“Stokes interview” is the common name for a marriage interview in which the officer questions each spouse separately and compares the answers. The name comes from a 1970s federal court case in New York, Stokes v. INS, that set procedures for these interviews there. Today the term is used for any separated marriage interview, often a second interview after a first one left the officer with doubts.

When it happens

The USCIS Policy Manual confirms that officers may interview the petitioner, the beneficiary or both, together or separately, at any stage. Interviews are more likely when evidence of the marriage is thin or there are material inconsistencies in the record.

What to expect

• One spouse waits while the other is questioned, then you switch. Each session can be long.
• Questions are detailed and often about your home and your recent days: who cooked, what you watched, what is in the bedroom.
• The officer compares your answers. A few honest differences are normal; many differences on basic facts are the problem.

Typical detail questions

• Which side of the bed is closer to the door?
• What color are your bath towels?
• What soap or shampoo is in your shower right now?
• What is on your nightstands?
• What did you eat for dinner last night, and who cooked?

Many mismatches come from framing, not facts: the left side of the bed as you face it or as you lie in it, the “first date” or the first time you met. Agree on what each question means, not on a script.

How to prepare

• Strongly consider an immigration attorney. You have the right to be represented; your attorney files Form G-28.
• Bring every piece of evidence you have, organized, plus newer evidence. See bona fide marriage evidence.
• Practice apart. Couple Check, part of full access, has each partner answer the same questions truly alone, then shows both answers side by side so you can talk through every mismatch. Run the Stokes drill and the Your home set.
• Live attentively the week before: notice meals, plans, objects and routines.
• Never guess. If you truly don’t know a detail, say “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure”. A wrong guess creates a mismatch; an honest “I don’t know” usually doesn’t.

See the full list of marriage green card interview questions. This guide is not legal advice.

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