What are the three parts of the citizenship interview?

The citizenship interview has three main parts: a review of your N-400 application (the officer asks about your travel, employment, address history, and moral character), an English test (reading, writing, and speaking), and a civics test (questions about U.S. government and history from the official USCIS list).

What questions does the USCIS officer ask during the N-400 review?

The officer asks about the information on your N-400 application, including your travel history, employment history, address history, marital status, and moral character questions such as whether you have ever been arrested, owe taxes, or registered for Selective Service. You must answer truthfully under oath.

How many civics questions does USCIS ask at the interview?

On the 2008 civics test, the officer asks up to 10 questions and you need 6 correct to pass. On the 2025 civics test, the officer asks up to 20 questions and you need 12 correct to pass. Which test you take depends on when you filed your N-400.

What Does USCIS Ask During the Citizenship Interview?

Applicant answering questions during a USCIS citizenship interview

During the citizenship interview, a USCIS officer asks about your N-400 application, tests your English ability, and asks civics questions from the official USCIS question list. The interview has three main parts, and everything you say is under oath. Knowing what to expect helps you walk in prepared and confident.

Part 1: The N-400 Application Review

The officer goes through your Form N-400 and asks about the information you provided. Expect questions about:

Your full name, date of birth, and address history
Your travel outside the United States (dates, destinations, duration)
Your employment history
Your marital status and family information
Moral character questions (arrests, citations, taxes, Selective Service registration, involvement with any groups or organizations)

The officer may ask you to explain or clarify any answer. For example, if you listed a long trip abroad, the officer may ask why you traveled and how long you stayed. Answer honestly, because this entire portion is conducted under oath.

Part 2: The English Test

According to USCIS, the English test evaluates three skills:

Reading: You read one sentence aloud from a written prompt
Writing: You write one sentence that the officer dictates to you
Speaking: The officer evaluates your spoken English throughout the conversation

You do not need perfect English. USCIS is checking whether you can demonstrate a basic understanding of everyday words and phrases.

Part 3: The Civics Test

The officer asks you questions about U.S. government and history from the official USCIS study materials. On the 2008 test, the officer asks up to 10 questions and you need 6 correct to pass. On the 2025 test, the officer asks up to 20 questions and you need 12 correct. The officer stops asking once you reach the passing score.

All civics questions are asked and answered orally. You do not write your answers or choose from multiple options.

What About the Yes/No Questions?

A large section of the N-400 contains yes/no questions about your background, including whether you have ever committed a crime, claimed to be a U.S. citizen, failed to file taxes, or been deported. The officer reads these questions to you during the interview, and you answer each one. These questions also count toward the English speaking evaluation.

Can You Ask the Officer to Repeat a Question?

Yes. If you do not understand a question, you can politely ask the officer to repeat it or rephrase it. This is expected and will not count against you.

What Happens After the Questions?

After completing the N-400 review, English test, and civics test, the officer may tell you your result on the spot or inform you that your case requires additional review. In many cases, you will know whether you passed before leaving the office.

How to Prepare for What USCIS Asks

The best way to prepare is to review your N-400 so you can answer application questions without hesitation, and to practice civics questions out loud until the answers come naturally. Citizenry's mock interviews simulate the full USCIS interview experience, combining N-400 review questions, English practice, and civics questions so nothing catches you off guard on interview day.

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Brisbane is a researcher and engineer focused on helping applicants navigate the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process. She previously served as an adjunct assistant professor at the City University of New York, where she taught courses and conducted research related to immigration and public policy.

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