by Mokolo Law

Green Card Interview Process in Texas

If you’re applying for a Green Card and living in Texas, the interview stage is a crucial milestone in your immigration journey. Whether your application is based on marriage, family sponsorship, employment, or asylum, the Green Card interview is where USCIS officers assess the authenticity of your application, determine your eligibility for permanent residency, and evaluate the legitimacy and completeness of your case.

The process can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what to expect, what to bring, and how to present your case can make all the difference between a smooth approval and an unexpected delay.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about attending your Green Card interview at a Texas USCIS field office, from important documents and interview questions to post-interview outcomes and expert tips for success.

Green Card Interview Process in Texas

Venue of Interview in Texas

The Green Card interview is a formal step conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify your eligibility for permanent residency. Depending on your case type and location, the interview typically takes place at a USCIS field office in Texas (e.g., Houston, Dallas), unless waived under limited criteria such as minor children or illness. Applicants abroad may be interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

For marriage-based Green Card applicants, the officer will also assess whether your relationship is authentic and legally valid, ensuring it was not entered into solely to gain immigration benefits. Both the applicant and the petitioner (e.g., spouse) must attend. Interpreters and attorneys may also accompany you if allowed.

Document Requirements

• Appointment notice (Form I-485)
• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
• Complete copy of your I-485 application with supporting documents
• Original civil documents (birth, marriage certificates)
• Form I-693 sealed medical exam packet (required since Dec 2024)
• Evidence of bona fide relationship (joint bank/lease statements, photos, etc.) for marriage cases
• Employment verification letter and job offer documents for employment-based cases

Interview Process

The primary goal of the interview is to confirm the accuracy of the information you submitted in your application and to evaluate your eligibility under current immigration law. During the session, a USCIS officer will:

• Review your submitted documentation
• Verify your identity using photo ID and biometrics
• Ask questions about your background, immigration history, and employment or family ties

Approaching this interview well-prepared can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Common Green Card Interview Questions

The Green Card interview typically includes a mix of personal, professional, legal, and relationship-related questions to verify your eligibility and the authenticity of your application. Here’s how the questions are generally grouped:

Personal Background

• Identity details: full name, aliases, birthdate, nationality, and address history
• Family: marital status, children, parents, and siblings
• Contact information, occupation, and education history

Employment History

• Current and past jobs, employer details, salary, job duties, and unemployment gaps
• Self-employment, business ownership, certifications, and licenses

Legal History

• Past arrests, convictions, immigration violations, deportations, visa overstays, fraud, or false claims
• Tax compliance, lawsuits, and affiliations with criminal or terrorist organizations
• Willingness to take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance

Marriage-Based Questions (if applicable)

• How and when you met, relationship milestones, wedding and honeymoon details
• Daily routines, shared finances, household responsibilities, personal habits, and family knowledge
• Evidence of a bona fide marriage

Additional Lifestyle Questions

• Travel history, public benefits, financial plans, property ownership, and community involvement
• Motivation for U.S. residency, integration efforts, language skills, and long-term goals

These questions help USCIS assess your credibility, the validity of your relationship (if applicable), and your readiness for permanent residency in the U.S. Practicing clear, honest, and consistent answers is key to a successful interview.

After the Interview

• You might receive an approval with a temporary I‑551 stamp in your passport, and your Green Card will arrive in the mail
• Or receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), or additional review request
• In some cases, USCIS may call you for a second interview

Tips for a Successful Green Card Interview in Texas

Preparing thoroughly for your Green Card interview can make the difference between approval and delay. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready:

1. Know Your Application Inside and Out
   Review all the information you submitted in your application forms. Be ready to clearly explain your answers and provide context where necessary, especially for personal history, travel, or family relationships.
2. Bring All Required Documents
   Come fully prepared with original documents and copies, including:
   • Passports, visas, and government-issued ID
   • Marriage or birth certificates
   • Employment verification letters or job records
   • Financial documents, tax returns, and any prior immigration records
3. Practice Interview Questions
   Review common interview questions related to your case type: marriage-based, employment-based, or family sponsorship. Practicing with a friend, spouse, or attorney can help you become more confident and concise in your responses.
4. Communicate Honestly and Clearly
   Always answer truthfully and avoid exaggeration. If a question is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask the officer for clarification. Clear, direct answers are best.
5. Dress for the Occasion
   Appearances count. Dress in neat, professional clothing that reflects your respect for the process. Business casual or formal attire is appropriate.
6. Stay Calm and Focused
   Nerves are normal, but try to remain composed. Take your time when responding and focus on answering one question at a time.
7. Consult an Immigration Attorney
   Working with an experienced immigration attorney can significantly strengthen your case. At Mokolo Law Firm, we help clients:
   • Prepare for specific interview questions
   • Organize and review all required documents
   • Understand potential red flags in their application
   • Attend the interview with legal representation if needed

Final Thoughts on Green Card Interview Process in Texas

The Green Card interview is a pivotal step toward achieving permanent residency in the United States. By preparing carefully and seeking legal guidance, you’ll be well-positioned for a successful outcome.

Schedule a Consultation with Mokolo Law Firm

Let Mokolo Law Firm guide you through every step, from document preparation to interview coaching and legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation and take the next step toward your future in the U.S. with clarity and confidence.

by Mokolo Law

How to Apply for the I‑601 Waiver for Illegal Presence in Texas

Immigration law is full of difficult decisions, but facing a bar to admission due to unlawful presence doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. With the I‑601 Waiver, many immigrants have a real shot at legalization, even after overstaying a visa, entering without inspection, or being denied at a U.S. consulate.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Form I‑601 waiver, especially if you’re working with Mokolo Law Firm, where our experienced immigration attorneys specialize in hardship waivers and complex immigration barriers.

What Is the I‑601 Waiver?

Form I‑601, also called the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, is used when the U.S. government finds you ineligible for a visa or green card. This waiver gives you the opportunity to apply for forgiveness so your case can move forward.

Common grounds for needing an I‑601 waiver include:

• Unlawful presence in the U.S. (more than 180 days or 1 year, triggering 3- or 10-year bars)
• Fraud or misrepresentation (e.g., using a false document at entry)
• Certain criminal convictions
• Health-related grounds (e.g., lack of required vaccines)
• Prior removal or deportation orders

The Difference Between I‑601 vs. I‑601A

Form I‑601 is used by individuals applying from outside the U.S. or after being declared inadmissible during a visa or green card process.

Form I‑601A, on the other hand, is for unlawful presence waivers filed inside the U.S. before the applicant departs for consular processing.

If your inadmissibility stems solely from unlawful presence (either over 180 days or over one year), and you’re still in the U.S., you must use Form I‑601A.

Who Qualifies for the I‑601 Waiver?

To qualify, you must have a “qualifying relative” who would suffer extreme hardship if you are not admitted to the U.S.

Qualifying relatives include:

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse
• U.S. citizen or LPR parent
• In certain cases, U.S. citizen or LPR children (especially under other waiver categories)

Note: The hardship is measured on the qualifying relative, not on you, the applicant.

How to Apply for an I‑601 Waiver

1. Confirm Inadmissibility
You must first be found inadmissible by USCIS or a U.S. consular officer. This usually happens during a visa or adjustment interview. Only then can you apply for the waiver.

2. Build the “Extreme Hardship” Argument
One of the most critical components of a successful I‑601 application is proving extreme hardship to the qualifying relative. General emotional distress or separation is not enough. USCIS doesn’t grant waivers easily. You must prove that your relative would suffer hardship beyond the normal consequences of family separation.

You must demonstrate hardships such as:

• A spouse with a chronic illness who depends on your care
• A U.S. citizen child with special educational or medical needs
• Economic harm that would prevent your family from affording necessities
• Lack of safety or healthcare in your home country
• Separation from a support network that your qualifying relative depends on

All claims must be backed by documented evidence, such as:

• Medical reports, diagnoses, and treatment plans
• Financial records (tax returns, pay stubs, debts, etc.)
• Psychological evaluations
• Country condition reports (crime, poverty, healthcare access)

USCIS Considerations

USCIS evaluates a wide range of factors, including:

• Health and treatment needs of the qualifying relative
• Financial stability and the impact of separation
• Educational access and employment opportunities
• The applicant’s immigration history and length of U.S. residence
• Family ties and potential separation
• Criminal history and rehabilitation efforts
• Community involvement and moral character

Application Package Checklist

The application package checklist includes:

• Form I‑601: Must be completed and signed
• Filing fee: Check the latest fee at the USCIS.gov website
• Personal affidavit: tell your story, truthfully
• Affidavits from family, clergy, employers
• Evidence of hardship: should be organized into exhibits
• Cover letter: explaining your case and summarizing evidence

Application Timeline and Challenges

The I‑601 process is hard, time-consuming, and often emotionally taxing. The average processing time could take 8–15 months, but varies by service center and case complexity, and delays are common due to:

• Requests for additional evidence (RFEs)
• Processing backlogs at the National Visa Center (NVC)
• Lost or overlooked documents

Note: Always keep scanned copies of everything you send to USCIS and NVC.

Where to File

• If you are applying from outside the U.S., file through the consulate handling your immigrant visa
• If you are inside the U.S., mail the form to the USCIS address listed on the I‑601 instructions
• If in removal proceedings, you may be required to file with the immigration court

Denied Waiver

A denial of your waiver doesn’t necessarily mean the end. There are other options, and they are:

• Filing Form I‑290B to appeal or reopen the case
• Submitting a new waiver with additional or stronger evidence
• Seeking alternate forms of relief (e.g., cancellation of removal, asylum)

Reasons Why You Should Consult a Legal Practitioner

I‑601 waiver success depends on legal strategy, strong documentation, and persuasive hardship narratives. A small omission or vague hardship claim can result in denial. You need a professional attorney who is trained to:

• Identify every relevant hardship factor
• Guide you in assembling persuasive supporting documents
• Write compelling affidavits tailored to USCIS expectations
• Ensure procedural accuracy to avoid delays

Final Thoughts On I‑601 waiver

The I‑601 waiver is a powerful tool for overcoming immigration bars, but success depends on a clear legal argument, strong supporting evidence, and attention to detail.

At Mokolo Law Firm, we specialize in family-based immigration solutions, hardship waivers, and consular processing. We help clients build the strongest possible case by tailoring each waiver to their personal and legal circumstances. Let us build a compelling case for you and help you reunite with your family in the U.S. Call us today or schedule a consultation.

by Mokolo Law

How to Get Visitation Rights in Texas

One of the most contested issues involving children is the issue of possession and access, more commonly known as visitation. Trying to get visitation rights in Texas can feel confusing, especially if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re a non-custodial parent, grandparent, or another family member wanting to spend time with a child, it’s important to understand the law and your right. Texas courts always focus on what’s best for the child, but getting visitation isn’t always easy.

In this article, we’ll explain the steps to request to securing visitation rights in Texas, what the court looks at when making a decision, and how to handle any challenges. If you’re struggling with a custody issue or just want to know your rights, this article will help you understand what to do next.

Understanding Visitation Rights in Texas

Visitation can be broken down into two categories: Standard Possession and Custom Orders.

A Standard Possession Order (SPO) is the default visitation schedule used by Texas courts when determining how a non-custodial parent (the parent without primary custody) will spend time with their child. It outlines specific visitation times, including weekends, holidays, and summer breaks.

The SPO typically includes; weekend visits, extended summer visitation and holiday schedules. The SPO applies unless the court determines a different arrangement is in the child’s best interest.

A Custom Possession Order (CPO) is a personalized visitation schedule created to fit the unique needs of a child and their parents. Instead of following the standard schedule, parents (or the court) can agree on a different arrangement based on factors like work schedules, distance, or the child’s needs. A CPO may include; a different weekday or weekend visitation times, adjustments for parents who live far apart and additional visitation rights based on mutual agreement.

A Custom Possession Order can only be used when the Standard Possession Order does not work well for a family and must be approved by the court.
None custotian parents are usually given visitaion rights in Texas.This order outlines how and when the non-custodial parent can spend time with the child. And this schedule varies, depending on the child’s age, parent’s location and other factors. Usualy, Texas courts use a “Standard Possession Order (SPO)” to determine a visitation schedule.

Who Can Request Visitation Rights?

Anyone can request a visitation right of the child, so long there is a relationship existing between them.

1. Non-Custodial Parents

A parent who doesn’t have primary custody of the child has the right to visitation. Except in some unusual cases where the court feels it is harmful for the child and may deny or limit visitation. Reasons could be;

*A history of abuse or domestic violence on the child or others.
*Drug or alcohol addiction affecting parenting ability.
*Neglecting or abandoning the child
*Mental health issues that put the child at risk.
*A history of kidnapping or not returning the child or threats of abduction.
*Repeatedly violating court orders in the past.
*Having a negative influence on the child. Like, exposing the child to crime, danger, or unsafe environments.
*If the child strongly opposes visitation.

In some cases, courts may allow supervised visitation, instead of full denial. Standard visitation typically includes weekends, holidays, and extended time in the summer.

2. Grandparents

Grandparents play an important role in a child’s life, but in Texas, they do not have an automatic right to visitation. The court typically presumes that a child’s parents have the right to decide who is involved in their child’s life. However, in certain circumstances, grandparents can request court-ordered visitation if they can prove that it is in the best interest of the child. Since Texas law makes grandparent visitation difficult, consulting a family law attorney can help build a strong case.

A grandparent may seek visitation if;

*One parent is deceased, incarcerated, or declared incompetent by the court.
*One parent’s rights have been terminated.
*The child has lived with the grandparent for at least six months.
*When denying visitation would be harmful to the child’s well-being.

Grandparents must show prove that their relationship with the child is beneficial, denying visitation would negatively impact the child and the parent restricting visitation is not acting in the child’s best interest.

3. Other Family Members

In Texas, visitation requests from extended family members are rarely approved unless there are special circumstances, such as the child’s parents being unfit or absent that justify court intervention. Other family members such as aunts, uncles, adult siblings, or even close family friends may want to request visitation with a child. However, unlike parents and grandparents, the law does not automatically grant them visitation rights. Courts generally prioritize the rights of the child’s parents and assume they are making the best decisions for their child.

Unlike parents and grandparents, most relatives have no clear legal path for visitation unless extreme circumstances exist.

Steps to Request Visitation Rights in Texas

When seeking visitation rights in Texas, there are steps thatmust be followed to the letter and they are;

1. Filing a Petition
A legal request, which is called a petition, must be filed with the family court in the county where the child lives by whoever is requesting. This document asks the court to grant visitation and explains why it would be in the child’s best interest.

2. Other Parent Notification
The child’s other parent (or guardian) must be formally notified of the request. It is their choice to agree or disagree to the request.

3. Attend a Court Hearing
If the other parent disagrees with the request, a judge will hold a hearing. Evidences need to be present showing why visitation is in the child’s best interest. This may include witness statements, records of past involvement with the child, and proof that visitation will not harm the child.

4. Receive the Court’s Decision
The judge will decide whether to grant visitation based on the evidence presented. If approved, the court will issue a visitation order outlining when and how visits will take place.

What to do When Visitation Rights are Denied

If the custodial parent refuses visitation in Texas, document every instance, try to resolve the issue through communication or mediation, and if necessary, file a motion for enforcement. Courts may impose fines, jail time, or other penalties on the non-compliant parent. There are also futher steps that can be taken.

File an Appeal: The petitioner may believe the court made a mistake, so he/she can appeal the decision. But this process can be very long and difficult.

Request Mediation: A neutral third party can be of help to the petitioner and the other parent can reach an agreement outside of court.

Modify an Existing Order: If circumstances change (e.g., the custodial parent moves away or prevents visitation), the petitioner can ask the court to modify the order.

Police Intervention: Police generally do not enforce child visitation orders in Texas as these are civil matters. However, if there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety or a court order is being violated, the police can intervene.

In Conclusion

Getting visitation rights in Texas can be challenging, but it’s possible if you follow the right legal steps and the help of a family lawyer who can guide and assist through the case. The most important thing to keep in mind is that courts prioritize what’s best for the child. If you have a strong relationship with the child and can show that visitation will benefit them, your chances of getting a court-approved schedule are much higher.

Need help with your custom or standard visitation schedule in Texas? Mokolu Law Firm is here to support you every step of the way.

by mokololaw

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Texas Child Support Guidelines

Texas has a child support formula to determine the amount the state “presumes” is in the child’s best interest. Child support in Texas is determined by figuring out the average net monthly resources of the noncustodial parent and applying guidelines established by the Texas legislature that require paying a percentage of those average net monthly resources in child support depending on how many children there are. The percentages are slightly different if the paying parent has a legal responsibility to also pay for other children who are not involved in the parents’ current suit. There is a cap on the maximum amount of Texas guideline child support. Effective September 1, 2019, the new net resources “cap” has been set at $9,200 per month.