Knowing the order of the day makes the interview easier. Here is what usually happens, from arrival to the decision.
Before you go
Bring your appointment notice, your green card, and any documents USCIS asked for in your notice. Arrive early. Dress the way you would for an important appointment. Turn your phone off in the waiting room.
Check-in and the oath to tell the truth
An officer calls your name and takes you to an office. Before the questions begin, you promise to tell the truth. The officer then reviews your N-400 with you. This part is a conversation in English, and it doubles as the check of your spoken English.
The four tests
During the interview the officer gives the civics test, the reading test, and the writing test. Civics: up to 20 spoken questions, 12 correct to pass. Reading: read one sentence out loud, up to three tries. Writing: write one dictated sentence, up to three tries. Your spoken English is judged through the whole conversation.
The decision
At the end, the officer tells you whether you passed, whether the case is continued for more information, or whether it is denied. If you pass everything and your case is approved, you are scheduled for the oath ceremony, sometimes the same day.
The oath ceremony
You become a citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance at the ceremony. You return your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Keep that certificate safe, because it is your proof of citizenship.
Practice the interview questions and the civics test for free before your day.
Citizenship Answers is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with USCIS. Follow the instructions in your official appointment notice.