What to Expect at your Citizenship Interview

Part of the Naturalization Process requires each applicant to appear for a personal citizenship interview with immigration officials.  The citizenship interview or the Citizenship Test is held after the Form N400 has been submitted and reviewed by USCIS.  The interview is held at the USCIS office which serves the region closest to your residence.  The interview is scheduled by USCIS and a notice of the date, time, and place will be mailed to you.  You will only receive one notice so it is important to check your mail and important to immediately inform the USCIS if you change your address.

Citizenship Interview Questions

During the interview, you will be questioned by one USCIS official.  You will be tested in English (unless you are exempt from the English test) and you will be tested in Civics. This is a free citizenship test. There are many citizenship test sample, or citizenship practice test out there.

The English Test

• You will be given three sentences in English and you have to be able to read one of the sentences to the satisfaction of the USCIS official
• You will be given three sentences to write in English and you will have to write one sentence legibly
• Your ability to speak will be determine while you answer questions and speak to the official during the interview

The Civics Test

• The civics test will consist of the official asking you ten questions about U.S. history and government.  You will have to answer six questions correctly. Keep in mind, after filing the N400 and being fingerprinted, you will be given a booklet to study to prepare yourself for the civics test.

Notice of Results

Some people will be told at the end of the interview if they are approved to take the oath and become citizens and others will be notified later in the mail.  If the USCIS official needs more documents, he may give you a Form N-14 which will describe what documents are needed and where to send them. 

If you fail either of the tests during the interview, another interview will be scheduled within 60-90 days of the first interview and you can take the tests again.  If you fail either test a second time, your request for naturalization will be denied.

If you are denied naturalization, you will receive a written notice in the mail.  You will have 30 days to request a hearing and you will receive instructions on how to proceed if you want to fight the denial. 

Legal Help

If there is anything in your application which may lead to a denial of citizenship, you may want to speak to an immigration lawyer before submitting your application and before your interview.  If your request for naturalization is denied, it would be wise to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer before you request a hearing.

Remember that the USCIS officials want you to succeed.  They are happy that you want to be a U.S. citizen and are not going to try to trick you. It is an exciting life event and you should be excited rather than nervous to have the opportunity.