What Happens If Your Spouse Refuses to Attend Your Marriage Green Card Interview? 

Marriage-based green card cases can already feel stressful, but what happens if your U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse suddenly refuses to attend the interview with you? This is a situation that many immigrants fear—and unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. The marriage green card process depends heavily on both spouses showing up together to prove to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the marriage is real. If your spouse refuses to attend, the consequences can be serious. 

At McBean Law, we help clients nationwide navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law with confidence, compassion, and clarity. Led by Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy, a nationally recognized immigration attorney and 2024 & 2025 honoree of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, McBean Law brings unmatched experience in both federal policy and courtroom advocacy. Before founding the firm in 2016, Attorney McBean Pompy served at the highest levels of government—including roles with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Congress, and federal and state courts. 

Why the Marriage Green Card Interview Is So Important 

USCIS requires both spouses to attend the interview because the agency wants to confirm that your marriage is bona fide, real and not entered into for immigration purposes. 

At the interview, the officer will typically ask both of you questions about your relationship, your life together, and your future plans. If your spouse doesn’t appear, USCIS sees that as a red flag—and in most cases, the agency will deny your application unless there is a very good reason. 

Scenario 1: You Show Up Without Your Spouse 

Some people think they can show up alone and explain that their spouse just didn’t come, but they’re willing to answer all questions. Unfortunately, USCIS will not interview you by yourself. 

Instead, the officer will send you away and later issue a denial notice.  

Scenario 2: You Ask USCIS to Reschedule the Interview 

Another possibility is that you attend the interview without your spouse and ask USCIS to reschedule. This can sometimes work—but only if you provide solid proof of why your spouse could not attend. 

For example, if your spouse was in the hospital or had a medical emergency, USCIS will consider rescheduling if you bring supporting documentation, like a doctor’s note or hospital record. 

But if you show up without any evidence, USCIS will deny your case. 

Scenario 3: You Don’t Show Up At All 

Some immigrants feel too afraid to go to the interview without their spouse and decide not to attend. If you skip the interview without contacting USCIS, your case will be denied. 

If you call ahead of time and explain why your spouse can’t come, USCIS may consider rescheduling—but approvals are rare unless your explanation is strong and backed by proof. 

The Risks of Missing a Second Interview 

Sometimes USCIS issues a second interview, known as a Stokes interview, if the first interview didn’t go well. If you fail to attend this second interview, the risks are even greater. 

In many USCIS jurisdictions, missing a Stokes interview can trigger a fraud alert and even lead to a Notice to Appear in immigration court. That means your green card denial could escalate into removal proceedings. 

This is why timing matters. Missing a first interview is bad, but missing a second one can carry much harsher consequences. 
Check out the YouTube video “Spouse REFUSES to Attend Interview! What Should You Do Next?” with Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy for a deeper explanation of what happens when a spouse won’t attend the green card interview.