Your naturalization interview usually lasts 20–40 minutes. The officer checks your Form N-400 answers and gives you the English and civics tests. The speaking part of the English test is the interview itself: the officer listens to how well you understand and answer.
The order of the interview
- Swearing in (oath to tell the truth)
- Identity and documents
- Review of your N-400 answers (personal details, addresses, work, travel, marital status, children)
- Part 9 'Have you ever...' questions
- Civics test (up to 20 questions, stop at 12 correct or 9 wrong)
- English reading (1 of 3 sentences)
- English writing (1 of 3 sentences)
- Signature and decision
“Have you ever…” — and the words officers ask about
Officers often ask what a word means to check that you understood your own answers. Know these:
- oath — A serious promise. Example: To take the oath means to promise loyalty to the United States.
- allegiance — Loyalty to a country. Example: I pledge allegiance to the flag.
- renounce — To give up something officially. Example: You renounce loyalty to other countries when you become a citizen.
- naturalization — The process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Example: My naturalization interview is next month.
- permanent resident — A person with a green card who can live in the U.S. permanently. Example: I have been a permanent resident for five years.
- claimed to be a U.S. citizen — Said you were a U.S. citizen when you were not. Example: Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen? Answer no if you never said this.
- registered to vote / voted — Signed up to vote, or voted, in a U.S. election. Example: Non-citizens may not vote in federal elections.
- overdue taxes — Taxes you owe that are late. Example: Do you owe any overdue federal, state, or local taxes?
- title of nobility — A royal or noble title, like king, duke, or lord. Example: Do you have any title of nobility in another country?
- Communist party — A political party that follows communism. Example: Have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?
- totalitarian party — A party that wants total control of people's lives. Example: Have you ever been a member of a totalitarian party?
- terrorist organization — A group that uses violence to scare people for political goals. Example: Have you ever been a member of a terrorist organization?
- genocide — Killing people because of their race, religion, or group. Example: Have you ever taken part in genocide?
- torture — Causing severe pain to someone on purpose. Example: Have you ever taken part in torture?
- persecuted — Hurt or treated badly because of race, religion, nationality, or opinion. Example: Have you ever persecuted any person?
- militia — An armed group that is not the regular army. Example: Have you ever been a member of a militia?
- habitual drunkard — A person who is drunk very often. Example: Have you ever been a habitual drunkard?
- prostitution — Selling sex for money. Example: Have you ever been involved in prostitution?
- smuggled — Brought something or someone into a country illegally. Example: Have you ever smuggled a person into the United States?
- illegal gambling — Betting money in a way that breaks the law. Example: Have you ever received income from illegal gambling?
- failed to support dependents — Did not give money or care to people who depend on you, like children. Example: Have you ever failed to support your dependents?
- misrepresentation — Giving false information. Example: Have you ever lied to a U.S. government official to get an immigration benefit?
- removal / deportation — Being ordered to leave the United States. Example: Have you ever been removed or deported from the United States?
- Selective Service — The U.S. system that registers men aged 18 to 26 for a possible draft. Example: Did you register for the Selective Service?
- bear arms — To carry weapons and fight for the United States if the law requires it. Example: If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?
- noncombatant services — Helping the military without fighting. Example: Are you willing to perform noncombatant services in the U.S. armed forces?
- work of national importance — Important work for the country under civilian direction. Example: Are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?
- arrested / cited / detained — Stopped or held by police or a law officer. Example: Have you ever been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer?
- probation / parole — Rules you follow instead of, or after, jail time. Example: Have you ever been placed on probation or parole?
- under oath — After promising to tell the truth. Example: Do you swear that everything you say today is the truth?
Tips
- Answer only what is asked. “Yes”, “No”, or one short sentence is fine.
- If you don't understand, say “Could you please repeat the question?” or “Can you say it in a different way?”.
- Your answers must match your N-400. Review your copy before the interview.
- Never guess on legal questions. If you have any arrests or immigration problems, talk to an immigration attorney before your interview.