Law
Fact-checked

At MyLawQuestions, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Common Marriage Interview Questions?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

When an immigrant marries a citizen of a particular country, the happy couple may have to submit to a marriage interview. This interview is usually used to confirm the permanent residency application information as well as to test the couple on its answers. Among the most common marriage interview questions are those related to the birth dates of the spouses, where they met, and how the relationship proceeded after the initial meeting. The couple may also be asked questions about the marriage ceremony, reception and honeymoon as well as the details of daily routines. Often, couples are also asked about personal details, such as whether or not either party has a tattoo and even such things as which spouse took a shower on the morning of the interview.

The purpose of a marriage interview typically is to determine if either party will give incorrect or conflicting answers to the questions that are asked. The questions are used to weed out those who are legitimately married from those who have married only for immigration purposes. Among the most commonly asked questions during a marriage interview are those intended to confirm basic details that the couple has provided on a residency application. For example, the interviewer may ask each spouse’s name and birth date, the address at which the couple lives, the previous address for each party, and details about each person’s current employment and recent job history.

A marriage interview question may ask about details of the wedding ceremony.
A marriage interview question may ask about details of the wedding ceremony.

Common marriage interview questions also include those that are related to the married couple’s relationship history. For example, the interviewer may ask where and how the couple met, where they went on the first and second dates, and where each spouse was living at the time. The interviewer may also ask whether the couple lived together before marriage and who proposed. Likewise, the interviewer may question where the spouses were when they decided to get married.

Marriage interviews may include honeymoon plans.
Marriage interviews may include honeymoon plans.

A couple may also have to answer marriage interview questions about the wedding. For example, a couple may be asked about the planning of the wedding as well as where and when they were married. They may also be asked who performed the ceremony and whether or not they exchanged rings. In many cases, an interviewer will also ask who attended or witnessed the wedding and how the couple celebrated after the wedding. If the couple went on a honeymoon, he may want to know when and where as well.

Common marriage interview questions may inquire about the couple's relationship history.
Common marriage interview questions may inquire about the couple's relationship history.

During the marriage interview, a couple may also be asked marriage interview questions about daily routines, such as what time each spouse gets up in the morning, when they eat dinner, who shops for groceries, and who prepares meals. The interviewer may also ask whether either spouse has scars, tattoos, or disfigurements as well. He may even ask such questions as who took a shower on the morning of interview and whether or not the couple drove to the interview together or in separate cars.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a MyLawQuestions writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a MyLawQuestions writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Reminiscence

@Buster29- I knew one couple who got called in for a marriage interview, and they were clearly a legitimate couple. He met her in Italy during a business trip, and they made a lot of trips between the US and Italy after that. She could only stay for a few weeks at a time because she was on a limited visa, so they decided to get married sooner rather than later.

In their case, the interviewer only asked a few probing questions before declaring their marriage legitimate. My friend said he got the impression that the interviewer recognized the signs of a marriage based on love. An immigration attorney said that most "green card only" couples try way to hard to coordinate their answers on complicated questions, but often forget the more common details.

Buster29

I know some legitimately married couples who probably wouldn't survive an immigration marriage interview. I don't know what kind of toothpaste my wife uses, and we've been married for over 25 years. I think the interviewer is more interested in glaring discrepancies that couples who have been truly intimate shouldn't make. Most people remember where they first met their spouse, and I have seen just about every scar and tattoo on my wife's body.

When I was younger, I did consider the possibility of a "mail order bride" from another country, but the thought of finding someone who only wanted me for my citizenship concerned me.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A marriage interview question may ask about details of the wedding ceremony.
      By: photographmd
      A marriage interview question may ask about details of the wedding ceremony.
    • Marriage interviews may include honeymoon plans.
      By: Patryk Kosmider
      Marriage interviews may include honeymoon plans.
    • Common marriage interview questions may inquire about the couple's relationship history.
      By: zoomyimages
      Common marriage interview questions may inquire about the couple's relationship history.