Key Questions Asked During the U.S. Citizenship Interview

The U.S. citizenship interview is a crucial step in the naturalization process, and it can feel intimidating to many applicants. However, understanding what to expect can significantly reduce anxiety and boost confidence. The interview is conducted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and covers various topics, from personal background to English and civics tests. Below are the main areas covered during the interview, including questions that are typically asked.

1. Personal Information

The first part of the interview focuses on verifying your personal information. The officer will review the details you provided in your N-400 application for naturalization. Expect questions like:

• “What is your full name?”
• “When and where were you born?”
• “What is your current address?”
• “Have you ever used other names?”

These questions are primarily to confirm the accuracy of the information you submitted. The USCIS officer may also ask about your family, employment, and travel history. If you've lived in multiple locations or traveled outside the U.S., be prepared to discuss the dates and reasons for those travels.

2. Marital and Family Status

If you're married, you might be asked:

• “Are you married? If yes, what is your spouse's name?”
• “How long have you been married?”
• “Do you have children? What are their names and ages?”

If your citizenship eligibility is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, expect more detailed questions about your relationship.

3. Work and Financial Status

Questions related to your employment and financial status are also common. Some typical questions include:

• “Where do you work?”
• “What is your job title?”
• “How long have you worked there?”

The officer might also inquire about your tax history to ensure that you have filed all necessary returns and that you are not delinquent on taxes.

4. Criminal Record and Moral Character

You’ll be asked questions to assess your moral character. These are often "Yes" or "No" questions regarding any past criminal activity:

• “Have you ever committed a crime?”
• “Have you ever been arrested?”
• “Have you ever lied to the government?”
• “Have you ever been a member of any organization that opposes the U.S. government?”

If you have a criminal record, you must provide documentation to explain the circumstances, including court records.

5. Travel History and Continuous Residency

Since naturalization requires continuous residency in the U.S., you will need to account for any trips outside the country. Common questions include:

• “Have you traveled outside the U.S. in the past five years?”
• “How long were you outside the U.S.?”
• “What was the purpose of your trip?”

The goal here is to ensure that you haven’t broken the required period of continuous residence.

6. Selective Service (For Male Applicants)

If you're a male applicant between the ages of 18 and 26, the officer may ask if you registered with the Selective Service. Failure to do so could affect your naturalization eligibility.

7. Civics Test

The civics test is a critical part of the interview. You’ll be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 potential questions. The test covers U.S. history, government, and rights and responsibilities of citizens. Some sample questions include:

• “Who is the President of the United States?”
• “What is the Supreme Law of the Land?”
• “Name one branch of the government.”
• “Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?”

You need to answer six out of 10 questions correctly to pass.

8. English Test

The interview includes a test of your English-speaking, reading, and writing abilities. During this portion of the interview, you will:

• Answer questions in English based on your N-400 application.
• Read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your reading ability.
• Write one out of three sentences correctly to prove your writing skills.

9. Oath of Allegiance

Before concluding the interview, the officer might explain the Oath of Allegiance you’ll take if approved for naturalization. You may be asked questions like:

• “Are you willing to support the Constitution and laws of the U.S.?”
• **“Are you ready to take the Oath of Allegiance?”

Special Considerations

For some applicants, there may be special circumstances that affect the interview process:

• Exemptions from the English test: Some individuals over a certain age or with medical conditions may be exempt from the English language requirement.
• Special accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may request special accommodations during the interview process.

Throughout the interview, the officer is assessing your knowledge, honesty, and commitment to the U.S. If any part of your application requires clarification, be prepared to provide additional documentation or explanations.

Preparation Tips:

• Review your N-400 application thoroughly before the interview to ensure you remember key details.
• Study for the civics test using resources provided by USCIS.
• Practice your English reading and writing skills.

By understanding the structure of the interview and preparing accordingly, you can approach the process with greater confidence and a higher likelihood of success.