U.S. Citizenship Interview: Common Questions You May Be Asked

If you are planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, one of the requirements is the naturalization interview. In this part, a USCIS interviewer will test your knowledge about the United States using the information provided in your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). Such questions aid in the validation of the information you input, as well as the determination you meet the requirements for citizenship.

That is why this guide will be helpful to prepare and address some of the frequently asked questions when in the interview. Note that this does not encompass all possible questions that can be answered or all sorts of questions. The officer may also pose such questions referring to your history or for clarification on information that you provided in your application.

Common U.S. Citizenship Interview Questions

Below are categories and examples of questions you might be asked. You won’t be asked all of them, but many of these questions are similar to those on your citizenship application, so you may already be familiar with them. Even simple questions are important, as the officer will observe your responses as part of the speaking test.

Greeting the USCIS Officer

How are you today?
How are you feeling?
How’s everything going?
Taking the Oath
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Do you understand what an “oath” means?

Basic Personal Information

What is your full name?
Have you used any other names?
Do you wish to change your name legally?
When is your birthday?
Where were you born?
What is your race?
Are you Hispanic or Latino?

Physical Attributes

How tall are you?
What color are your eyes?
What color is your hair?

Family Information

What is your mother’s name?
What is your father’s name?
Are either of your parents U.S. citizens?
When did they become U.S. citizens?
Were your parents married before you turned 18?
How many children do you have?
What are their names?
Where were your children born?
Where do your children currently live?
Are your children biological, stepchildren, or adopted?
What are your children’s birthdays?

Relationship History

Are you currently married, single, divorced, or widowed?
What is your spouse’s name?
When and where did you get married?
Is your spouse a U.S. citizen?
What is your spouse’s nationality?
When is your spouse’s birthday?
Is your spouse in the military?
What is your spouse’s job?
Where does your spouse work?
How many times have you been married?
When did your previous marriage end?
How many times has your spouse been married?
How did your spouse’s previous marriage end?

Military Service (if applicable)

Have you ever served in the U.S. military?
Have you ever left the U.S. to avoid being drafted?
Have you applied for an exemption from military service?
Have you ever deserted the military?
If you were a male between 18-26 and lived in the U.S. or had a green card, did you register for Selective Service? If so, when?

Immigration Status

Are you a citizen of [your home country]?
When did you get your green card (permanent resident status)?
How long have you had your green card?

Trips Abroad

How many times have you left the U.S. since receiving your green card?
Did any of your trips last longer than six months?
What were the reasons for your trips?
When was your last trip abroad?
Which countries did you visit?
When did you return to the U.S.?

Residential History

Where do you live now?
How long have you lived there?
Where else have you lived in the past five (or three) years?
When did you live there?
Employment and Education
Where do you currently work?
What is your current job?
Where else have you worked in the past five (or three) years?
Where did you go to school last?
What was the name of your school?
When did you attend that school?

Tax Obligations

Have you ever failed to file an income tax return since becoming a green card holder?

Have you ever claimed to be a “non-resident” on a tax return?

Do you owe taxes to the federal government or state/local authorities?

Personal Ethics

Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen?
Have you ever voted or registered to vote in a U.S. election?
Have you ever discriminated against anyone based on their race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic?
Do you support the U.S. Constitution and government?
Are you willing to obey U.S. laws?
Do you understand and agree to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.?
If needed, would you be willing to defend the U.S. in a war?
Would you be willing to perform non-combatant services for the U.S. military or work for national importance in a civilian capacity?

Questions About Affiliations or Memberships

Have you ever been a member of any noble title outside the U.S.?
Have you ever been part of any group or organization? If yes, what was its name, and purpose, and when were you involved?
Have you ever been associated with the Communist Party, Nazi Party, or any terrorist group?

Legal Issues

These questions often relate to any criminal history, arrests, or involvement in illegal activities, and include:

Arrests, citations, or convictions
Membership in certain groups or activities
Immigration violations like illegal entry or overstaying a visa
All legal questions are covered in Part 12: Additional Information About You of Form N-400. Answering “yes” to any legal issues requires you to meet the “good moral character” requirement for citizenship.

Preparing for the Interview

If you have concerns about any of the questions related to legal issues or memberships in organizations, it’s crucial to seek legal advice before applying for naturalization. Immigration lawyers can help ensure you meet all requirements and avoid delays in the process. You can find an immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) or nonprofit organizations accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Getting ready for the citizenship interview may feel overwhelming, but by reviewing these questions and understanding what to expect, you’ll be well-prepared for the process.