The naturalization interview is an important step to becoming a U.S. citizen. It is also known as the naturalization test or citizenship test. Find an overview of what to expect and how to prepare.
Updated April 15, 2024The U.S. citizenship test is also known as the naturalization interview or naturalization test. The immigration officer will ask different questions throughout parts of the interview:
If you do not understand a question, you can always ask the officer to repeat or rephrase the question to say it in a different way. Respond clearly and honestly.
| USCIS is considering changing some parts of the English and civics tests. If you already have a scheduled interview, these changes should not affect you. We will update this page with more details when they are announced. |
The immigration officer will greet you and direct you to their office. The officer will begin to test your English from this point on.
The officer may ask questions such as:
The officer will ask you to take an oath, to tell the truth during your interview. An oath is a serious promise.
They may ask you questions such as:
Once you are under oath, the officer will ask questions about your application. The questions an officer asks and the order they ask them may be different for each person.
The officer will review your citizenship application with you to:
You may be asked questions such as:
The officer will usually ask questions in a way that is different than how they are worded in the application to make sure you have not just memorized the form. Officers are not allowed to ask you for a definition of a word or phrase.
It is very important that you understand each question and review your application before your interview. Learn the meanings of words in Form N-400 to answer questions correctly and truthfully.
If you have any changes since filing your application, you will have to confirm them on a tablet and sign your name. You will also sign to agree to take the Oath of Allegiance on the day of your naturalization ceremony.
The English test checks your reading, writing, and speaking skills. You must show that you know basic English to qualify for citizenship. Your English is being tested throughout the interview.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlQo8dwr3kA)In this section, the officer tests your ability to speak and understand English. The officer will test you from the point they greet you and as they review your application.
You may be asked questions such as:
In this section, the officer asks you to read 3 sentences out loud in English. The sentences will be on a tablet and are from the list of civics questions. You must read 1 sentence correctly to pass.
You may be asked to read sentences such as:
You will pass the reading section if you:
You will fail the reading section if you:
In this section, the officer asks you to write 3 sentences in English. You will have to use a stylus pen on a tablet. These sentences are from the list of civics questions. You must write 1 sentence correctly to pass.
You may be asked to write sentences such as:
You will pass the writing section if you:
You will fail the writing section if you:
The civics test checks your understanding of the U.S. government and history. It is what is usually referred to when people say citizenship test. The officer will ask questions from an official list of 100 civics questions. You must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly.
Learn more about the civics test and questions. Find a complete list of the questions and answers with translations in 17 different languages to help you study. Listen to audio while reading to help with your English skills for this portion of the test.
USAHello also offers a free online class to help you prepare for the civics portion of the test. You can take this class in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese.
Some people do not have to take the English test or can take a simpler version of the civics test. Learn if you qualify for an exemption or accommodation.
The information on this page comes from USCIS, USA.gov, and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.