Green Card Interviews Return: What Applicants Need to Know in 2026

Explainer For years, many green card applicants could expect a waiver for their in-person interview, especially if their case seemed straightforward. But that era has ended. Starting in early 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has significantly restricted these waivers, meaning most adjustment of status applicants will now need to attend an interview. This shift impacts hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their families across the United States.

How We Got Here: A Policy Shift

Before 2017, in-person interviews were a standard part of almost all I-485 adjustment of status applications. However, a 2017 USCIS policy memorandum expanded officers' authority to waive these interviews across a broader range of categories. This led to remarkably high waiver rates throughout the early 2020s, with some legal practitioners reporting over 90 percent for well-documented marriage-based cases. Many employment-based applicants also saw numerous interview waivers, particularly in categories with historically low fraud rates like EB-1 and EB-2.

Where We Are Now: Interviews Are Back

The landscape changed dramatically in early 2026. USCIS updated its Policy Manual to "dramatically restrict the circumstances under which interviews can be waived," according to Immigration Fleet. The agency's stated rationale for this change is to strengthen fraud detection, enhance national security vetting, and ensure that benefits are granted only to those who are genuinely eligible. This means that most adjustment of status applicants are now expected to appear for an interview. For marriage-based applicants, interview waiver rates have plummeted to approximately 6 to 9 percent in 2026, a stark reversal from previous years. While employment-based I-485 filings still see about 72 percent qualifying for waivers, more than one in four employment-based applicants will now face an interview where they previously would not have. USCIS has also expanded its screening protocols to include deeper reviews of social media histories, financial records, and prior immigration violations, all of which are now scrutinized more carefully during these in-person interviews.

What's Next: Prepare for Your Interview

If you are pursuing adjustment of status in 2026, you should assume you will be called for an interview and prepare accordingly. This means gathering all necessary documentation and developing a clear strategy well in advance of receiving your interview notice. Staying current on USCIS policy updates is crucial, as the agency has been making frequent changes throughout 2026.

Impact on Egyptian Americans: Navigating New Requirements

For Egyptian-American families and individuals navigating the green card process, this shift means increased vigilance. If you're applying for a family-based green card, expect both spouses to attend the interview, where officers will conduct thorough sessions to verify the authenticity of your marriage. Ensure all your documents are consistent, complete, and readily available. Any discrepancies in your immigration history, financial records, or even social media presence could lead to further scrutiny. It's wise to consult with a qualified immigration attorney, especially if your case has any complexities, to help you prepare for these more rigorous interviews and avoid common pitfalls.