The naturalization interview conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) constitutes the final and most important stage of the citizenship application. During this interview, a USCIS officer thoroughly reviews the applicant's Form N-400, assesses English proficiency, and tests knowledge of U.S. history and government.
How the Interview Works
The interview begins with the applicant taking an oath to tell the truth. Then the officer asks questions based on Form N-400, the "Application for Naturalization." This section is the first opportunity not only to verify the information on the form but also to evaluate the applicant's basic English comprehension and speaking skills. It is recommended to review all answers provided on the form before the interview.
Changes After Applying
At the start of the interview, the officer asks whether there have been any changes to the application. Routine changes such as a new job, having a child, or traveling abroad are generally not problematic, but they should be reported to the officer and, if necessary, supported with documentation. However, events like a divorce in cases based on three years of marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse, an arrest that would change any "No" answer on Form N-400, or a stay outside the U.S. for more than six months may affect eligibility for citizenship. In such situations, consulting an immigration attorney before the interview is advisable.
Required Documents
All applicants must bring the following basic documents to the interview:
- Interview appointment notice
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Driver's license or another official identification
- All current and expired passports and travel documents
Depending on the individual situation, the originals of the following documents may also need to be provided:
Marital Status: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or spouse's death certificate.
Application Based on a U.S. Citizen Spouse: Documents proving that the spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years and that the couple has been living together for at least three years. Joint tax returns, lease agreements, bank statements, and bills fall within this scope.
Tax Returns: Copies of income tax returns for the last five years (or the last three years for an application based on marriage to a U.S. citizen).
Children: Birth certificates of all children listed on the application.
Selective Service Registration: Proof of registration with the Selective Service System for males who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26.
Arrest/Detention: Disposition documents for any arrest, detention, or conviction.
Not all of these documents are always requested, but having them ready if asked helps speed up the process.
English and Civics Tests
The USCIS officer evaluates the applicant's English speaking, reading, and writing skills throughout the interview. In the reading test, the applicant must read one of three sentences; in the writing test, they must write one of three dictated sentences. In the civics test, the applicant must correctly answer at least 6 out of 10 questions selected from a pool of 100 questions on U.S. history and government. This test is administered in the applicant's own language if they are exempt from the English requirement.
Interview Outcome
If the interview is successfully completed, the officer announces that the application has been approved and invites the applicant to the oath ceremony. In some cases, additional review or documentation may be requested, which can lead to a delay in the decision. If the application is denied, USCIS provides a written explanation; the applicant may appeal or reapply after addressing the deficiencies.
