Citizenship interview question samples to help you prepare
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers typically draw naturalization interview questions directly from your responses on your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). In some cases, they may also ask questions related to the contents of your “A-File.” The rest of the questions are those you studied for the citizenship exam.
This guide is intended to familiarize you with the questions that are typically asked by a USCIS Officer during the citizenship interview. It is not a comprehensive list of every possible interview question. Not sure how to start the citizenship process? Start by checking your eligibility.
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Below are some examples of questions USCIS may ask during your naturalization interview. USCIS may not ask all of the questions that follow, and they may ask additional questions not found below. Before your interview, you should review your citizenship application. Many of the questions you’ll receive are similar to those on your application.
The Alien File (A-File) is a collection of your official immigration records. All U.S. green card holders have an A-File. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses the A-File to track your immigration history. USCIS uses your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) to identify your A-File. You may find your A-Number on your permanent resident card.
You may also receive questions that you studied for the U.S. citizenship test or naturalization test. The U.S. citizenship test includes civics test questions like, “Who was the first president of the United States?” and a basic English test (with both a reading test and a writing test). You can find sample questions and answers to the citizenship test in our learning center.
Separate from the civics questions and English language test you have to take, the USCIS officer will ask you other questions at your citizenship interview. Many of these questions will come up from the information on your A-File, and others will be follow-ups from the information you provide. This article explains what your A-File is, and also provides a sample list of common questions you can expect at your interview.
Exemptions & Accommodations for U.S. Citizenship Test
There are exemptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to certain individuals who qualify.
When preparing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, you have the opportunity to select certain exemptions. You are exempt from the English language requirement if you are:
Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exemptions listed above, you must still take the civics portion of the U.S. citizenship test. If you qualify for the exemptions listed above, you will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language. To use an interpreter during the civics test, you will also need to:
If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will also be given a simplified version of the civics test. You qualify to take the civics test in the language of your choice. USCIS will only require you to study 20 of the 100 civics test questions for the naturalization test. See the Civics Questions for the 65/20 Exemption.