What Happens During a Naturalization Interview?

 Posted on November 26, 2024 in naturalization & citizenship

Residents of the United States who want to become U.S. citizens must attend a naturalization interview. This interview is a key step in the citizenship process and applicants must pass it before taking the Oath of Allegiance. The session is designed to confirm an applicant’s identity, evaluate his or her level of fluency with the English language, and test his or her knowledge of U.S. history and government. Failure to pass the interview can block an applicant from attaining citizenship, which is why it is best to prepare by consulting a Texas immigration attorney who is familiar with the process.

What Happens in a Naturalization Interview?

The naturalization interview is administered by an officer from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will be asked to bring proof of identification, including your green card, and take an Oath of Truthfulness in which you promise to tell the truth.

There are three parts to the interview:

• Review and questions: The USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions to verify certain information like your personal history, immigration history, education and employment background, and your moral character.

• Civics test: You will take a test designed to assess your knowledge of the U.S. government and history. The exam will have 100 possible questions, but you only need to answer 10 of them. You must answer at least six questions correctly to pass the test.

• English test: You will be tested on your fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English. The USCIS officer will asses your speaking ability when you answer his or her questions. You will be asked to read one of three sentences correctly and write one of three dictated sentences correctly.

The USCIS will decide based on the interview results whether to approve or deny your citizenship application and will notify you once that decision is made. If more information is needed, you will be notified of that as well.

What Will the USCIS Officer Ask in the Naturalization Interview?

In the interview, the USCIS officer will review your application and ask you certain questions. For example:

• Application and background: The officer might ask you to verify information like your name, age, address, residential history, marital status, educational background, and employment history.

• Immigration history: The officer might ask you when you entered the United States, when you obtained your green card, if you have left the U.S. since becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR), and other questions.

• Moral character: The officer will want to determine whether you have good moral character. He or she might ask you questions about your legal and financial history, such as whether you have ever been charged with a crime, whether you owe child support, whether you owe taxes, or if you are affiliated with any groups that oppose the U.S. government.

Contact a Dallas, TX Immigration Attorney

Attending a naturalization issue might seem daunting, but you can arrive prepared and confident by consulting a Plano, TX immigration lawyer. At the Law Office of Jae Lee, we take a personalized approach to helping our clients navigate the citizenship process successfully. Let us prepare you for the naturalization interview and guide you through the steps. Call 214-295-3014 now to schedule a free consultation today.