Citizenship Interview Questions - What They Ask

You have held your Green Card for years. You have paid your taxes, obeyed the law, and built a life in the United States. Now, you have finally applied for naturalization. The only thing standing between you and your U.S. passport is the interview.

For many applicants, the citizenship interview is the most nerve-wracking part of the process. The fear of the unknown—specifically, what exactly they will ask—can be overwhelming.

The good news is that the interview is predictable. It follows a specific format, and if you prepare correctly, you have a very high chance of passing. This guide covers the specific citizenship interview questions you will face, including the review of your application, the English test, and the civics exam.

What Happens at the Citizenship Interview?

When you arrive at the USCIS field office, you will go through security and wait in a lobby. Eventually, a USCIS officer will call your name and lead you to a private office.

Before you sit down, the officer will ask you to remain standing and raise your right hand. You will be sworn in. This means you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

This moment is critical. From this point forward, everything you say is under oath. Lying to a federal officer is a serious crime and can result in your application being denied and potentially losing your Green Card.

The interview typically follows this flow:

1. Small Talk: The officer checks your ability to speak basic English.
2. The N-400 Review: Going through your application form line-by-line.
3. The English Test: Reading and writing a sentence.
4. The Civics Test: Answering history and government questions.
5. Results: The officer tells you if you passed.

Part 1: The N-400 Application Review

Most people spend months studying history facts but forget to study their own application. The majority of the interview time is actually spent reviewing your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

The officer has your file. They want to confirm three things:

1. The information is still correct.
2. You understand what you wrote.
3. You are eligible for citizenship.

Personal Information Questions

The officer will start with the basics to verify your identity.

• “What is your current legal name?”
• “Have you used any other names in the past?”
• “Do you want to legally change your name today?”
• “What is your current address?”
• “How long have you lived at this address?”
• “Where do you work?”

Travel History Questions

You must meet “continuous residence” and “physical presence” requirements. The officer will look at your time outside the U.S. over the last 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).

Expect questions like:

• “How many trips of 24 hours or longer have you taken outside the U.S.?”
• “When was your last trip abroad?”
• “How long was that trip?”
• “Where did you go?”
• “Did you stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months at any time?”

Marital History and Children

If you are applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen (the 3-year rule), this section will be very detailed. If you are applying based on the 5-year rule, it will be faster, but still thorough.

• “What is your current marital status?”
• “How many times have you been married?”
• “Do you have any children?”
• “What are your children’s names and where were they born?”
• “Do you pay child support?” (If you are required to pay, you must bring proof that you are current on payments).

The “Have You Ever” Questions (Moral Character)

This is the most sensitive part of the interview. Part 12 of the N-400 form contains a long list of questions asking about crimes, affiliations, and behavior. These are often called “Good Moral Character” questions.

The officer will ask you these questions again to see if your answers match. They usually ask:

• “Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen?”
• “Have you ever voted in any Federal, state, or local election in the United States?”
• “Have you ever failed to file your taxes?”
• “Have you ever been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer?”
• “Have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?”

Vocabulary Checks: Sometimes, officers want to make sure you understand the complex words in these questions. They might ask:

• “What does ‘bear arms’ mean?”
• “What does ‘oath of allegiance’ mean?”
• “What does ‘communist’ mean?”

You do not need a dictionary definition. A simple explanation in your own words is enough. For example, “Bear arms means to carry a weapon to protect the country.”

Part 2: The English Test

Unless you qualify for an age exemption (such as being over 50 with 20 years of residency), you must demonstrate you can read, write, and speak basic English.

Speaking Test

There is no separate “speaking” section. The officer is grading your speaking ability throughout the entire interview. If you can answer the N-400 questions and follow instructions (like “please remain standing” or “sign here”), you will pass the speaking portion.

Reading Test

The officer will show you a tablet or a piece of paper with a sentence on it. You must read it out loud. You get three chances. You only need to read one sentence correctly.

Sample sentences:

• “Who was George Washington?”
• “When is Columbus Day?”
• “The White House is in Washington, D.C.”

Writing Test

The officer will say a sentence out loud and ask you to write it on the tablet or paper. Again, you get three chances and only need to write one sentence correctly.

Sample sentences:

• “Washington is the Father of Our Country.”
• “The people elect Congress.”
• “Lincoln was the President during the Civil War.”

Do not worry about perfect handwriting. As long as the officer can read it and the spelling is understandable, you will pass.

Part 3: The Civics Test

This is the famous “100 questions” test. The questions cover American history, the Constitution, and how the government works.

How it Works

• There is a pool of 100 possible questions.
• The officer will ask you up to 10 questions.
• You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass.
• Once you get 6 right, the officer stops asking.
• The questions are oral (spoken), not multiple choice. You must say the answer out loud.

Sample Questions

Here are a few examples of what you might be asked. Remember, some answers change (like the name of the President or Speaker of the House), so make sure you study the current answers.

American Government:

• Q: What is the supreme law of the land?
  • A: The Constitution.
• Q: What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
  • A: The Bill of Rights.
• Q: Who is in charge of the executive branch?
  • A: The President.

American History:

• Q: What did the Declaration of Independence do?
  • A: Announced our independence (from Great Britain).
• Q: Who was the first President?
  • A: George Washington.

Integrated Civics:

• Q: Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
  • A: Missouri (or Mississippi).
• Q: Why does the flag have 50 stars?
  • A: Because there is one star for each state.

You can find the official list of all 100 questions on the USCIS website.

Part 4: The Oath of Allegiance Questions

At the very end of the interview, if everything has gone well, the officer will ask questions regarding your attachment to the Constitution. These are found in Part 12, Items 45-50 of the N-400.

You generally must answer “YES” to these questions to become a citizen:

• “Do you support the Constitution and form of government of the United States?”
• “Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?”
• “Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?”
• “If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?”
• “If the law requires it, are you willing to perform noncombatant services in the U.S. Armed Forces?”
• “If the law requires it, are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?”

If you answer “No” to the bearing arms questions due to religious beliefs, you may need to provide a letter from your church or religious organization explaining your objection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The interview is not just a test of knowledge; it is a test of eligibility. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Guessing: If you don’t hear a question, ask the officer to repeat it. If you don’t know the answer, admit it. Guessing can make it look like you are lying.
2. Over-sharing: Answer the question asked, and then stop. You do not need to tell long stories unless the officer asks for more detail.
3. Inconsistent Answers: If you wrote on your form that you have been married once, but tell the officer you have been married twice, this creates a problem. Review your N-400 copy before the interview.
4. Arguing: Be polite and professional, even if the officer seems stern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I fail the English or civics test?

If you fail any portion of the test at your first interview, you will not be denied immediately. USCIS will schedule a second interview for you, usually within 60 to 90 days. At the second interview, you only have to retake the part you failed. If you fail the second time, your application will be denied.

Can I bring an interpreter?

Generally, no. You must speak English to become a citizen. However, if you qualify for an exemption based on age and time as a resident (50/20 or 55/15 exceptions), or if you have a medical disability that prevents you from learning English (Form N-648), you may be able to bring an interpreter.

How much does the application cost?

The current filing fee for the N-400 is $760 (if filed online). This fee includes the biometric services. You must pay this when you submit your application, not at the interview.

Do I need a lawyer for the interview?

Most people attend the interview alone. However, you have the right to have an attorney present. You should consider hiring a lawyer if you have a criminal record, have spent long periods outside the U.S., or have ever been in deportation proceedings. For standard cases without legal complications, a document preparation service like Greenbroad is often sufficient to get your application filed correctly.

What happens after I pass?

If you pass the interview and your application is approved, you will receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance. You are not officially a U.S. citizen until you raise your hand at the Oath ceremony and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. In some field offices, they may offer a same-day oath ceremony.

Conclusion

The citizenship interview questions are designed to ensure you are ready to become a participating member of U.S. society. While it feels intimidating, thousands of people pass this interview every week.

Success comes down to preparation. Study the 100 civics questions, practice reading and writing simple English sentences, and most importantly, review your own N-400 application so you can answer questions about your history confidently.

If you are ready to start your journey to citizenship but dread the paperwork, we can help.

Disclaimer: Greenbroad is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a document preparation service. If you have complex legal issues, such as a criminal history or previous immigration violations, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.