Becoming a U.S. citizen is an exciting and important milestone in your journey, but it often involves a naturalization interview. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you can expect on the day of your naturalization interview and what you should be prepared for in terms of documents and questions.
Arrival and Wait Time
First things first, arriving early is crucial. Be prepared to wait, as the process can take several hours, especially now that some USCIS offices are conducting oath ceremonies on the same day as the interview. While the wait may seem daunting, it’s great news because it means you might walk out as a U.S. citizen that very day. Make sure you block off your entire day for the interview to avoid any scheduling conflicts.
The Interview Setting
When you’re called back for your interview, you’ll typically be seated across a desk from an immigration officer. The officer will ask you questions about your application and may request additional documents. It’s important to remain calm and attentive throughout the process.
Taking the Oath
Upon entering the immigration officer’s office, you’ll be required to swear that you’ll tell the whole truth during the interview. This is a standard procedure to ensure the integrity of the naturalization process. Additionally, the officer will update your biometric information by taking updated fingerprints. The entire interview will be recorded, which may sound intimidating, but it’s essential to create a record of the proceedings, both in audio and video formats.
The English and Civics Test
One significant part of the naturalization interview is the English and Civics test. You’ll be asked questions about U.S. history and government, with up to 10 questions selected from a list of 100. To pass this portion, you need to answer at least six questions correctly. Following the Civics test, there is also an English test, which assesses your ability to interact and communicate in English. The officer will provide you with a sentence to write and read aloud from an iPad.
It’s worth noting that there are exceptions to these tests based on the “50/20,” “55/15,” or “65/20” rule, which consider your age and the number of years you’ve been a resident.
Approval and Providing Evidence
After the English and Civics test, the immigration officer will thoroughly review your N-400 application, confirming that all information is correct. If you meet the criteria and pass the tests, the officer will inform you of your approval. At this point, you may also need to provide additional evidence, depending on your specific case. This evidence could include documents related to your residency and, if applicable, relationship evidence.
Oath Ceremony
Finally, you’ll either attend the oath ceremony on the same day or receive a notice by regular mail. The oath ceremony is a momentous occasion where you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen officially.
Explore Our Resources
For more valuable information and resources on navigating your immigration journey, be sure to check out our free Resource Center at immigrationforcouples.com. We offer a wealth of resources designed to assist individuals and couples on their path to becoming U.S. citizens.