At the naturalization interview, the officer goes through your N-400 application and asks you about it in English. This checks your spoken English and confirms your answers are true. The questions are mostly about facts you already know.
Common questions
Expect questions like your full name, date of birth, and address. Where were you born. When did you become a permanent resident. Are you married. How did you get your green card. Have you traveled outside the United States, and for how long. Do you work. Have you ever been arrested. Answers can be short.
Answer honestly and simply
Say what is true, even if the answer feels awkward. If you traveled for a long time, say the real length. If you were once a member of a group the form asks about, say so and talk to an immigration attorney before you file. A wrong or hidden answer causes far more trouble than an honest one.
If you do not understand
You are allowed to ask the officer to repeat or slow down. Learn a few short phrases: “Can you repeat that, please?” and “Can you speak more slowly, please?” Using them is normal and does not count against you.
Trips outside the country
If a single trip was longer than six months, the officer may ask about your continuous residence. A trip of a year or more can affect eligibility. If either applies to you, get advice from an attorney before your interview.
Practice out loud
Have a family member ask you these questions in English while you answer from memory. Saying the answers out loud is the point, because the interview is a conversation, not a form to read.
You can practice the interview questions and save your own answers on your device, where they stay private.
Citizenship Answers is an independent study aid, not legal advice and not affiliated with USCIS. For anything about your record, speak with a licensed immigration attorney.