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Over 7.5 million people became naturalized U.S. citizens over the past 10 years. Yet there are millions more eligible permanent residents (green card holders) that don’t take the next step because they’re worried about the citizenship test and interview.
You can do it. In fact, many resources are available to help you prepare for the U.S. citizenship interview and test. When you know what to expect and do some preparation, you can become a U.S. citizen. The interview and test happen near the end of the naturalization time line.
What Happens at Citizenship Interview
At your interview, a USCIS officer will ask to see your identification, place you under oath, and ask you about:
- Your background
- Evidence supporting your case
- Your place and length of residence
- Your character
- Your attachment to the Constitution and
- Your willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance
Review your N-400 application carefully before attending the appointment. The USCIS officer will use the application to test your English and to confirm that the information you have given is correct. If there are any differences between answers on application and your supporting documents, be prepared to explain the reason. Likewise, you should be prepared to offer any additional information. For example, you’ll need to provide details of your time outside the United States if you took a recent trip abroad. Your ability to understand the questions and answers in English is part of the interview.
In most cases these changes to your application are insignificant. A new job, a new address, or even a new child generally will not affect your eligibility to naturalize. Some changes may affect your eligibility:
- If you have traveled abroad for a period of greater than six months.
- If you have been arrested for certain crimes or otherwise interfered with the good moral character requirement.
- If you have recently divorced the U.S. citizen who sponsored you for a green card and your eligiibility is based on three years of marriage to that person.
In these situations, we highly recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer before attending the naturalization interview.
How to Prepare for the Citizenship Test – English
Remember, your ability to understand and speak English will be evaluated from the moment the USCIS officer meets you. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask the officer to rephrase it.
During your interview, a USCIS officer will also test your ability to read, write, and speak English (unless you are exempt from the English requirements). Your English skills will be tested in the following ways:
- Reading. To test your ability to read in English, you must read one sentence, out of three sentences, in a manner suggesting to the USCIS officer that you understand the meaning of the sentence.
- Writing. To test your ability to write in English, you must write one sentence, out of three sentences, in a manner that would be understandable as written to the USCIS officer.
- Speaking. Your ability to speak English is determined by your answers to questions normally asked by USCIS officers during the naturalization eligibility interview on Form N-400.
Several FREE study tools are available from USCIS to help you prepare for the English test.
Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English reading portion of the test.
Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English writing portion of the test.
Official list of vocabulary for the English reading portion of the citizenship test.
This listening activity has commands that you may hear during the citizenship interview. Download the self-study flash cards to practice on your own.
This reading activity has words and phrases that you may read on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, or hear during the citizenship interview.
This reading and listening activity has words and phrases that you may read on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, or hear during the citizenship interview.
How to Prepare for the Citizenship Test – History/Civics
You will also be given a civics test in English (to test your knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government) unless you are exempt. Even if exempt from the English test, you will need to take the civics test in the language of your choice or qualify for a waiver.
There are 100 civics questions on the U.S. citizenship test. During your test, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions in English. You must answer correctly six of the 10 questions to pass the civics test in English. Several FREE study tools are available from USCIS to help you prepare for the history/civics portion of the test.
Official list of civics questions and answers
for the test.
Official list of civics questions and answers
for the test.
Online videos and activities highlight museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution to help you prepare for the civics portion of the citizenship test.
Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government with these 4 different self-tests. This is 1 of 4 practice tests available for you to try.
Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government with these 4 different self-tests. This is 1 of 4 practice tests available for you to try.
Easy-to-use downloadable flash cards containing each of the 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers on the citizenship test.
Easy-to-use downloadable flash cards containing each of the 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers on the citizenship test.
Short video providing an overview of the naturalization process and test.
An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics
Video highlighting U.S. history, civics, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Quick Civics Lessons
Study booklet containing short lessons based on each of the 100 civics questions and answers on the test.
Exemptions & Accommodations for U.S. Citizenship Test
There are exemptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to certain individuals who qualify.
English Language Exemptions
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:
- Age 50 or older at the time of filing Form N-400 and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years or more. This is also known as the “50/20” exception; or
- Age 55 or older at the time of filing Form N-400 and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years or more. This is also known as the “55/15” exception.
Civics Test Accommodations
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 quality 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:
- Bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
- Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
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.
Exemptions for Individuals with Disabilities and/or Impairments
If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the English language and/or civics requirements for naturalization, you may qualify for an exemption to certain parts of the naturalization test. You must submit an original Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, at the time of filing Form N-400. The Form N-648 must have been prepared by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist less than six months prior to filing Form N-400.
After you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, begin keeping a file that includes a copy of the application, all of the supporting documentation that was submitted with your application, and any letters you receive from USCIS. This will make it easier to find and review the information before your interview.
Download the PDF below for a list of items typically required at the citizenship interview, but read your appointment notice for any additional documents that you might need.
Return to Citizenship Resource Center
Citizenship for 5-Year Permanent Resident | Citizenship for 3-Year Married Permanent Resident | Citizenship for U.S. Armed Forces
Ways to Become a U.S. Citizen | What Happens After Filing N-400 | How to Prepare for US Citizenship Test & Interview