USCIS Interviews: Why Proper Identification and Documentation Matter

In my last round of USCIS Interviews that I attended with clients, there were a few issues that came up during the course of the Interviews that I wanted to cover in a blog post. In short, these issues were all related to individuals who were not able to produce the identification and documentation that was requested by the Interviewing Officer. The end result of not being able to produce proper documentation at the Interview is usually going to be that your case will be delayed and it may get stuck due to USCIS’s need to conduct background checks and sort through discrepancies that may appear in the record. In most cases, these deficiencies can be addressed in advance of the Interview and proper documentation can be obtained in order to avoid the possibility of having the application delayed for further review. With this in mind, here are four points worth noting:

1. Bring a Current Government-Issued Photo ID

Always bring a current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) that reflects your current legal name and current residential address. The address is especially important in family-based “green card” cases (Form I-130 Immediate Relative Petitions) where a U.S. citizen petitioner must appear and be sworn in. A valid ID ensures that USCIS can verify both the identity and residence of the petitioner, which is crucial for establishing eligibility and maintaining accurate records.

2. Make Sure Your Documents Reflect Your Current Legal Name

If you have changed your name—through marriage or by court order—it’s critical that all your identification and supporting documents match your current legal name. For example, if you married in the United States and legally adopted your spouse’s surname, you should update your driver’s license, Social Security record, and any other identification before the interview. If your documents still show your previous name, USCIS may encounter problems verifying your identity or running your background and security checks, which can delay or even suspend processing of your case.

3. Lost Your Green Card? Get a Replacement or ADIT Stamp

For naturalization applicants (Form N-400) or any other interview requiring proof of lawful permanent residence, losing or misplacing your green card can create major complications. If your card is lost, you should file Form I-90 to apply for a replacement green card, or obtain an ADIT stamp in your passport from USCIS, which serves as temporary evidence of your LPR status. Without proper proof of permanent residence, USCIS cannot complete your background check or finalize your application. Showing up at an interview without valid identification or proof of status is one of the most common—and avoidable—causes of long processing delays.

4. U.S. Citizen Sponsors should produce originals of all documents relating to their status.

Lately, I have noticed that USCIS officers are requesting U.S. Citizen sponsors to produce all of the documentation relating to their status as U.S. Citizens. Thus:

• Native-born U.S. citizens should produce a certified copy of their Birth Certificate AND U.S. Passport, if they have one;
• Naturalized U.S. Citizens should produce the original N-550 Certificate of Naturalization AND valid U.S. Passport, if they have one;
• U.S. Citizens who acquired their U.S. citizenship by birth abroad to a U.S. Citizen parent or parents should be prepared to produce their Birth Certificate, their Department of State Form FS-240 (Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States) AND their U.S. Passport, if they have one; and
• U.S. Citizens who derived Citizenship (from a parent) should also produce a certified copy of their Birth Certificate, their Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560) AND their U.S. Passport, if they have one.

Final Thoughts

Proper identification and documentation are more than just formalities—they are essential tools for verifying your identity, legal status, and eligibility for immigration benefits. Ensuring that your documents are current, accurate, and consistent will help USCIS process your application efficiently and prevent avoidable delays. If you have questions about which documents to bring to your interview, or if you’ve lost your green card and need help obtaining an ADIT stamp or replacement, it’s best to consult an experienced immigration attorney.

About the Author

Sean D. Hummel is a Florida U.S. Immigration Lawyer based in Deerfield Beach. His law practice focuses on family-based immigration, adjustment of status, naturalization, waivers, and humanitarian relief. He represents clients throughout South Florida and across the United States.