The citizenship interview is one of the most important steps in your naturalization journey—and for many applicants, it’s also the most nerve-wracking. At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we’ve guided hundreds of clients through this process, and we know the questions that keep you up at night: What will they ask me? What if I make a mistake? How can I prepare?
The good news is that with the right preparation and understanding of what to expect, most applicants pass their citizenship interview on the first try. Here’s everything you need to know to walk into your interview with confidence.
Before the Interview: What You’ll Receive
After you file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and complete your biometrics appointment, USCIS will schedule your citizenship interview. You’ll receive a notice in the mail with:
- The date, time, and location of your interview
- Instructions on what documents to bring
- A reminder that you’ll be tested on English and U.S. civics
Typical timeline: Most interviews are scheduled 6–10 months after filing, though this varies by location and USCIS workload.
Location: Your interview will take place at a USCIS field office. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, most interviews are conducted at the Dallas or Irving USCIS offices.
What to Bring to Your Interview
USCIS requires you to bring specific documents to your interview. Failing to bring the right paperwork can delay your case, so it’s important to be thorough. Here’s what you’ll need:
Required Documents:
- Your green card (permanent resident card)
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Your interview notice from USCIS
- All passports (current and expired) you’ve held during your time as a permanent resident
- Travel records showing all trips outside the U.S. (if you don’t have these, USCIS may provide a summary)
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen)
- Divorce or death certificates (for any prior marriages)
- Child custody documents (if you have children from previous relationships)
- Tax returns for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Selective Service registration (if you’re a male who lived in the U.S. between ages 18–26)
- Court records (if you’ve ever been arrested or cited, even if charges were dismissed)
Pro tip: Bring original documents and photocopies. USCIS may keep copies for your file.
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we provide every client with a personalized document checklist so nothing gets left behind.
The Structure of the Interview
Your citizenship interview typically lasts 15–30 minutes and follows a predictable structure. Here’s what happens step by step:
1. Check-In and Waiting
When you arrive at the USCIS office, you’ll check in at the front desk and wait in a designated area. You may wait anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the office’s schedule.
2. Oath and Introductions
A USCIS officer will call your name and escort you to their office. You’ll be asked to stand and take an oath, swearing that everything you say during the interview will be truthful.
The officer will verify your identity by checking your green card and photo ID.
3. U.S. Civics Test
You’ll be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 possible civics questions. You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
The questions cover U.S. history, government, geography, and civic rights and responsibilities.
Sample questions:
- “What is the supreme law of the land?” (Answer: The Constitution)
- “How many amendments does the Constitution have?” (Answer: 27)
- “Who is the current President of the United States?” (Answer: Donald Trump as of 2025)
- “What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?” (Answer: Pacific Ocean)
Study resources: USCIS provides the full list of 100 questions and answers on their website. Most applicants study using flashcards, apps, or study guides.
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we provide clients with comprehensive civics study materials and practice interviews to build confidence.
4. English Language Test
Unless you qualify for an exemption, you’ll be tested on your ability to speak, read, and write in English.
- Speaking: This happens naturally throughout the interview. If you can answer the officer’s questions in English, you’re demonstrating speaking ability.
- Reading: The officer will ask you to read 1 out of 3 sentences aloud. You must read one sentence correctly.
- Writing: The officer will dictate 1 out of 3 sentences, and you must write it correctly.
Example reading sentence: “The United States has fifty states.”
Example writing sentence: “Citizens can vote.”
The English test is designed to assess basic proficiency, not perfection. Small grammatical errors are generally acceptable as long as the meaning is clear.
5. Review of Your N-400 Application
The officer will go through your N-400 line by line, asking you to confirm the information you provided. They may ask follow-up questions to clarify details or confirm facts.
Common questions include:
- “Have you traveled outside the United States since filing your application?”
- “Are you still married to [spouse’s name]?”
- “Have you been arrested or received any citations since submitting your application?”
Important: Answer truthfully and directly. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask the officer to repeat or clarify it.
6. Decision
At the end of the interview, the officer will usually tell you whether your application has been:
- Approved: Congratulations! You’ll receive a notice with the date and location of your naturalization ceremony.
- Continued: The officer needs additional documents or information before making a decision. You’ll receive instructions on what to provide.
- Denied: Your application has been denied. You’ll receive a written explanation and information about your right to appeal.
Most common reasons for continuances:
- Missing or incomplete documentation
- Need for additional evidence of good moral character
- Unresolved tax issues
- Failure to pass the English or civics test (you’ll be given one more chance to retake the test)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve seen many applicants make avoidable mistakes at their citizenship interview. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Not reviewing your N-400 before the interview
The officer will ask you to confirm information from your application. If you don’t remember what you wrote, you may give inconsistent answers, which can raise red flags.
2. Arriving unprepared for the English or civics test
Many applicants underestimate the tests and fail on their first attempt. Study in advance and practice regularly.
3. Failing to disclose arrests or citations
Even if charges were dismissed or expunged, you must disclose any interaction with law enforcement. Failing to do so can result in denial for lack of good moral character.
4. Bringing incomplete documentation
Missing documents can delay your case. Double-check your checklist before leaving for the interview.
5. Being nervous and overthinking answers
It’s natural to feel nervous, but remember: the officer is there to determine your eligibility, not to trick you. Answer questions honestly and clearly.
What Happens After the Interview?
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a notice scheduling your naturalization ceremony (also called the oath ceremony). This is the final step in your citizenship journey.
At the ceremony, you’ll:
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
- Officially become a U.S. citizen
Timeline: Most ceremonies are scheduled within 2–6 weeks of your interview.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we prepare our clients thoroughly for every aspect of the citizenship interview. From reviewing your N-400 application to conducting mock interviews, we make sure you walk into that room ready and confident.
Our promise: You are not alone. We will guide you through every step of the process with compassion, clarity, and persistence so you can achieve your American dream.
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?
Contact the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen today. Let’s prepare you for success.
Call us: 817-330-9734
Email us: info@carrielegal.com
Visit us: 721 N Fielder Rd., Suite C, Arlington, TX 76012
