N-400 Citizenship Interview Guide 2024

What is the Citizenship Interview?

The citizenship interview is a mandatory step in the naturalization process, where a USCIS officer evaluates your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. It takes place after filing Form N-400 and is one of the final steps before approval.

During the interview, USCIS will:

1. Review Your N-400 Application – The officer will verify your answers, check for consistency, and ask about any updates since you submitted the form.
2. Conduct the English Test – You will be tested on reading, writing, and speaking in English.
3. Administer the Civics Test – You must answer questions about U.S. history, government, and the Constitution.

Passing the interview and tests is essential to moving forward in the naturalization process and becoming a U.S. citizen.

                                                                                      Preparing for Your Interview

Step 1: Receive USCIS Interview Notice

Once your biometrics appointment is complete, USCIS will schedule your naturalization interview. You will receive an official notice (Form N-400 Interview Notice) with the date, time, and location of your interview. It is important to review the notice carefully and arrive on time with all required documents.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To avoid delays, prepare and bring the following documents:

• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
• State ID or driver’s license
• Passports & travel records (covering the last 5 years)
• Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Tax returns from the last 3 to 5 years (self-employed applicants may need additional proof)
• Selective Service registration proof (for male applicants aged 18-25)
• Any criminal records (if applicable)

Step 3: Study for the Citizenship Test

The citizenship test consists of two main parts:

1. Civics Test – USCIS will ask 10 questions from a list of 100, and you must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
2. English Test – Tests reading, writing, and speaking skills.

To prepare, use official USCIS study guides, flashcards, and mobile apps to practice. Reviewing sample questions and taking practice tests can boost confidence and improve performance on test day.

                                                                                         What Happens During the N-400 Interview?

Part 1: Review of Your N-400 Application

A USCIS officer will go over your Form N-400 and ask questions to confirm your information. They will check if anything has changed since you filed your application, such as:

• Travel history – "Have you traveled outside the U.S. since filing your application?"
• Employment status – "Do you still work at the same job?"
• Criminal background – "Have you been arrested or committed a crime?"

Be honest and provide any necessary updates to avoid delays in your application.

Part 2: English Test

The English test has three sections:

1. Speaking – The officer will ask general questions in English to test your ability to understand and respond.
2. Reading – You must correctly read one sentence aloud from a USCIS-provided list.
3. Writing – You must write one sentence correctly as dictated by the officer.

Part 3: Civics Test (U.S. History & Government)

You will be asked 10 questions from the official USCIS list of 100 questions. You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.

Example Questions:

• Who was the first President of the United States?
• What are the two major political parties in the U.S.?
• Name one branch of government.

Part 4: Final Decision

• Approved? → You will receive an Oath Ceremony Notice with details about your naturalization ceremony.
• Need More Info? → USCIS may request additional documents before making a final decision.
• Failed the Test? → You will get a second chance in 60-90 days to retake the parts you didn’t pass.

Completing the interview successfully is the final major step before becoming a U.S. citizen!

                                                                                          After the Interview – Taking the Oath

If your application is approved, you will receive a date for your Naturalization Ceremony—the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen.

At the ceremony, you will:

1. Take the Oath of Allegiance – This is a formal pledge to uphold the U.S. Constitution and laws.
2. Receive your Certificate of Naturalization – This official document proves your U.S. citizenship.
3. Become a U.S. citizen – You now have all the rights and privileges of citizenship, including voting, applying for a U.S. passport, and petitioning family members for Green Cards.

The Oath Ceremony is a significant milestone, marking your official transition to U.S. citizenship!

Tips for Success In Your N-400 Interview

• Be Honest – Always answer truthfully during your interview. If something has changed since filing your application, let the USCIS officer know.
•  Practice English – Work on speaking and understanding simple sentences. Listening to English conversations and practicing responses to common interview questions can help build confidence.
• Study Civics – Use USCIS study guides, flashcards, and mobile apps to prepare for the civics test. Familiarize yourself with the 100 official questions to increase your chances of passing.
• Stay Calm & Confident – The USCIS officer’s goal is to assess your eligibility, not to intimidate you. Relax, take your time answering questions, and remember that you are prepared for this moment!

By following these tips, you’ll improve your chances of passing your citizenship interview and becoming a U.S. citizen!

Conclusion

The citizenship interview is the final major step before officially becoming a U.S. citizen. By preparing well, studying the test questions, and bringing all required documents, you can ensure a smooth process and increase your chances of success.

This is a significant milestone that grants you new rights and opportunities, including the ability to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and petition family members.

Good luck on your journey to U.S. citizenship!