Can you be called in for a ‘Stokes interview’ in the EB-2 NIW process, as in marriage cases?

To answer directly: a ‘Stokes interview’ is not part of the typical EB-2 NIW process. It is a procedure associated with green card cases based on marriage, not with self-petitions based on professional merit.

In a Stokes interview, officers ask the couple detailed questions to confirm that the relationship is genuine and to rule out the suspicion of marriage fraud. The focus is on the authenticity of the bond, which is simply not what the EB-2 NIW evaluates.

In the EB-2 NIW, what is examined is your professional qualifications, the relevance of your work to the national interest, and your academic and professional background. It is possible for USCIS or a consulate to schedule an interview during the process (this happens across several visa categories), but it does not follow the format or criteria of a Stokes interview.

In other words, do not assume that petitioning for an EB-2 NIW will subject you to the procedures typical of marriage-based cases. Since each case is evaluated individually and requirements can vary, it is worth confirming what to expect with USCIS or with a specialist before moving forward.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.