What to Expect on US Citizenship Test Day
Your naturalization interview is the final major step before becoming a US citizen. Knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and prepared. The entire appointment typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
What to Bring
Arrive with the following documents:
- Green Card (Form I-551) -- this is required for identity and status verification
- Appointment notice (Form I-797C) -- the letter USCIS sent scheduling your interview
- Valid state-issued photo ID -- such as a driver's license or state ID card
- Valid passport -- even if expired, bring it along
- Travel documents -- any re-entry permits or refugee travel documents you hold
If applicable, also bring originals of documents referenced in your N-400 application, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, tax returns, or court records.
Arriving at the USCIS Office
Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. You will go through a security screening similar to an airport checkpoint. A USCIS officer will call your name in the waiting area and escort you to an interview room. You will be asked to raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth before the interview begins.
The Interview
The USCIS officer will review your Form N-400 application line by line. They may ask you to confirm or clarify your answers. Be honest and direct -- if you do not understand a question, it is fine to ask the officer to repeat it.
During this review, the officer is also evaluating your English speaking ability based on how you respond to conversational questions.
The English Test
The English test has two parts beyond speaking:
- Reading -- You will be asked to read 1 out of 3 sentences aloud in English. You must read at least one correctly to pass.
- Writing -- You will be asked to write 1 out of 3 sentences in English. You must write at least one correctly to pass.
The sentences use vocabulary from the civics and English study materials published by USCIS. They are straightforward and test basic literacy, not complex grammar.
The Civics Test
The officer will ask you up to 10 civics questions orally from the official list of 100 questions (or up to 20 if you are taking the 2008 redesigned test version). You must answer 6 out of 10 correctly (or 12 out of 20) to pass. The officer will stop asking questions once you reach the passing threshold.
Questions cover American government, history, and civic values. Examples include the branches of government, the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, and the name of the current President.
After the Interview
The officer will inform you of the result before you leave. There are three possible outcomes:
- Pass -- You may take the Oath of Allegiance the same day if a ceremony is available, or you will be scheduled for a future ceremony date.
- Fail one or both tests -- You will be rescheduled for a retake within 60 to 90 days. You only need to retake the portion you failed (English, civics, or both).
- Continued -- In rare cases, the officer may need additional documentation before making a decision.
If you fail the retake as well, your application will be denied. You would need to file a new N-400 and pay the filing fee again to try once more.
The Oath Ceremony
At the oath ceremony you will turn in your green card, recite the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. This certificate is your official proof of US citizenship. Keep it in a safe place -- you will need it to apply for a US passport.
Tips for Test Day
- Get a good night's sleep and eat before your appointment
- Dress respectfully -- business casual is appropriate
- Answer only what is asked -- do not volunteer extra information
- Bring copies of any documents you submitted with your application
- Stay calm -- the officer's goal is to verify your eligibility, not to trick you