Fatima had lived in the United States for eleven years. She had raised three children here, run a small business, paid taxes, and become a fixture in her community on the west side of Chicago. When she finally filed her naturalization application, she felt ready. But as the interview date got closer, the anxiety crept in. What would they ask her? Would they try to trick her? What if she said the wrong thing?
The citizenship interview is often the most nerve-wracking part of the naturalization process, but it does not have to be. When you know what to expect, you can walk into that room prepared, confident, and ready to take the final step toward becoming a United States citizen. This guide breaks down exactly what happens during the interview and how you can put yourself in the best possible position.
When Does the Citizenship Interview Happen?
After you file Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints. After that, you will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of your naturalization interview.
The interview takes place at your local USCIS field office. In the Chicago area, this is always the Chicago Field Office. The interview is conducted by a USCIS officer who has reviewed your N-400 application in advance usually.
What Do You Need to Bring to the Citizenship Interview?
Arriving prepared with the right documents is essential. USCIS will send you a notice listing required documents, but generally you should bring:
- Your interview appointment notice (Form N-400 interview letter)
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your Permanent Resident Card (green card)
- Your passport and any travel documents used during the past five years
- Any documents relevant to your application, including marriage certificates, divorce decrees, tax returns, or court records if applicable
- If you have a disability or medical condition that requires an accommodation, documentation supporting your request
Do not leave home without your green card and your appointment notice. Arriving without these things can result in your interview being rescheduled.
What Happens During the Interview?
When you arrive at the USCIS field office, you will check in with a receptionist and wait to be called. An officer will escort you to a private room. You will be asked to swear or affirm that everything you say will be truthful. The interview typically lasts an hour or less, although you may have to wait some time before you are called to begin the Interview, and, also, it can take much longer than that for complex cases.
Review of Your N-400 Application
The officer will go through your N-400 application question by question. They will ask you to confirm your answers out loud. This includes questions about your personal background, your residence history, your employment, your travel outside the United States, your membership in any organizations, and a series of questions about your character and legal history.
Be honest in every answer. If something has changed since you filed your application, a new address, a new job, a trip abroad, tell the officer. Misrepresentation on a naturalization application can result in denial and serious immigration consequences.
The English Language Test
Unless you qualify for an exemption, you are required to demonstrate the ability to speak, read, and write in English. During the interview, the officer will evaluate your spoken English throughout the conversation. You will also be asked to read one or two sentences aloud in English and write one or two sentences that the officer dictates to you. These sentences are straightforward and are drawn from a standard list.
Exemptions from the English requirement are available for applicants who are 50 years of age or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, or who are 55 or older with at least 15 years of permanent residency. Applicants with certain medical conditions may also qualify for an exception.
The Civics Test
The civics portion of the naturalization test covers U.S. history and government. USCIS provides a list of 100 possible questions and answers in advance. At the interview, the officer will ask you up to 10 of those questions. You must answer 6 correctly to pass.
The questions cover topics like the branches of government, the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, U.S. history, and current officials. Studying from the official USCIS list of 100 questions is the most effective way to prepare. There are also practice apps, flashcard sets, and study guides available in multiple languages.
If you do not pass the civics test or the English test on your first attempt, USCIS will schedule a second interview within 60 to 90 days. You will only be retested on the portion you did not pass.
What Happens After the Interview?
At the end of your interview, the officer will inform you of one of three outcomes:
- Granted: Your application is approved. You will receive a notice scheduling you for an oath ceremony, where you will officially become a United States citizen.
- Continued: USCIS needs additional time or documentation to make a decision. This is common and does not necessarily indicate a problem.
- Denied: Your application is denied. You have the right to appeal the decision or request a hearing before an immigration officer.
If your application is granted, the oath ceremony is typically scheduled within a few weeks. At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and you will officially become a U.S. citizen. Your Certificate of Naturalization will be handed to you that same day.
Speak With a Chicago Citizenship Attorney Today
At JLB Law Group, we have guided countless clients through the naturalization process, from filing the N-400 to standing in the oath ceremony room. We help clients prepare for their interviews, review their applications for potential issues, and represent applicants whose cases are more complicated due to travel history, criminal records, or other factors.
If you are ready to pursue U.S. citizenship and want to make sure you are fully prepared, contact our office today or schedule a consultation through our website. This milestone is worth doing right.
If you’re located in the Chicago area, our Naperville immigration lawyer team at JLB Law Group can guide you through citizenship and naturalization. You may also find our related article, How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?, helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the naturalization process take after the interview?
If your application is approved at the interview, most applicants attend the oath ceremony within a few weeks. In some cases, it can take longer if the oath ceremony schedule is full. Once you take the oath, you are officially a U.S. citizen.
Can I bring someone with me to the citizenship interview?
In most cases, you attend the interview alone. However, if you need an interpreter, you may bring one. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation or need assistance, you can request this in advance. An attorney may also attend with you if you have legal representation.
What if I fail the civics test at my citizenship interview?
If you fail the civics or English test, USCIS will schedule a second interview, typically within 60 to 90 days. At the second interview, you are retested only on the portion you failed. If you fail again, USCIS will issue a denial, but you have the right to request a hearing.
Can a past criminal record affect my citizenship application?
Yes. Certain criminal convictions can make an applicant ineligible for naturalization. Less serious offenses may not automatically disqualify you but can raise questions about good moral character. It is important to disclose all criminal history accurately on your N-400 and to speak with an immigration attorney before filing if you have any prior legal issues.