The citizenship interview (N-400): what to expect, step by step

Guide · 2026-06-09 · 6 min

The interview isn't a trap: the officer simply wants to confirm your application and check your basic English and civics. Knowing the order of what happens is the best way to arrive calm. Here it is, step by step.

Before you start

Arrive early and bring the essentials: your appointment notice, your Green Card, your photo ID, your passport and travel documents, and anything USCIS asked you to bring. The officer will place you under oath to tell the truth before beginning.

Step 1: Review of your N-400 form

The officer goes through your application answers with you: your history, your travel, your work, and the "good moral character" questions. Answer honestly and don't guess. This conversation is also where your spoken English is assessed, so take your time and ask them to repeat if you don't understand.

Step 2: The civics test

The officer asks up to 10 questions from the official bank, out loud. You need 6 correct. As soon as you get 6 right, they stop. You don't write the answers — you say them in English.

Step 3: The reading and writing test

  • Reading: you read 1 of up to 3 sentences out loud correctly.
  • Writing: you correctly write 1 of up to 3 sentences the officer dictates.

These are simple sentences with civics vocabulary. If you practiced reading and writing a little each day, this part feels easy.

Step 4: The decision

At the end, the officer gives you a form (N-652) with your result. It can be:

  • Granted: you passed; you'll be scheduled for the oath ceremony.
  • Continued: something is missing (a document, or you need to retake part of the test). It is not a denial.
  • Denied: uncommon if your application is in order and you studied.

💡 If you don't pass the test on the first try, USCIS usually gives you a second chance within 60 to 90 days, on just the part you missed. Breathe — you have room.

How to manage nerves

  1. Practice the flow, not just the content. Get used to hearing the question and answering out loud.
  2. Sleep well the night before and arrive with time to spare so you're not rushing.
  3. If you don't understand something, it's fine to ask: "Could you repeat that, please?"
  4. Remember: the officer does this every day and wants you to succeed.

Lexi's voice-based mock interview is built for exactly this: so that by the time you arrive, you've lived the situation dozens of times and it feels familiar.