Equal Rights, Real Challenges

For same-sex couples, the Green Card interview can feel like the most personal part of the immigration process.

The good news: U.S. law guarantees that your marriage will be treated the same as any heterosexual marriage.

But that doesn’t always erase the anxiety especially if you fear uncomfortable questions, bias, or misunderstandings about your relationship.

At Okanlaw, we’ve guided hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples through this exact stage. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare confidently.

What the Interview Is Really About

The Green Card interview is your chance to prove that your marriage is genuine.

It’s not an interrogation it’s an opportunity to show that your life together is real and consistent.

The officer’s main goal is to confirm:

• That your relationship wasn’t entered solely for immigration benefits
• That your answers match what’s in your application (Form I-130, I-485, or consular packet)
• That your relationship appears authentic and emotionally connected

For same-sex couples, everything applies exactly the same but you may face unique personal or cultural questions.

💬 Common Interview Questions for LGBTQ+ Couples

Expect both general and lifestyle-specific questions. Some examples we’ve seen at Okanlaw include:

About Your Relationship

• “How did you meet?”
• “When did you decide to get married?”
• “What was your first trip together?”

About Family and Friends

“Do your families know each other?”

“Have you met your spouse’s parents?”

👉 Tip: if not, explain honestly it’s better to say “They haven’t accepted our marriage yet” than to make up a story.

About Living Together

“Who pays which bills?”

“Whose name is on the lease or utilities?”

“Describe your daily routine at home.”

About Your Home

“What color are the walls in your bedroom?”

“Do you have any pets?”

“What side of the bed does your spouse sleep on?”

Dealing With Potentially Awkward or Biased Questions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers receive cultural-sensitivity training, but bias can still occur in subtle ways.
Here’s how to stay composed:

• Stay calm and factual. Don’t interpret curiosity as hostility.
• You can clarify without over-explaining. If a question feels intrusive, a short, confident answer is best.
• You have rights. You can respectfully ask to rephrase a question if it’s clearly inappropriate.
• Never lie or hide facts. Honesty builds credibility even when the topic is personal.

If an officer’s behavior feels discriminatory, ask your attorney to note it. You’re entitled to professionalism and fairness throughout your case.

Honesty vs. Over-Explaining

Many couples worry about “saying too much.”

Here’s the rule we give our clients at Okanlaw:
“Tell the truth simply not defensively.”

If your in-laws don’t know about your marriage, say so clearly and move on.

If you met online but weren’t out publicly at the time, explain it without apology.

The officer’s job isn’t to judge your identity only the authenticity of your marriage.

Okanlaw’s Tips for a Successful Interview

Prepare together. Review your application forms and documents so your answers align naturally.

Bring updated evidence. Photos, shared travel receipts, mail, and joint bills even small ones help.

Dress comfortably but respectfully. Present yourselves as you would in everyday professional settings.

Practice mock questions. Our clients who rehearse beforehand consistently feel calmer and more confident.

Stay connected to your purpose. Remember: this interview isn’t about perfection it’s about truth and partnership.

❤️ Final Thoughts
U.S. immigration law treats all marriages equally, but personal experiences can vary.

Preparation and honesty are your strongest allies.

At Okanlaw, we stand proudly with same-sex couples ensuring that your love and your future are both respected under the law.