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What Is the Naturalization Interview?
The interview is a crucial step in the naturalization process. A U.S.C.I.S. officer will interview you at the closest U.S.C.I.S. office to the address you provided in Form N-400.
At the interview, a U.S.C.I.S. officer will ask you questions, usually about the information you provided in the N-400 form. They will also assess your English language skills, including writing, reading, and speaking. You will also have a civics test about the government and history of the U.S.
If you prepare adequately, the interview will likely be easy. U.S.C.I.S. reports that 96% of people who take the naturalization test pass on the first or second attempt, with 89.5% passing on the first attempt.
We understand that the naturalization process can be intimidating, and many qualifying people never attempt to naturalize for fear of failure. If you’re one of them, our citizenship lawyers can help.
You might ask, “How can a citizenship lawyer help with my naturalization interview?” An attorney from Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, can tell you what questions to expect and how to answer them. They can also advise on the best way to prepare for your English and civics tests and attend your interview with you to make sure your rights are respected.
Preparing for the Naturalization Interview and Test
The citizenship interview is a three-part process. You’ll first answer questions from the U.S.C.I.S. officer about your application and background. Questions are usually direct but must be answered clearly and accurately.
After the interview, you will take English and civics tests. Here’s a breakdown of the process.
The Interview
The USCIS officer will ask questions relating to the information you provided in Form N-400. Make a copy of your application and prepare yourself with it. You can have someone else, such as an attorney, ask you questions from your application and answer them as you would during the interview. This helps keep the information you provided fresh in your memory.
Make sure not to contradict any answers you provided during the interview. If any of your circumstances have changed, be honest and tell the truth. If you lie, the officer may deny your application. Even worse, you may be deported.
The English Test
Remember that the skill level required is low, and the test assesses whether you can speak basic English. Your accent and manner of delivery are not important, but the meaning you convey is.
The U.S.C.I.S. officer will examine your ability to read, write, and speak English, so make sure you have adequately prepared for each skill.
In the speaking test, try to speak slowly and clearly, and if you do not understand what the officer is asking, feel free to ask them to rephrase the question.
In the English reading portion, you will read one out of the three sentences presented to you. Read the sentence to show your reading skills but also make sure to understand what you are reading. Try to use proper intonation where possible.
In the English writing portion, you will write one out of the three sentences presented to you. The test is whether the immigration officer can understand what you have written.
The U.S.C.I.S. website has several free study tools to assist you in preparing for the tests.
The Civics Test
The civics portion assesses your knowledge of U.S. history and government. There is a pool of 100 questions on the U.S.C.I.S. website that you can study.
You will answer ten questions out of the 100. The passing grade is 60%. All questions are asked orally – there are no written or multiple-choice options.
If you don’t pass the test, the interview will be stopped, and you will take a re-exam within 90 days.
Common U.S. Citizenship Interview Questions
Some common questions that a U.S.C.I.S. will ask you are:
- What is your date of birth?
- What is your immigration status?
- Have you ever been convicted of a serious crime?
The officer will ask you general questions about the information you shared in your application and other background questions. Make sure you take along all your supporting documents. Answer honestly, and remember that the officer has your full immigration history at hand.
Naturalization Interview Results
At the end of the interview, the U.S.C.I.S. officer will give you Form N-652, Notice of Examination Results. It gives you information about the results of your interview and the next steps to take.
If successful, you will be invited to attend your naturalization ceremony and say the Oath of Allegiance. On reciting the Oath, you express your loyalty to the United States and become a U.S. citizen.
If your citizenship application is denied, you have the right to appeal the U.S.C.I.S. decision by filing Form-336 under US Citizenship Laws. An experienced lawyer can advise you on how to proceed.
Contact Andrew T. Thomas Attorneys at Law for Help
Naturalization is a huge milestone in every U.S. permanent resident’s life. At Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, we can help you file your naturalization application and help you prepare for the interview.
If you applied for citizenship in Texas and your application was denied, an experienced immigration attorney in Texas can file the appeal for you within the time limit.
The legal team at Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law offers several citizenship and immigration services. Whatever your issue is, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Apply for Naturalization?
Immigrants who have been living in the U.S. continuously for at least five years, or three for spouses of U.S. citizens, are eligible for naturalization. However, those who are born abroad to U.S. citizens cannot apply for naturalization. Instead, they can obtain citizenship by filing the certificate of citizenship form.
Where and When Does the Interview Take Place?
Once your naturalization application is received, the U.S.C.I.S. will send you an interview appointment letter with the date of your interview. It’s usually scheduled about a few months after your application.
The interview will take place at the U.S.C.I.S. office closest to your physical address in Form N-400.
Can I Get a Waiver for the Citizenship Test?
If you have a physical, developmental, or mental impairment, you can apply for a waiver.
To do so, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
Is There a Dress Code for the Citizenship Interview?
There is no formal dress code. It is best to err on the side of caution and opt for formal or casual business attire. Avoid jeans, shorts, and T-shirts.
How Long Is the Naturalization Eligibility Interview?
Interview time varies from 10 to 30 minutes. This depends on the officer as well as the responses and complexity of the interview. On average, it takes twenty minutes.
