What Happens at the Naturalization Interview

Step by step

1. Arrive early. You go through a security check.
2. An officer calls you and puts you under oath to tell the truth.
3. The officer reviews your N-400 with you. This is also your English speaking test.
4. Reading test: read 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly.
5. Writing test: write 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly.
6. Civics test: answer questions out loud. It stops as soon as you pass.
7. You get a decision on Form N-652: granted, continued, or denied.

Interview tips

• If you don't understand, say: "Could you please repeat the question?"
• If you don't know a word, ask: "What does that word mean?"
• Answer only what is asked. Short, honest answers are best.
• Your answers must match your N-400. Review your copy before the interview.

Questions the officer may ask about your N-400

During the N-400 review, the officer asks about the answers on your application. These are examples, with sample answers. Your own answers must be true and match your N-400. Tap the speaker to hear Officer Michael ask each one.

1. 1. Please stand and raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

   Sample answer: Yes, I do.

   Tip: This is the oath at the start. After it, everything you say is under oath.

2. 2. What is your full name?

   Sample answer: My name is ...

   Tip: Say your name exactly as it appears on your N-400.

3. 3. Have you used any other names?

   Sample answer: No. / Yes, my maiden name was ...

   Tip: Include maiden names and nicknames used on official documents.

4. 4. Do you want to legally change your name?

   Sample answer: No, thank you. / Yes, I would like to change it to ...

   Tip: You can request a name change during naturalization.

5. 5. What is your date of birth?

   Sample answer: I was born on March 5, 1980.

   Tip: Practice saying dates in English: month, day, year.

6. 6. What is your current address? How long have you lived there?

   Sample answer: I live at ... I have lived there for three years.

   Tip: Know your full address, including apartment number and ZIP code.

7. 7. What is your marital status?

   Sample answer: I am married. / I am single. / I am divorced.

   Tip: If married, know your spouse's full name and date of birth.

8. 8. How many children do you have?

   Sample answer: I have two children.

   Tip: Include all children, even adult children or children living abroad.

9. 9. Where do you work? What do you do there?

   Sample answer: I work at ... I am a ...

   Tip: Know your employer's name and how long you have worked there.

10. 10. When did you become a permanent resident?

    Sample answer: I became a permanent resident in 2018.

    Tip: The date is on your green card: "Resident Since".

11. 11. Since becoming a permanent resident, how many trips have you taken outside the United States?

    Sample answer: I took four trips. The longest was three weeks.

    Tip: Know the dates of trips longer than 24 hours. Trips over 6 months need explaining.

12. 12. Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen, in writing or any other way?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: "Claim" means saying you are a citizen when you are not, for example on a job form.

13. 13. Have you ever registered to vote or voted in any federal, state, or local election in the United States?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: Only citizens may vote in federal elections.

14. 14. Do you owe any overdue federal, state, or local taxes?

    Sample answer: No, I do not.

    Tip: If you have a payment plan with the IRS, bring proof.

15. 15. Have you ever been a member of the Communist Party or any other totalitarian party?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: A totalitarian party wants one group to control everything.

16. 16. Have you ever been a member of, or helped, a terrorist organization?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: Listen carefully. Many questions start with "Have you ever..."

17. 17. Have you ever been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer?

    Sample answer: No, I have not. / Yes, I received a traffic ticket in 2019.

    Tip: Be honest and bring court records if you were ever arrested or cited.

18. 18. Have you ever been a habitual drunkard?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: "Habitual drunkard" means someone who is drunk very often.

19. 19. Have you ever given false or misleading information to a U.S. government official?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: Answer the same way you answered on your N-400.

20. 20. Have you ever been removed or deported from the United States?

    Sample answer: No, I have not.

    Tip: "Removed" and "deported" mean officially sent out of the country.

21. 21. Did you register for the Selective Service?

    Sample answer: Yes, I did. / I am not required to.

    Tip: Men who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26 usually had to register.

22. 22. Do you support the Constitution and form of government of the United States?

    Sample answer: Yes, I do.

    Tip: This is one of the oath questions at the end of the N-400.

23. 23. Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?

    Sample answer: Yes, I do.

    Tip: Read the oath before your interview so you know what it says.

24. 24. If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?

    Sample answer: Yes, I am.

    Tip: "Bear arms" means to carry weapons or fight for the United States.

25. 25. Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?

    Sample answer: Yes, I am.

    Tip: Answer clearly. This confirms you want to become a citizen.

26. 26. Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?

    Sample answer: I want to vote and be a full part of this country.

    Tip: There is no wrong answer. Keep it short and honest.

27. 27. What does "oath" mean?

    Sample answer: An oath is a promise to tell the truth.

    Tip: Officers sometimes ask what words mean to check your English.

Words like “allegiance” or “permanent resident” come up a lot. See the N-400 vocabulary guide.

If you don’t pass

• You get two chances to pass the English and civics tests.
• If you fail a part, you are retested only on that part, 60 to 90 days later.
• Use the time to focus on your weak questions in the app.

After you’re approved

• You attend an Oath Ceremony. Sometimes it is the same day.
• You return your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
• Then you can register to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and update your Social Security record.

Before you go, check what to bring.