Citizenship Test Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The citizenship interview is the final major step in your journey to becoming a US citizen. While the civics test is an important component, the interview encompasses much more – it's your opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency, verify your N-400 application, and show your commitment to citizenship. This guide prepares you for every aspect of the USCIS interview so you can approach it with confidence.

What Happens During the Citizenship Interview?

Understanding the interview structure helps reduce anxiety and ensures you're prepared for each component.

The Complete Interview Timeline

• Check-In (5-10 minutes): Arrive, provide documents, wait to be called
• Oath and Introduction (2-3 minutes): USCIS officer administers oath to tell the truth
• N-400 Review (10-15 minutes): Officer reviews your application, asks clarifying questions
• English Test (5-10 minutes): Reading, writing, and speaking components
• Civics Test (5-15 minutes): Questions from the civics pool (10 or 20 depending on test version)
• Decision (2-5 minutes): Officer informs you of the result
• Total Time: Typically 20-40 minutes

The Three Main Components

Your interview tests three distinct areas:

• Application Review: Verification of information on your N-400 form
• English Proficiency: Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Civics Knowledge: Understanding of US history and government

Before Your Interview: Essential Preparation

What to Bring to Your Interview

Required Documents (Everyone Must Bring):

• Interview appointment notice
• Permanent resident card (green card)
• State-issued ID or driver's license
• Passport (if you have one)

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

• Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage to US citizen)
• Divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages
• Child support or alimony payment records (if applicable)
• Tax returns for the past 5 years (especially if you traveled extensively)
• Selective Service registration (for men who were 18-25 since 1980)
• Court documents (if you've ever been arrested or cited, even if charges dismissed)
• Travel records (if you've taken trips outside the US)

Review Your N-400 Application Thoroughly

The officer will ask questions based on your N-400. You must know everything you wrote:

• Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, addresses for past 5 years
• Employment History: Jobs for the past 5 years, including dates
• Travel History: All trips outside the US (dates, destinations, duration)
• Marital History: Current and previous marriages, spouse information
• Children: Names, birth dates, addresses of all children
• Criminal History: Any arrests, citations, or legal issues (even minor ones)
• Tax History: Whether you filed taxes each year you were required to

Common N-400 Questions During Interview

• "Have you traveled outside the United States since you submitted your application?"
• "Are you still employed at [company from your N-400]?"
• "Are you still married to [spouse's name]?"
• "Have you moved since filing your application?"
• "Have you been arrested or received any citations since your application?"
• "Do you pay your taxes every year?"
• "Are you willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States?"

Prepare for the English Speaking Component

Your English speaking ability is assessed throughout the entire interview, not just during the formal English test.

What Officers Evaluate

• Comprehension: Can you understand questions asked?
• Basic Conversation: Can you respond to simple questions?
• Clarity: Can the officer understand your responses?
• Vocabulary: Do you know basic everyday English words?

English Speaking Tips

• Speak slowly and clearly – don't rush
• It's okay to have an accent
• If you don't understand, politely ask the officer to repeat the question
• Use complete sentences when possible: "Yes, I am married" rather than just "Yes"
• Practice common questions with family or friends
• Don't memorize scripted responses – be natural

The English Reading Test

You must read 1 out of 3 sentences correctly to pass.

How It Works

• Officer presents you with a sentence to read aloud
• If you read it correctly, you pass this component
• If you make a mistake, you get a second sentence
• If needed, you get a third sentence
• You must successfully read 1 of the 3 sentences

Reading Vocabulary

Sentences use words from the USCIS reading vocabulary list (approximately 50 words):

• Civics Words: America, citizen, Congress, President, Senator, vote
• People: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, we, people
• Places: United States, White House, Delaware River
• Verbs: can, come, do, elect, have, is, lives, meets, vote, want
• Function Words: a, and, for, in, of, on, the, to, we

Sample Reading Sentences

• "The President lives in the White House."
• "Citizens have the right to vote."
• "Congress meets in Washington, D.C."
• "Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War."
• "The American flag has stars and stripes."

Reading Test Tips

• Read slowly and carefully – accuracy matters more than speed
• If you make a mistake, the officer will stop you and provide another sentence
• Practice reading the vocabulary words out loud before your interview
• Point to words as you read if that helps you focus
• Take a breath before starting to read

The English Writing Test

You must write 1 out of 3 sentences correctly to pass.

How It Works

• Officer reads a sentence aloud to you
• You write down what you hear
• Spelling and grammar must be correct
• Handwriting must be legible (but doesn't need to be beautiful)
• If you make a mistake, you get a second sentence
• If needed, you get a third sentence

Writing Vocabulary

Similar to reading vocabulary, with about 50 words commonly used:

• Common Sentences: "Citizens can vote," "The President lives in the White House," "Congress makes laws"
• Time Words: February, May, June, November (months); first, second (numbers)
• Places: Alaska, California, New York, Washington

Sample Writing Sentences

• "The President lives in the White House."
• "We elect the President in November."
• "Congress meets in the capital."
• "Citizens have the right to vote."
• "George Washington was the first President."

Writing Test Tips

• Practice writing by hand (not typing) before your interview
• Listen carefully to the entire sentence before you start writing
• Ask the officer to repeat the sentence if needed
• Write clearly – if the officer can't read it, it doesn't count
• Correct spelling is required
• Capital letters at the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns
• Periods at the end of sentences

Get our complete reading and writing practice guide with all vocabulary words and practice sentences.

The Civics Test

The USCIS officer will ask you questions from the official civics question pool. The number of questions and passing threshold depends on which test version you're taking.

How the Civics Test Works

Which test you take depends on when you filed your N-400. Learn more about the 2025 test changes.

2008 Version (N-400 filed before October 20, 2025):

• 100 questions in the pool
• Officer asks up to 10 questions
• You must answer 6 correctly to pass
• Once you answer 6 correctly, the officer stops

2025 Version (N-400 filed on or after October 20, 2025):

• 128 questions in the pool
• Officer asks up to 20 questions
• You must answer 12 correctly to pass
• Once you answer 12 correctly, the officer stops

For both versions:

• Officer asks questions orally (not written)
• You answer orally (not written)
• Questions may come in any order and cover any topic

What Counts as a Correct Answer

• Your answer must match an acceptable answer on the USCIS list
• For questions with multiple acceptable answers, you only need to provide one
• Minor pronunciation errors are okay if the officer can understand you
• You don't need to use exact wording – paraphrases that convey the same meaning are acceptable
• If your answer is partially correct, the officer may ask you to clarify or elaborate

Civics Test Tips

• Listen to the complete question before answering
• Take a moment to think – you don't need to rush
• Speak clearly so the officer can hear your answer
• If you don't understand the question, ask the officer to repeat it
• For questions with multiple answers, give the one you're most confident about
• If you realize you made a mistake, you can correct yourself
• Don't panic if you miss a question – you only need 60% correct to pass

Practice all civics questions with our interactive flashcards and audio pronunciation.

Interview Day: What to Expect

Arrival and Check-In

• Arrive Early: Get there 15-30 minutes before your appointment
• Security Screening: You'll go through security similar to an airport
• Check-In: Present your appointment notice and ID
• Wait: Sit in the waiting area until called
• No Cell Phones: You may need to turn off or leave phones in your car

Meeting the USCIS Officer

• Officer will call your name and lead you to their office
• Stand when greeting the officer and remain standing until invited to sit
• The officer will ask you to raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth
• Be polite and respectful throughout the interview
• Make eye contact and speak clearly

During the Interview

• Stay Calm: USCIS officers are trained to be professional and fair
• Be Honest: Always tell the truth, even if it's not what you think they want to hear
• Don't Volunteer Extra Information: Answer the question asked, but don't ramble
• Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand, politely ask the officer to repeat or rephrase
• Bring Corrections: If anything on your N-400 has changed, inform the officer

Possible Interview Outcomes

1. Approved (Passed)

• You passed all components of the interview
• Officer gives you Form N-652 showing "Approved"
• You'll receive a naturalization ceremony appointment by mail
• Timeline: Ceremony typically scheduled within 1-3 months

2. Continued (Need More Documents)

• Officer needs additional documentation before making a decision
• You'll receive a list of required documents
• Submit documents within the timeframe specified
• A decision will be made after documents are reviewed

3. Failed (Did Not Pass)

• You did not pass the English or civics test (or both)
• You get ONE free retake within 60-90 days
• At the retake, you only redo the portions you failed
• Use the extra time to study and practice

Common Interview Questions Beyond the Tests

In addition to the formal tests, officers ask various questions during the interview:

Opening Questions

• "Please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth?"
• "What is your full legal name?"
• "What is your date of birth?"
• "What is your current address?"
• "How long have you lived at this address?"

About Your Application

• "Are you still working at [employer]?"
• "Have you traveled outside the US since you filed your application?"
• "Has anything changed since you submitted your N-400?"
• "Why do you want to become a US citizen?"

About Your Background

• "Have you ever been arrested?"
• "Do you pay your taxes?"
• "Have you ever lied to a government official?"
• "Are you willing to bear arms for the United States if required by law?"

Closing Questions

• "Do you understand what the Oath of Allegiance means?"
• "Are you willing to take the Oath of Allegiance?"
• "Do you have any questions for me?"

Tips for Interview Success

The Night Before

• Review your N-400 application one final time
• Organize all required documents in a folder
• Plan your route and transportation to the USCIS office
• Get a good night's sleep (7-8 hours)
• Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up on time

The Morning Of

• Eat a healthy breakfast to maintain energy
• Dress professionally (business casual or better)
• Arrive early to account for traffic, parking, and security
• Use the restroom before the interview
• Take a few deep breaths to calm nerves

What to Wear

• Dress professionally and conservatively
• Business casual at minimum (collared shirt, slacks/skirt)
• Avoid overly casual clothes (no t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops)
• Dress comfortably – you may be waiting for a while
• First impressions matter

Managing Interview Anxiety

• Remember: USCIS officers want you to succeed
• Breathe: Take slow, deep breaths if you feel nervous
• Pause: It's okay to take a moment before answering
• Perspective: You've prepared well – trust your preparation
• Positive Thinking: Visualize yourself succeeding

What If You Don't Pass?

Failing the citizenship interview is not the end of your journey. You have options:

The Retake Opportunity

• You automatically get ONE free retake within 60-90 days
• No need to file a new N-400 application
• No additional fees for the retake
• Only the failed portions are retested
• Use the extra time to focus on areas you struggled with

Preparing for a Retake

• Identify specifically what you failed (English test, civics test, or both)
• Focus your study time on those areas
• Consider joining a citizenship class for extra support
• Practice with native English speakers if English was the issue
• Take more practice tests if civics was the problem
• Don't be discouraged – many people pass on their second attempt

After a Successful Interview

Congratulations! After passing your interview, here's what comes next:

The Oath Ceremony

• You'll receive a ceremony appointment notice by mail (typically 1-3 months after interview)
• Bring the notice, your green card, and any requested documents
• Arrive early – late arrivals may not be admitted
• You'll take the Oath of Allegiance with other new citizens
• You'll receive your Certificate of Naturalization
• Congratulations – you're officially a US citizen!

After Becoming a Citizen

• Register to vote
• Apply for a US passport
• Update your Social Security record
• Notify your employer of your new citizenship status
• Consider updating your name if you changed it during naturalization

Final Thoughts: You're Ready for This

The citizenship interview might feel intimidating, but remember that thousands of people successfully complete it every month. With proper preparation – studying the civics questions for your test version, practicing English reading and writing, reviewing your N-400, and gathering required documents – you'll walk into your interview confident and ready.

Key reminders:

• Be honest and truthful throughout the interview
• Speak clearly and don't rush your answers
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question
• You only need 60% of civics questions correct (6/10 for 2008 version, 12/20 for 2025 version)
• USCIS officers are trained to be fair and professional
• If you don't pass, you get a free retake

Ready to prepare? Practice with our interactive flashcards for the civics test, and review our reading and writing guide for the English components. With consistent preparation, you'll be taking the Oath of Allegiance soon!

Your journey to US citizenship is almost complete. The interview is your final major hurdle, and you're absolutely capable of clearing it. Good luck – we believe in you!