Have either of you moved cities or countries since you met? When and why?

“Have either of you moved cities or countries since you met? When and why?” is a practice question about relationship timeline for a marriage-based green card interview at a USCIS field office. A real officer may ask it in other words, ask something else, or skip it. Practice can help you explain your own facts. It cannot tell you what USCIS will decide.

What is the officer checking with this question?

The officer may ask about moves to connect your address history with the progress of your relationship. A move can explain periods apart, visits, or the start of a shared home. The question may cover either spouse, and the reason for a move may involve work, family, or other circumstances as well as the relationship itself.

What might the officer ask next?

• Which of you moved first, and where did you go?
• What led to that move at the time?
• Were you already married when the move happened?
• How did the move change how often you saw each other?

The next question usually comes from the words in your answer. If you name a person, a place, or a month, expect a question about it. The guide to green card interview follow-up questions explains how to practice past the first answer.

How do you prepare to answer it?

Review each change of city or country since you met, including moves made by only one spouse. Note the previous place, the new place, the approximate date, and the actual reason. Keep short trips separate from changes of home. If you are uncertain whether a date refers to arrival or the start of a lease, check the relevant record and preserve that distinction when you explain what you remember.

Answer from your own memory, in your own words. Do not learn a script or a sample answer. If your spouse remembers a detail differently, first check whether you mean the same event. Ask your lawyer about any concern with your forms or documents.

Can you practice this question out loud for free?

Yes. Choose "Answer it now, free". The officer asks this question first. You answer out loud, and the officer follows up on what you said. You can try 3 questions free, and you do not need documents. Feedback comes after the session, not while you speak.

More relationship timeline questions

• When did you and your spouse decide to get married?
• Was there a proposal? Who proposed, and where did it take place?
• Did you live together before you married? If so, when did you move in together?
• Please walk me through the major milestones in your relationship from meeting to marriage.
• When did you tell your families that you were getting married?
• What is your spouse's date of birth?

Read the relationship timeline topic guide, or see all 91 interview questions.