The EB-3 Visa Tutorial Series 2025: How to Get a U.S. Green Card by Yourself and Save Thousands
The EB-3 Green Card interview is the final and most important step before becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States. If you haven’t reviewed the earlier guides in this series, start with “The EB-3 Visa Tutorial Series 2025: How to Get a U.S. Green Card by Yourself and Save Thousands”. That section introduces the EB-3 program’s categories and eligibility criteria under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the essential foundation for every step of your U.S. Green Card journey.
After months of applications: PERM, Form I-140, and DS-260 or I-485. This interview is where an immigration officer confirms your eligibility, the authenticity of your employer, and your intent to live and work legally in the U.S.
Whether you’re applying inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) or outside (Consular Processing), this article gives you a step-by-step tutorial to help you schedule, prepare, and succeed at your interview, without confusion or mistakes.
We reference official regulations under 8 C.F.R. § 245.6, 22 C.F.R. § 42.62, and INA § 212(a) to ensure accuracy.
Review your DS-260 answers carefully before the interview.
Step 1: Receive and Review Your Interview Notice
- If you filed Form I-485 (inside the U.S.):
You’ll get Form I-797C, Notice of Interview Appointment, from USCIS. It lists the date, time, field office location, and required items to bring. - If you filed Form DS-260 (outside the U.S.):
The National Visa Center (NVC) will email you once your case is documentarily qualified. You’ll then receive instructions to schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Check your details carefully: name spellings, case number, and dependent family members. If anything is wrong, contact USCIS or NVC immediately to correct it before the interview.
Step 2: Pay the Required Interview and Visa Fees
For Adjustment of Status applicants
All USCIS fees (I-485 filing and biometrics) are usually paid earlier, so no additional interview fee is required.
For Consular Processing applicants
You must pay the Immigrant Visa Application Fee — currently USD $345 per person — through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC):
- Go to https://ceac.state.gov
- Log in with your case number and invoice ID.
- Pay online using a U.S. or international credit/debit card.
- Save and print your payment confirmation receipt.
Tip: Payment failures are common if your bank blocks international transactions. Inform your bank before payment or use a U.S.-issued card.
Step 3: Schedule and Confirm the Interview Appointment (DS-260 Cases)
Once the NVC has received your payment and documents:
- Log back into CEAC → Immigrant Visa section.
- Select your preferred Embassy or Consulate.
- Choose an available date and time.
- Download and print the Interview Appointment Confirmation — you’ll need it for entry at the Embassy gate.
Important:
- Each dependent family member must appear for the same appointment.
- Rescheduling is possible only once in most countries. Avoid missing the first appointment to prevent long delays.
Step 4: Schedule the Medical Examination
Your medical exam must be completed before the interview.
- Inside the U.S.: Find a USCIS-approved civil surgeon near you (https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor). They will complete Form I-693 and seal it in an envelope.
- Outside the U.S.: Book your exam with a panel physician authorized by your local U.S. Embassy. Bring:
- Your passport
- Four recent visa-style photos
- Vaccination and medical history records
Tip: Do the exam 2–4 weeks before your interview. Medical results expire after 6 months, and expired exams can delay visa issuance.
Step 5: Prepare All Required Documents
Organize originals and copies neatly in a binder or folder. Label each section for quick access.
Documents for All Applicants: EB-3 Green Card interview checklist 2025
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the interview date
- Appointment letter (from USCIS or NVC)
- Form I-140 Approval Notice and PERM Labor Certification
- Original Job Offer Letter from your employer
- Birth certificate (plus certified English translation)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police certificates from all countries of residence
- Medical exam results (Form I-693 or sealed panel packet)
- DS-260 confirmation page (consular cases) or I-485 receipt notice (AOS cases)
- Two passport-style photos (per U.S. Department of State specifications)
- Financial documents such as pay slips or tax returns (if requested)
Step 6: Review Your Case Carefully
Before the interview:
- Re-read your Form I-140, DS-260, or I-485.
- Memorize key facts: job title, duties, employer address, salary, and start date.
- Review travel dates and visa history.
- Ensure all answers across forms match; inconsistencies can cause delays or RFEs (Requests for Evidence).
Step 7: Practice Interview Questions
The officer will assess whether you and your employer have a real, ongoing employment relationship.
Expect questions such as:
- How did you find your job, and when were you hired?
- What are your exact duties, and where will you work?
- Who is your supervisor or manager?
- What is your offered salary?
- Have you ever violated immigration laws or overstayed a visa?
- For dependents: How long have you been married? Where do your children study?
💡 Answering tips:
- Respond truthfully and confidently.
- Keep answers short and factual.
- Avoid guessing — say “I don’t recall exactly” if unsure.
- Maintain calm body language and steady eye contact.
Step 8: The Day of the Interview
Arrival
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals may be turned away.
- Bring only documents; large bags, phones, or electronics are often prohibited.
- Dress in business-casual attire.
During the Interview
- Security screening and identity check.
- Fingerprinting and document collection.
- The officer reviews your case and asks questions.
- If required, additional supporting evidence may be requested.
If all is clear, the officer may announce the decision on the spot or send an approval notice later.
A successful DS-260 submission and interview lead to U.S. residency.
Step 9: After the Interview
If Approved
- AOS cases: USCIS will mail your physical Green Card (Form I-551) within a few weeks.
- Consular cases: The Embassy will issue your Immigrant Visa and return your passport with a visa stamp valid for six months.
- You’ll also pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee (USD $220) online at https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/uscis-immigrant-fee before traveling to the U.S.
- Once you enter the U.S., your Green Card is automatically produced and mailed.
If Under Administrative Processing
- This means further background checks.
- Track your case on https://ceac.state.gov. Most resolve within 30–90 days.
If Denied
- Request a written decision and legal basis for denial.
- In certain cases, you may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within 30 days under 8 C.F.R. § 103.3.
Extra Tips for Success
Double-check that your medical results and police certificates are current.
Bring photocopies of all documents — officers rarely make copies for you.
Be honest about travel history and prior visa rejections.
If you need an interpreter, use one certified by the Embassy or a professional agency.
Remain polite and professional; officers appreciate clarity and respect.
Expert Insight
“The EB-3 interview isn’t a test to trick applicants — it’s a compliance checkpoint,” notes an attorney from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) in an interview with The Immigration Magazine.
“Well-prepared candidates who review their filings and bring complete documentation are approved almost every time.”
Conclusion
The EB-3 Green Card interview is the final legal checkpoint on your immigration journey.
By following this structured, law-based process — booking your interview correctly, completing your medical on time, organizing your documents, and answering clearly — you demonstrate full compliance and readiness for U.S. residency.
With preparation, professionalism, and patience, your interview becomes not a challenge but a confirmation of success.
Every year, thousands of EB-3 applicants complete the process on their own. With careful research, accurate preparation, and attention to detail, you can too. Take time to study official resources, review all requirements at www.uscis.gov, and organize each step before submitting your application. The more informed and prepared you are, the smoother your journey to U.S. permanent residency will be.
The Immigration Magazine team wishes you every success as you complete your EB-3 journey. Preparation and knowledge are your strongest tools, and your Green Card is closer than you think.
