Latest USCIS Updates on AOS (Adjustment of Status) Interview

Since the beginning of 2025, many USCIS offices have been conducting in-person interviews for applications for change of status to green card (AOS applications). Some USCIS offices have mandated interviews for all family-based AOS applications with a pending Form I-130. In addition, while many interview waivers have been applied to employment-based AOS applicants in the past, there have been a number of cases where the traditional interview waiver has been revoked. Revocation of an interview waiver may result in an interview being scheduled regardless of the applicant's criminal history or immigration law violations, even for applications without such violations.  

It has also been reported that some marriage-based AOS applications are subject to the "Stokes interview," which is an anti-fraud measure in which the Petitioner and the alien Beneficiary are interviewed in separate rooms. The Stokes interview is designed to provide a more in-depth review of the truthfulness of the applicant couple's marriage, and is used to address any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the application materials or responses to USCIS, as well as to provide a more in-depth review of the applicant couple's answers to the questions posed in the initial interview. It has been used as an additional interview method used in cases where there are discrepancies or inconsistencies in the application materials or responses to USCIS, or in cases where there is suspicion of marriage fraud at the initial interview.  

Stokes interviews are being conducted with increasing frequency at USCIS field offices throughout the United States, so be sure to prepare for the interview and respond appropriately. It is important that you and your spouse share basic information and records about your daily life, financial management, housing situation, anniversaries, etc., and be prepared to give consistent answers to interview questions.