The naturalization interview: what to expect, step by step

Before you go

• Read your appointment notice carefully. It tells you where to go and what to bring.
• Bring the identification and documents the notice lists.
• Review your Form N-400 answers. The officer will ask about them.
• Practice the civics questions out loud. See the 14-day plan.

Step by step

1. Check in. Arrive early. You may wait before an officer calls your name.
2. Swear or affirm. The officer asks you to promise to tell the truth.
3. Identity and application review. The officer checks your identity and goes through your Form N-400 with you. Questions and their order can differ from person to person.
4. English test. You speak with the officer throughout, then read and write sentences. See the English test guide.
5. Civics test. The officer asks up to 20 questions out loud. You need 12 correct on the 2025 test.
6. Decision. You may hear the result the same day, or receive a notice. You might also be asked to bring more documents or come back.

Questions about your application

The officer goes through your Form N-400 with you. The questions can cover your address, work, family, trips outside the country, taxes and other topics on the form. Answer honestly and directly. If you do not understand a question, ask the officer to repeat or explain it. Review your own form before you go, so nothing surprises you.

Special situations

• You need to reschedule. Follow the instructions on your appointment notice and contact USCIS before the date.
• You need an interpreter. If you are taking the civics test in your own language, you generally bring one. Check your notice.
• You need an accommodation. Tell USCIS ahead of time, as your notice explains.
• You are bringing a lawyer. You may. Your attorney can attend the interview with you.

The oath ceremony

You become a citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Some offices can hold the ceremony the same day as the interview. Others mail a notice, called Form N-445, with a date, time and place.

If you cannot attend, contact your local office using the instructions on the notice. Missing more than one ceremony without a good reason can put your application at risk. After you take the oath, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Read the full text of the oath, and the complete process. For the questions about your own application, see N-400 interview questions.

How the interview can end

• Approved. The officer tells you that your application is approved and explains the next step, often the oath ceremony.
• Continued. The officer asks for more documents or schedules a retest. See the retest guide.
• Denied. You receive a decision with reasons and information about your options.

Some offices tell you the result at the end of the interview. Others send it by mail.

Can I bring a lawyer or an interpreter?

You may bring an attorney to your interview. If you qualify to take the test in your own language, you generally bring an interpreter. Check your notice and the age rules.

Common questions

Keep reading

• 2025 US Citizenship Test: 128 Questions, 20 Asked, 12 to PassHow the 2025 naturalization civics test works: 128 questions, 20 asked out loud, 12 correct to pass, who takes it, and how to prepare.
• Citizenship English Test: Reading, Writing and SpeakingThe naturalization English test has three parts: reading, writing and speaking. Learn how each is scored, who is exempt, and how to practice.
• What Happens If You Fail the Citizenship Test?Failing the English or civics test is not the end. You usually get one more chance, only on the part you failed. Here is how retesting works.
• How to Pass the Citizenship Test: A 14-Day Study PlanA simple two-week plan to learn all 128 civics questions, about 10 a day, with review days, state answers and mock interviews.