The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts citizenship interviews as part of the naturalization process. During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask the applicant questions about their application and background to determine eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Overview of the Citizenship Interview
The citizenship interview is a key step in the naturalization process. It is conducted by a USCIS officer at a local field office. The interview typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. The officer will go through the N-400 application with the applicant and ask questions to confirm details and eligibility. Topics covered include:
- Biographical information
- Marital history
- Family details
- Residential history
- Employment history
- Membership in organizations
- Good moral character
- Attachment to the U.S. Constitution
- Willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance
In addition to going through the N-400, the officer will verbally ask civics questions and test the applicant’s English proficiency. Applicants are expected to answer 6 out of 10 civics questions correctly to pass the interview. They must also be able to hold a basic conversation in English.
Sample Civics Questions
There are 100 possible civics questions on the citizenship test. These questions cover topics like U.S. history, geography, government, Constitution, rights and responsibilities. Applicants are given a set of 10 questions from this list and must answer 6 correctly. Here are some sample questions:
- What is the supreme law of the land?
- What does the Constitution do?
- What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
- What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- How many U.S. Senators are there?
- Who vetoes bills?
- What is the economic system in the United States?
- Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
- Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
The civics test focuses on basic concepts of American government and history that are considered vital knowledge for naturalized citizens.
Reading and Writing Test
During the citizenship interview, applicants will also be given a simple reading and writing test in English. This tests their English literacy proficiency. For the reading test, the applicant must read one sentence out loud in a manner that demonstrates an understanding. For the writing test, the applicant is asked to write one out of three sentences dictated by the USCIS officer.
Oath of Allegiance
At the end of the citizenship interview, the USCIS officer will also ask if the applicant is willing to take the Oath of Allegiance. This is the final step before being granted U.S. citizenship. By taking the oath, the applicant swears to renounce foreign allegiances, defend the U.S. Constitution and laws, and perform work of national importance if required.
Interview Results
At the conclusion of the interview, the USCIS officer will let the applicant know if they passed or not. They pass by demonstrating English proficiency, knowledge of U.S. civics and history, good moral character, and attachment to the Constitution. If approved, they will be scheduled for the oath ceremony. If they do not pass, the case will be denied or they may be asked to come back for a second interview.
Preparing for the Citizenship Interview
Proper preparation is key to passing the citizenship interview. Here are some tips:
- Study for the civics test using online resources and practice tests
- Practice reading and writing in English
- Review your N-400 application and documents thoroughly
- Gather required documents (passports, tax records, etc.)
- Dress appropriately for the formal interview
- Arrive early at the USCIS field office
- Bring an interpreter if you need language assistance
- Remain calm and honest when answering questions
With practice and confidence, applicants can pass the interview and get one step closer to U.S. citizenship.
Conclusion
The citizenship interview is a vital and decisive step in the naturalization process. USCIS officers use the interview to confirm an applicant’s eligibility by testing their English skills, knowledge of U.S. civics and history, moral character, and genuine attachment to the Constitution. Thorough preparation using online and written resources is key. With focus and practice, applicants can pass the interview and move towards U.S. citizenship by taking the Oath of Allegiance.