U.S. Citizenship Interview Guide: Prepare for Every Step with Confidence

Start Here: Your Guide to the Citizenship Interview

The U.S. citizenship interview is one of the most important—and often most nerve-wracking—steps in the naturalization process. It’s your chance to confirm the details on your N-400 form. You’ll also demonstrate your knowledge of U.S. civics and the English language. Most importantly, you’ll show that you’re ready to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Whether you’re months into your journey or just received your interview notice, preparation is key. Being well-prepared can ease your stress and help you succeed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of the citizenship interview—from what to expect before your appointment to what happens after. You’ll also find practical tips to help you prepare with confidence.

Make your U.S. citizenship journey easier with ImmigrationDirect

What to Expect Before the Citizenship Interview

The path to U.S. citizenship takes preparation, and your success at the interview often depends on the steps you take beforehand. Once you’ve filed Form N-400 and completed biometrics, you’ll receive your USCIS interview appointment. Here’s what to know and do before the big day:

1. Your Interview Appointment Notice

You’ll receive a letter from USCIS—known as Form I-797C (Notice of Action)—with the date, time, and location of your naturalization interview. Read it carefully and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and security screening. Our guide to the N-400 processing times has more information about the timeline.

Tip: Can’t make the date? USCIS allows rescheduling if you send a written request in advance. However, it may delay your case by several months. Avoid missing your appointment entirely—if you don’t show and don’t contact USCIS, your application could be closed or denied.

2. Where You’ll Go

Your interview will take place at a USCIS field office based on your current address. The address you listed on your Form N-400 determines which location you’re assigned. Make sure you know how to get there and allow time for travel delays.

Moved recently? You must notify USCIS within 10 days of changing your address using Form AR-11 (online or by mail). This ensures you don’t miss your interview notice or other critical updates.

3. What to Bring with You (Documents)

Here’s a quick checklist of what to take to your interview:

• Your appointment notice (Form I-797C)
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• State-issued ID (like a driver’s license)
• All passports and travel documents (current and expired)
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Any court records or documentation related to past legal issues
• Tax returns or financial documents (if requested)

Bringing the right documents shows you’re organized and prepared—and helps avoid delays or rescheduling. To learn about all the documents required from the N-400 application stage through the oath ceremony, check out our complete guide..

4. Review Your Form N-400

Your N-400 will be the foundation of your interview. The officer will go through many of your answers line by line. Review your application in detail and make note of any updates since you filed. Be ready to explain any gaps in employment, address history, or travel outside the U.S.

5. Study for the Civics and English Test

USCIS will test your knowledge of U.S. history and government, as well as your basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills.

• Civics Test: You’ll be asked up to 10 questions from a pool of 100. You must answer 6 correctly.
• English Test: You’ll read one sentence aloud, write one sentence, and answer questions to show your understanding of English.

Check the sample citizenship questions and answers from ImmigrationDirect’s guide.

6. Can Someone Come With You?

In some cases, you may bring an interpreter, legal representative, or a support person if needed for medical, language, or emotional reasons. Make sure to notify USCIS in advance or bring proper documentation if you plan to do this.

7. How to Dress

While there’s no dress code, you’ll be meeting with a federal officer for an important legal interview. Dress neatly—business casual is a safe choice—and keep the focus on your professionalism and readiness.

What to Expect During the Citizenship Interview

When you arrive at your scheduled USCIS field office, you’ll go through a security screening and present both your photo ID and your appointment notice. Once inside, you’ll wait in a designated area until your name is called. From there, your citizenship interview officially begins.

Greeting and Oath

Your USCIS officer will greet you and ask you to take an oath to tell the truth during the interview. This moment also marks the start of the English speaking test—as the officer will be evaluating how well you understand and respond in basic spoken English, starting with your initial conversation.

In some cases, you might interact with more than one USCIS officer, especially if different personnel handle your interview and testing separately. Regardless, the process remains the same.

Interview Questions & N-400 Review

Much of your interview will involve going over the answers you gave on your Form N-400. The officer will ask you to confirm personal details, such as your name, travel history, marital status, employment, and past addresses.

What they’re really looking for:

• Whether your verbal answers match what’s written on your application.
• Whether you understand and communicate in basic English.

If anything you say during the interview contradicts your form, the officer may update your application on the spot. Don’t panic—small changes or corrections are common and usually not held against you unless they raise concerns about honesty or eligibility.

Interview Recording (Optional)

The officer may record your interview for quality assurance or training purposes. If needed, you (or your legal representative) can later request a copy of the recording through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. These recordings may also be used to explain decisions in the rare event of a denial.

Don’t Be Intimidated

The interview may feel formal, but it’s not meant to trip you up. Officers are trained to be professional and clear. If you don’t understand a question, it’s perfectly okay to ask the officer to repeat or explain it. What matters most is your honesty, preparation, and ability to clearly communicate.

What to Expect After the Citizenship Interview

At the end of your citizenship interview, the USCIS officer will give you Form N-652, Notice of Interview Results, outlining how your interview and tests went. You may also receive a decision on your Form N-400 the same day—or USCIS may take up to 120 days to finalize it.

Possible Outcomes

• Approval: Congratulations! Your application is recommended for approval. You may even be scheduled for your Oath Ceremony the same day—or receive Form N-445 in the mail with ceremony details. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, you’ll officially become a U.S. citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
• Continuation: USCIS needs more information or you didn’t pass part of the test. You’ll likely receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) and possibly be scheduled for a second interview within 60–90 days.
• Denial: If USCIS believes you’re ineligible, they’ll issue a denial letter with reasons and information about your appeal rights.

If You’re Scheduled for a Second Interview

You’ll be retested only on the portion of the civics or English exam you didn’t pass. The officer will also review any new documents you’ve submitted in response to their RFE.

Checklist: How to Prepare for the Citizenship Interview

Thorough preparation is the key to feeling confident and calm on interview day. Since most of the USCIS officer’s questions will come directly from your Form N-400, the best way to prepare is to get familiar with everything you submitted.

Review Your N-400 Application and Supporting Documents: Before your interview, make sure you’ve kept a copy of your completed Form N-400 along with all supporting materials. Carefully read through your responses so you can confidently answer follow-up questions. It’s especially important if your application was filed many months ago. Check the required documents for the N-400 application.

Be Ready for the Citizenship Test: Your interview day also includes the naturalization test, which has two parts:

• The English test starts right away as you speak with the officer. They’ll assess your ability to understand and respond in basic English.
• The civics test comes next, where you’ll be asked questions about U.S. history and government.

Practicing ahead of time helps you feel more relaxed and prepared. Free resources are available on the USCIS website.

Update Any Changes Since Filing: If anything in your life has changed since submitting your application — like your name, marital status, or address — be prepared to talk about it. USCIS officers will often ask whether there have been any updates, especially if they could affect your eligibility.

Honesty Is Critical: Always be truthful. If you’re unsure about an answer, it’s better to explain than to guess. Giving false information can result in denial of your application or even removal proceedings in serious cases.

Review Past Immigration Records (If Applicable): In addition to your N-400, officers may reference your A-File — a record of your entire immigration history. If you’ve had any legal issues, past visa denials, or other complex interactions with USCIS, review those documents carefully.

• If needed, you can request a copy of your A-File by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Just note that this process may take 1–4 months, so plan accordingly.

Bonus Tip: If you’ve had legal issues in the past, bring any court documents or police records that support your case. Even if the issue was minor or happened years ago, it’s better to be prepared in case the officer brings it up.

Allowed Guests at Your Naturalization Interview

In most cases, USCIS expects applicants to attend the citizenship interview alone. However, there are a few exceptions where bringing someone with you is allowed or even necessary:

1. Interpreter (if eligible)

If you qualify for a language exemption and are not taking the English portion of the test, you may bring an interpreter to help with communication. The interpreter must:

• Be fluent in both English and your native language
• Submit Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview
• Not be a legal representative or witness in your case

USCIS may disqualify an interpreter if they are not competent or impartial.

2. Attorney or Accredited Representative

If you have a lawyer or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice, you may bring them to your interview. They must:

• Submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance
• Be authorized to provide legal representation in immigration matters
• Sit quietly unless USCIS permits them to speak

Having legal representation can help protect your rights, especially if there are complex issues in your case.

3. Disability Accommodations

If you have a disability and need assistance, you can request to bring a support person (e.g., caregiver, family member). Make sure to:

• Indicate your request on Form N-400 or by contacting USCIS in advance
• Provide any supporting medical documentation if needed

USCIS will make reasonable accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Check for complete details about Disability Accommodation Requests.

FAQs About the U.S. Citizenship Interview

Ready for Your U.S. Citizenship Interview?

Your citizenship interview is one of the final—and most important—steps on your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. Preparation is key. Make sure your documents are in order, study for the tests, and know what to expect on the day of the interview.

Need help? Use our service to complete your citizenship application with confidence, guided by step-by-step support and a lawyer review.