Preparing for the Naturalization Interview

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After you apply for your U.S. Citizenship, one of the last steps of the process will be a naturalization interview with a USCIS officer.  USCIS will mail you a notice with your interview date and time – it is very important that you do not miss your interview!  If you miss your interview, USCIS will administratively close your case.  If you do not contact USCIS to schedule a new interview within 1 year of the administrative closure, your application will be denied.   

 It’s critical to be prepared for your naturalization interview.  Once you are called in to the officer’s office, the first step of the interview is usually the English and Civics test.  This can be the scariest portion for some applicants, but USCIS provides an array of great online prep tools, including practice tests! During the civics portion, the officer will ask you up to ten (10) questions from this list of 100 U.S. Civics Questions.  So, dust off your study skills and make good use of the online prep tools provided!

 During the English test, the officer will evaluate three components: reading, writing, and speaking.  The officer will ask you to write down three sentences; you must write one correctly.  The officer will also ask you to read three sentences.  You must read one of the three sentences correctly.  Finally, your speaking skills will be determined throughout your interview.  There are a few exceptions from the English portion of the test.  You will not need to take the English test if: 1) you were 50 or older when you filed for naturalization and you have been a permanent resident in the US for 20 years, or 2) you were 55 years or older when you filed for naturalization and you have been a permanent resident in the US for 15 years. 

 After the English and Civics tests, the officer will likely review the information you submitted on your N-400 form, so it is very important to review your N-400 form a day or two before the interview to ensure that this information is fresh in your mind.  Additionally, the officer will ask questions to gain a better understand of you as a person and your case.  They can ask you about your background, your immigration history, the evidence supporting your case, your time as a permanent resident in the U.S., your character etc.  Please remember that you are under oath throughout the interview. 

 If you are approved at the end of your interview, you do not automatically become a U.S. Citizen.  You will be scheduled for an Oath Ceremony, where you will complete your naturalization process by taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. 

Obtaining your U.S. citizenship is the final and most exciting step in your immigration process.  Contact Maged & Rost if you have any questions about the process.