation Law Group’s highly experienced EB-2 attorneys will help you file your EB-2 petition, give you the best legal counsel before and during your interview, and ensure you acquire your green card without any delay. To contact a VisaNation Law Group attorney, you can schedule an appointment with us today by filling out this contact form.