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The Naturalization Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

By David N. Smith, TGM, Athens, Greece

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026

Short answer: The naturalization interview is a meeting with a USCIS officer who places you under oath, reviews your N-400 answers, tests your English (speaking, reading and writing) and asks civics questions. At the end, the officer grants, continues or denies your application. Most of the interview is conversation; the formal tests make up only part of it.

When people say "the citizenship test," they usually mean this whole interview. It has five parts, and your English is being observed from the moment you arrive. This guide explains each part with examples, what officers look for, and how to prepare.

The five parts

  1. Check-in. The officer greets you, checks identification and takes you to the interview room.
  2. Oath to tell the truth. You swear to answer truthfully.
  3. Review of your N-400. The officer goes through your application.
  4. English test. Speaking, reading and writing.
  5. Civics test. Oral questions about US history and government.

When a question is unclear, you may ask the officer to say it again or put it another way. Asking is better than guessing.

1. Check-in and small talk

Expect simple greetings, such as "How are you today?" or "Did you find us easily?" These are not trick questions. The officer is also listening to your spoken English, so answer in full sentences.

2. The oath to tell the truth

The officer asks you to swear or affirm that you will tell the truth. The officer may ask if you understand what an oath is. Everything after this is under oath. The oath of allegiance comes later, at the ceremony, and is different.

3. Review of your N-400

The officer reviews your application with you to check that it is correct, update changes, and confirm that you understand it. You may be asked about:

  • your name, address and how long you have lived there
  • your marital status, spouse and children
  • your work and where you have traveled in the past five years
  • your parents and whether either is a US citizen
  • organizations you belong to
  • any arrests, citations or convictions
  • whether you have ever lied to a government official, been denied entry or been in removal proceedings
  • whether you are willing to take the oath

Officers often ask in different words from the form to check that you understand and did not just memorize. Read your own copy of the N-400 and learn the terms in our N-400 glossary.

If anything has changed since you filed, such as a new address, a trip or a change in marital status, you will confirm the changes, often on an electronic tablet, and sign.

4. The English test

Speaking. Your speaking is evaluated throughout the interview. The officer may ask simple direct questions, such as why you want to become a citizen.

Reading. You are asked to read up to three sentences aloud, and you must read one correctly. Sentences come from the civics vocabulary, such as a short statement about the capital or about voting. You pass if you read the sentence without long pauses, and any mistakes do not change its meaning.

Writing. The officer reads up to three sentences aloud, and you write them. You must write one correctly. Many offices use a tablet and stylus. You pass if your sentence has the same meaning as the one read to you. Spelling or capitalization mistakes are acceptable if the meaning stays clear. You fail if you write nothing or only a word or two, write something unreadable or different, or use an abbreviation in place of a word.

The vocabulary comes from USCIS study lists, so studying the civics list helps you with this part too.

5. The civics test

The officer asks you questions from the official list for your version of the test, out loud.

  • Filed before October 20, 2025: 2008 version, up to 10 questions, 6 correct to pass.
  • Filed on or after October 20, 2025: 2025 version, up to 20 questions, 12 correct to pass; the officer stops after 12 correct or 9 incorrect answers.

Read our civics test explainer for the differences, and practice using the question lists. If you qualify for an age-based exception, see test exceptions.

The result

At the end the officer gives you a result, often on Form N-652:

  • Granted. You pass and are approved, pending the oath. Some offices schedule the oath the same day.
  • Continued. The officer needs more documents or wants you to retake a part of the test. Follow the written instructions.
  • Denied. The officer explains the reason in writing. See your options in the process guide.

If you fail part of the test, you usually get one more try at that part only, typically 60 to 90 days later.

What to bring

Your interview notice lists what you need. Most applicants bring:

  • the notice itself
  • their green card
  • a state ID or driver's license
  • their passport and any travel documents, including expired ones
  • records of anything that changed since filing (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, new address)
  • certified court records for any arrest or citation
  • other items the notice requests, such as tax records

Bring originals when asked. If you use an attorney, they can attend with a signed Form G-28. If you qualify for an interpreter, bring your own; see test exceptions for the rules.

Preparing: a four-week plan

WeekFocus
1Re-read your N-400, learn the key terms, and check for changes in your life since filing
2Study the civics questions for your version and start reading and writing sample sentences
3Take full mock tests out loud and practice answering questions with a friend
4Re-check changeable answers (officials, state information), organize your documents, and plan your route

Tips from experienced applicants and advisers

  • Arrive early and bring everything on your notice.
  • Answer only the question asked. Be clear and honest. Do not guess or add unrelated details.
  • If you do not know, say so. A wrong answer given with confidence is worse than a request to repeat.
  • Never hide an arrest or trip, even if you think it is minor. Records will show it.
  • Speak naturally and do not rush.
  • Do not memorize answers for the N-400. Understand them.
  • Stay calm if you make a mistake. One error does not end the interview.

What has changed recently

Legal-aid organizations and law firms report that since 2025, interviews can involve closer review of good moral character, and that USCIS has brought back neighborhood investigations in some cases. The 2025 civics test also asks more questions. These reports describe trends, and individual interviews vary, so ask an attorney or accredited representative about your case.

Frequently asked questions

  • You check in, swear to tell the truth, review your N-400 with an officer, take the English reading, writing and speaking tests, and answer civics questions. Then you get a decision.

Sources and further reading

This page is general information, not legal advice. Interview procedures vary by field office. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.