Interview day checklist

Everything to bring and everything that happens at your naturalization interview, step by step. Tick items as you pack; the checklist is saved on this device.

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Bring these documents

• Your interview appointment notice
• Your Permanent Resident Card (green card, Form I-551)
• A state-issued ID, such as a driver's license
• All your passports and travel documents, valid and expired, that show your trips outside the United States
• Any other documents for your situation listed in Form M-477, Document Checklist, such as marriage, name change, tax or court papers
• Anything your interview notice asks you to bring

The day before

• Check the names of the current officials at USCIS test updates and your state's answers
• Do one last mock interview
• Review the N-400 interview words so you understand the officer's yes or no questions
• Practice one reading and writing round
• Plan your trip and parking so you can arrive early. The office has security screening

What happens in the interview

1. You check in, go through security and wait to be called.
2. The officer asks you to promise to tell the truth and checks your ID.
3. The officer goes over your Form N-400 with you and asks about your background. Your English speaking is judged during this talk.
4. Reading test: read one of up to three sentences out loud. One correct sentence passes.
5. Writing test: write one of up to three sentences the officer says. One correct sentence passes.
6. Civics test: the officer asks the questions out loud and you answer out loud. The test stops once you pass or can no longer pass.

After the interview

1. You get Form N-652 with your results. Your case is granted, continued (for example, if USCIS needs more documents or you need to retake a test) or denied.
2. If you fail any part of the English or civics test, you are tested again on that part, usually between 60 and 90 days after the first interview.
3. If you are approved, you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You are not a citizen until you take the oath.
4. At the ceremony you check in, hand over your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Can I use an interpreter?

1. If you are 50 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, or 55 or older with 15 years, you do not take the English test and may take the civics test in your language with your own interpreter.
2. If you are 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, you also study only the shorter 65/20 list of questions.
3. If a disability prevents you from learning English or civics, ask about Form N-648. Everyone else takes the interview in English.

If you cannot go

1. Follow the rescheduling instructions on your interview notice as soon as possible. Missing the interview without telling USCIS can delay or close your case.

This guide is a summary for study. Your interview notice and uscis.gov are the official instructions.

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