What to Expect at Your Citizenship Interview
Walk into your naturalization interview knowing exactly what the USCIS officer will ask, from your N-400 to the English and civics tests.
What happens at the interview
The naturalization interview follows a predictable order. Here's each step from check-in to decision.
Check-in and oath
You arrive at the USCIS field office, check in, and take an oath to tell the truth before the interview begins.
Review of your N-400
The officer goes through your Form N-400 with you, confirming your answers about residence, travel, employment, and background.
English test
While reviewing your application, the officer assesses your spoken English, then asks you to read one sentence and write one sentence.
Civics test
The officer asks up to 20 of the 128 official civics questions. You need 12 correct to pass the 2025 version.
Decision
The officer tells you whether your application is granted, continued, or denied. This often happens the same day.
Questions about your application
Beyond civics, the officer asks questions drawn from your Form N-400. These are the most common topics.
Eligibility and residence
Expect questions confirming how long you've been a permanent resident, your addresses, and time spent inside and outside the United States.
Travel outside the U.S.
The officer may ask about trips abroad since you became a resident, including how long each trip lasted.
Good moral character
Questions cover arrests, citations, taxes, child support, and anything that speaks to your character during the required period.
Attachment to the Constitution
You'll be asked whether you support the Constitution and form of government, and whether you're willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Citizenship interview FAQ
The questions immigrants ask most about the naturalization interview.
What questions are asked at the citizenship interview?
The officer asks questions directly from your Form N-400 (residence, travel, work, and background), tests your spoken English, and asks up to 20 civics questions from the official list of 128.
How many civics questions will the officer ask?
On the 2025 version, the officer asks up to 20 civics questions and you must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. The officer stops once you reach 12 correct.
How long does the citizenship interview take?
Most interviews last about 20 minutes, though wait times at the office can be longer. The officer often tells you the result the same day.
What should I bring to my interview?
Bring your green card, state ID or passport, your interview appointment notice, and any documents USCIS requested. Arrive early and dress appropriately.
How do I prepare for the interview questions?
Re-read your N-400 so your answers are consistent, practice speaking about it in English, and drill the civics questions. Naturaliz turns all 128 civics questions into short daily lessons with a readiness score.
Ready to pass on the first try?
Naturaliz turns all 128 civics questions into short daily lessons and a readiness score, in your language.
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