If you are nervous about your U.S. citizenship interview, you are not alone. While it can seem scary, it does not have to be! You can prepare and know what to expect.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. explains what to expect at a citizenship interview.
Citizenship Interview Process
The U.S. citizenship interview verifies your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. It includes both an English and civics test. At a scheduled appointment, you will answer questions about your citizenship application. You must show that you can understand, speak, and read English and must answer questions about the U.S. government.
Preparing for the Interview
Expect a time frame of three to six months from when you file your N-400, Application for Naturalization to your interview. In addition to the interview, you will have a separate biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
You will receive an appointment notice for the interview, which will be at a USCIS field office.
Review the location, date, and time, and make a travel plan, including parking, if necessary.
Documents needed for citizenship interview
- Appointment notice
- Green Card
- Passports, valid and expired
- Driver’s license, state ID
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of name change
- Certified copies of court cases
- Travel documents for absences from the United States
- Proof of registration with Selective Service (if male and lived in the U.S. between ages 18-26)
Arrival and Check-In Procedures
Arrive early for your appointment.
After security, go to the check-in desk, and give them your appointment notice. They will take your photo and fingerprints to verify your identity.
The Interview Format
The USCIS citizenship interview consists of the following:
- Questions about your application
- Writing a sentence in English
- Reading a sentence in English
- Answering 10 civics questions
The interview will be conducted in English unless you qualify for a language exemption.
Out of the 10 civics questions, you must answer six correctly.
How long does the U.S. citizenship interview take?
Most U.S. citizenship interviews are 15 to 30 minutes.
Questions You May Be Asked
Some of the questions you may be asked will seem routine. They might start by asking you how you are. They will place you under oath, asking if you promise to tell the truth.
Basic personal information
- What is your name?
- Do you go by any other names?
- When is your birthday?
- Where were you born?
- Are you Hispanic?
- What is your hair color?
- What color are your eyes?
- What is your height?
Your family
- Do you have sons or daughters? How old are they?
- What are the names of your children?
- When is your child’s birthday?
- Do you have any stepchildren? Do you have adopted children?
- What are your parents’ names?
- Is your mother a U.S. citizen? Is your father a U.S. citizen?
Marital status
- Are you married? Are you single? Have you ever been divorced?
- What is your husband’s name? What is your wife’s name?
- When did you get married?
- Where is your husband or wife from?
- What does your spouse do for a living? What is their job? Where do they work?
- When were your previous marriages?
Military service
- Were you in the U.S. military?
- Did you register for the Selective Service? When? If not, why not?
Citizenship, immigration, and travel
- When did you get your Green Card?
- What is your current country of citizenship?
- Have you left the United States since getting your Green Card? When? For how long?
- When was the last time you left the United States? Why did you leave?
- Where do you live now? Where else have you lived?
Work and school
- Do you have a job? Where do you work?
- Where have you worked in the last five years?
- Do you go to school? Where? What do you study?
Taxes
- Do you owe any taxes?
- Have you ever failed to file a tax return?
- Have you claimed non-resident status on a tax return since getting your Green Card?
Citizenship
- Will you follow U.S. laws?
- Will you support the U.S. Constitution?
- Have you ever voted in a U.S. election?
- Have you ever discriminated against someone because of race, religion, or political beliefs?
- Are you a nobility in any other country? If yes, are you willing to give it up for U.S. citizenship?
- Have you ever been a part of a terrorist organization, communist group, Nazi party, or another political party?
- Have you ever been arrested? Do you have a criminal record?
- Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?
This is not a complete list.
Demonstrating English Proficiency
Your interview will be evaluated for English proficiency. However, there will be a few specific tests. You will be given three English sentences to read, and you must read one of them correctly. You will be given three sentences to write, and you must write one of them correctly.
Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them
The U.S. citizenship interview will likely include English words that you do not use often in everyday life. Study the questions that are likely to be asked. Your answers must be consistent with what is on your citizenship application.
Other common challenges are having a criminal history, not having a continuous physical presence in the U.S., fraud in the Green Card or citizenship application, tax issues, or child support issues.
If you are over 65, and you have been a Green Card holder for at least 20 years, you may take a modified test. You may choose another language and a simplified civics test.
What Happens After the Interview
You may receive the results of your interview quickly. However, it may take up to 120 days to learn the results. Your application may be approved, denied, or continued for more information.
Resources and Support for Citizenship Applicants
USCIS Immigration Test Study Materials
USCIS Citizenship Interview and Test
USCIS Naturalization Steps – What to Expect
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Today
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. is an immigration law firm. From our offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, we represent clients throughout the world. Contact us now.
