Congratulations! You are taking an important step toward U.S. citizenship!
The citizenship interview is your final step. After you pass, you will take the oath of allegiance. Then you will officially become a U.S. citizen.
This guide will help you get ready for your interview so you can do your best.
In your citizenship interview, you will be asked questions by a USCIS officer. You will take an English test and a civics test. You will also answer questions about your background and how you came to the United States.
The officer will talk with you to see if you understand basic English. You do not need perfect English to pass. Speak clearly and take your time. If you do not understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat it.
You will read a few sentences out loud. This shows you can read English.
The officer will say some sentences. You will write them down. This shows you can write in English.
Study Tip
If you are worried about the English test, look for English classes at your local library. There are more tools at the back of this guide.
The officer will ask you questions about U.S. history and government. This is called the civics test.
How the government works, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights
Early America, independence, the 1800s, the 1900s to today
U.S. states, rivers, mountains, landmarks and regions
The flag, the national anthem, holidays, monuments
Study Tip
There are 128 possible questions. The test will only ask 20 questions. You need to answer 12 or more correctly to pass.
The officer will ask about your life in the United States and how you came here.
How you came to the United States
Places you have lived
Your family
When you got your Green Card
Trips outside the United States
Paying your taxes
Any crimes and arrests
Taking the oath of allegiance
Study Tip
Read through every part of your N-400 form. Make sure you understand all the information in it. Be ready to explain any part of it.
The interview usually happens a few months after you submit your application for citizenship.
Use this time to prepare for a successful interview.
There are two main things to focus on.
To pass the English test, you need to read, speak, and write basic sentences in English.
When you buy food or coffee
When you shop at the grocery store
When you go to the post office
When you talk with people at work
When you go to your child's school events
Look for classes at your local library
Look for adult education programs
Take English classes online
There are many resources to help you study for the civics test. Many are online, and most are free.
Find local or online citizenship classes
Use the official USCIS study materials
Download the USCIS practice app on your phone
Make flashcards for the civics questions
Take online practice tests often
Find time to study with your family or friends
During your interview, the officer will ask you about the information in your application.
You will need to answer questions about your information.
This helps the officer learn more about you. It also lets the officer see your English skills.
Read through every part of your completed N-400 form
Understand all the information you gave in your application
Be ready to explain any complicated parts of your history
Tip
If any information in your application has changed, tell the officer at your interview.
This section will help you prepare for your interview day.
Tip
Wear comfortable shoes! You may be standing or walking a short distance.
Get to the USCIS office early. Be ready to wait if the officer is running late.
Arrive 15-30 minutes early
Give yourself extra time for parking and security
You might wait for a while — bring a book or something to do
Look up directions and check traffic before you go to your appointment
Put these documents in a folder to take to your interview.
REQUIRED Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
REQUIRED Your Driver's License or State ID card
REQUIRED All the documents USCIS asked for in your interview letter
REQUIRED Documents for anything that has changed since you applied
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED A copy of your N-400 application and all documents you sent with it
Tip
Keep your answers short and simple. Giving too much information can cause confusion.
Be polite and respectful
Speak clearly and naturally
Make eye contact with the officer
Be honest and truthful
If you make a mistake, tell the officer
Stay calm and professional
Listen carefully to each question before you answer
If you don't understand, ask for clarification
Take your time to think before answering
After your interview, one of these three things will happen.
Great news! You will become a U.S. citizen after you take the Oath of Allegiance.
Don't worry! You may need to give more documents or take the test again.
This is bad news. You will get a letter that explains why. The letter will also tell you about your options.
95% of people who take the naturalization test pass on their first or second try. You can do this!
It is important to study for the test, but don't be scared. There are many tools to help you prepare. The test is the last step, so you have time to get ready.
There are many resources to help you study for the English test and the civics test.
If you have not applied for citizenship yet, Clearbox is here to help. You upload your documents and answer a few questions in our simple online application. Then a licensed immigration attorney prepares all the paperwork for you.