Interview questions
N-400 interview questions: what the officer may ask you
Key takeaways
- Most interview questions come from the answers on your Form N-400.
- Expect questions about your address, work, family, travel, taxes and any arrests or citations.
- Answer honestly. If you made a mistake on the form, tell the officer.
- Bring the documents your notice asks for and review your own copy of the form.
Apart from the civics and English tests, the officer asks questions about you. They come from your Form N-400. Your questions will be different from anyone else's, but the topics are predictable.
Topics the officer may cover
These are examples we wrote to show the kinds of questions. They are not a script.
| Topic | Example of what may be asked |
|---|---|
| You and your address | What is your full name? Where do you live now? Have you lived anywhere else recently? |
| Family | Are you married? Do you have children? Where does your family live? |
| Work | Where do you work? Have you had gaps in work? Who were your recent employers? |
| Travel | Have you taken trips outside the United States? How long were you away? |
| Taxes | Have you filed your taxes? Do you owe any taxes? |
| Arrests and citations | Have you ever been arrested, cited or detained by any law enforcement officer? |
| Selective Service | For men: did you register for Selective Service? |
| The oath | Do you support the Constitution? Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance? |
Answer honestly and completely
Answer each question truthfully, even if the answer is uncomfortable. An arrest that was dismissed still counts as something to tell the officer. Leaving it out can cause more trouble than the arrest itself. If any answer is yes, bring the documents your notice and the form instructions list. If you have arrests or other concerns, speak with an immigration attorney or an accredited representative before your interview.
Questions about taxes and Selective Service also appear on the civics test
These two civics questions connect to the interview topics above. They are exactly as written:
Question 71
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
- Required by law
- All people pay to fund the federal government
- Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
- Civic duty
Question 72
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
- Required by law
- Civic duty
- Makes the draft fair, if needed
How to prepare
- Get a copy of your Form N-400 and read every answer.
- Make a list of your trips outside the country with dates.
- Write down your addresses and employers for the required period.
- Gather court or tax records if any of your answers need them.
- Practice answering the questions out loud, in your own words.
- If you do not understand a question, ask the officer to repeat or explain it.
If you find a mistake on your form
Tell the officer at the interview. Correcting a mistake is better than hoping it goes unnoticed. If the mistake is serious, ask an immigration attorney before your interview.
Common questions
What questions are asked at the citizenship interview?
Questions come from your Form N-400: your name and address, family, work, travel, taxes, any arrests or citations, and your willingness to take the oath. The officer also gives the English and civics tests.
Are the interview questions the same for everyone?
No. They depend on your application. The topics are similar, but the questions and their order differ from person to person.
Do I have to tell the officer about an old arrest?
Yes, answer truthfully about arrests and citations, even old or dismissed ones. Speak with an immigration attorney if you have concerns.
What if I do not understand a question?
Ask the officer to repeat or explain it.
Keep reading
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and forms can change. For your own case, follow your appointment notice, and ask an immigration attorney or an accredited representative if you have questions about your situation.