Preparing for the N-400 Naturalization Interview

The N-400 interview is the final major step before you take the Oath of Allegiance. A USCIS officer will review your application, test your English, and administer the 2025 civics test. Here's exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

1. What happens at the interview

The interview usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The officer will place you under oath, verify your identity, and go through your Form N-400 line by line. They confirm your answers are still accurate — addresses, employment, travel outside the U.S., marital history, children, and any changes since you filed.

2. Personal history and eligibility questions

Expect the officer to ask about:

• Your full legal name, date of birth, and A-number
• Where you have lived and worked in the last 5 years
• All trips outside the United States since becoming a permanent resident
• Your current and past marriages, and your spouse's immigration status
• Your children — names, dates of birth, and where they live
• Selective Service registration (males who lived in the U.S. between ages 18–26)
• Tax filing history and any overdue taxes
• Any arrests, citations, or immigration violations — even if dismissed
• Membership in any organizations, including political parties
• Good moral character questions and the Oath of Allegiance commitments

3. The English test

The English test has three parts: speaking (evaluated throughout the interview), reading (read one of three sentences correctly), and writing (write one of three sentences correctly). Vocabulary comes from the official USCIS reading and writing word lists — civics and everyday topics.

4. The 2025 civics test

Under the 2025 test, the officer asks up to 20 questions from the official pool of 128. You need 12 correct out of 20 to pass. Practice all 128 questions, because there is no way to know which ones you will get.

5. Documents to bring

• Interview appointment notice
• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) and any prior/expired ones
• State-issued photo ID or driver's license
• All valid and expired passports and travel documents
• Original certificates for any name changes (marriage, divorce, court order)
• Tax transcripts for the last 5 years (or 3 years if applying under marriage)
• Evidence of your marriage if applying under the 3-year rule
• Selective Service registration information, if applicable

6. How to prepare in the final weeks

7. Common mistakes to avoid

• Guessing when you don't understand — ask the officer to repeat or rephrase.
• Forgetting arrests or citations from years ago — always disclose.
• Bringing only photocopies — originals are required for identity documents.
• Memorizing without understanding — the officer may reword civics questions.