The Complete Citizenship Interview (with questions and answers)

 The Citizenship Interview (with questions and answers)

Once you file your N-400 you will wait about 4-6 weeks until you receive a receipt notice from USCIS.  The receipt notice will let you know that USCIS has received your application and that they will be working on your case.

The next time you hear from USCIS should be concerning your biometrics.  Biometrics is a fancy word meaning fingerprinting.  USCIS will fingerprint you and take digital photos and use your fingerprints in order to do a security background check on you.

Roughly one month before your interview, USCIS will inform you, via mail, of the date place and time of your interview.  They will also let you know which documents they wish for you to bring.  Make sure you bring these documents.   In addition, bring your interview notice, all passports in your possession and green card.

On the day of your interview you should arrive at least 40 minutes early.  You must have government issued identification to enter the building.

You should go through your naturalization application line by line prior to going to the interview.  If something is not accurate for some reason you should talk to an immigration attorney prior to the interview.  You should be very familiar with the naturalization application.

You will enter the interviewer’s office.  You will be asked for your identification and asked to remain standing.  The interviewer will administer an oath to tell the truth.

The interviewer will go over your N-400 application and the documents you submitted in order to ensure that everything is accurate.  If there are any changes to your application now would be the time to let the officer know.  If you have recently divorced the person who sponsored you for a green card or you were arrested or done anything else that would change the answers on your application please talk to an experienced Immigration Attorney prior to going to the interview.

The interviewer will likely go over your complete immigration history and any criminal history in the U.S.

She will then test your ability to understand and write English.  The officer will be paying attention to whether you understand her questions and instructions.  The officer will likely have you write a basic sentence in English.  An example would be:  I enjoy drinking coffee.  Make sure you can speak, understand and write in basic English prior to the interview.  Practice with friends and family (who speak English well) prior to the interview.

You will then be tested on your knowledge of U.S. Civics.  You will be given the questions to study when you have your biometrics done.  Make sure you study.  The questions you should study are below (from the USCIS website).

 The officer will orally ask you up to 10 questions concerning basic U.S. Civics.  Once you get 6 correct the test will end.  Once the question is said to you, take a breath (a pause) to make sure that you understand the question and then give your answer.  You are not timed on your answers so there is no rush to answer.  Make sure you understand the question, pause, then answer.  If you do not understand a given question then ask the officer to repeat it.

If all goes well you may receive your decision on the same day.  You should also be told the date of the swearing in ceremony.

You may wish to read one of our most popular blog articles: 10 things USCIS checks at your citizenship interview.

Feel Free to Call our office if you would like to talk to an experienced Immigration Attorney prior to filing anything with USCIS.  888-801-6558 or 916-760-7270.  You may also email us your questions  at attorneygruner@gmail.com

There is no charge to email us your question(s). Our office can help you by preparing your citizenship documents, consulting with you about the process, or handling your case in full (including the interview).  Simply contact us and we would be happy to review options with you.

No attorney-client relationship has been formed with our office at this point.  Here are the questions you should review.

Our Office handles U.S. Citizenship cases nationwide.  Click here to see if we can help you.

Questions

 

  1. What is the supreme law of the land? Question 1 Audio (MP3, 157 KB)
  • the Constitution
  1. What does the Constitution do? Question 2 Audio (MP3, 244 KB)
  • sets up the government
  • defines the government
  • protects basic rights of Americans
  1. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? Question 3 Audio (MP3, 237 KB)
  • We the People
  1. What is an amendment? Question 4 Audio (MP3, 236 KB)
  • a change (to the Constitution)
  • an addition (to the Constitution)
  1. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? Question 5 Audio (MP3, 182 KB)
  • the Bill of Rights
  1. What is oneright or freedom from the First Amendment?* Question 6 Audio (MP3, 313 KB)
  • speech
  • religion
  • assembly
  • press
  • petition the government
  1. How many amendments does the Constitution have? Question 7 Audio (MP3, 147 KB)
  • twenty-seven (27)
  1. What did the Declaration of Independence do? Question 8 Audio (MP3, 363 KB)
  • announced our independence (from Great Britain)
  • declared our independence (from Great Britain)
  • said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
  1. What are tworights in the Declaration of Independence? Question 9 Audio (MP3, 231 KB)
  • life
  • liberty
  • pursuit of happiness
  1. What is freedom of religion? Question 10 Audio (MP3, 175 KB)
  • You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
  1. What is the economic system in the United States?* Question 11 Audio (MP3, 214 KB)
  • capitalist economy
  • market economy
  1. What is the “rule of law”? Question 12 Audio (MP3, 330 KB)
  • Everyone must follow the law.
  • Leaders must obey the law.
  • Government must obey the law.
  • No one is above the law.

B: System of Government

  1. Name onebranch or part of the government.* Question 13 Audio (MP3, 357 KB)
  • Congress
  • legislative
  • President
  • executive
  • the courts
  • judicial
  1. What stops onebranch of government from becoming too powerful? Question 14 Audio (MP3, 238 KB)
  • checks and balances
  • separation of powers
  1. Who is in charge of the executive branch? Question 15 Audio (MP3, 157 KB)
  • the President
  1. Who makes federal laws? Question 16 Audio (MP3, 283 KB)
  • Congress
  • Senate and House (of Representatives)
  • (U.S. or national) legislature
  1. What are the twoparts of the U.S. Congress?* Question 17 Audio (MP3, 188 KB)
  • the Senate and House (of Representatives)
  1. How many U.S. Senators are there? Question 18 Audio (MP3, 150 KB)
  • one hundred (100)
  1. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? Question 19 Audio (MP3, 162 KB)
  • six (6)
  1. Who is oneof your state’s U.S. Senators now?* Question 20 Audio (MP3, 360 KB)
  • Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. Senators.]
  1. The House of Representatives has how many voting members? Question 21 Audio (MP3, 181 KB)
  • four hundred thirty-five (435)
  1. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years? Question 22 Audio (MP3, 165 KB)
  • two (2)
  1. Name your U.S. Representative. Question 23 Audio (MP3, 423 KB)
  • Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]
  1. Who does a U.S. Senator represent? Question 24 Audio (MP3, 157 KB)
  • all people of the state
  1. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states? Question 25 Audio (MP3, 324 KB)
  • (because of) the state’s population
  • (because) they have more people
  • (because) some states have more people
  1. We elect a President for how many years? Question 26 Audio (MP3, 152 KB)
  • four (4)
  1. In what month do we vote for President?* Question 27 Audio (MP3, 157 KB)
  • November
  1. What is the name of the President of the United States now?* Question 28 Audio (MP3, 372 KB)
  • Donald J. Trump
  • Donald Trump
  • Trump
  1. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? Question 29 Audio (MP3, 374 KB)
  • Michael R. Pence
  • Mike Pence
  • Pence
  1. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? Question 30 Audio (MP3, 204 KB)
  • the Vice President
  1. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? Question 31 Audio (MP3, 233 KB)
  • the Speaker of the House
  1. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? Question 32 Audio (MP3, 157 KB)
  • the President
  1. Who signs bills to become laws? Question 33 Audio (MP3, 159 KB)
  • the President
  1. Who vetoes bills? Question 34 Audio (MP3, 141 KB)
  • the President
  1. What does the President’s Cabinet do? Question 35 Audio (MP3, 164 KB)
  • advises the President
  1. What are twoCabinet-level positions? Question 36 Audio (MP3, 1.02 MB)
  • Secretary of Agriculture
  • Secretary of Commerce
  • Secretary of Defense
  • Secretary of Education
  • Secretary of Energy
  • Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • Secretary of Homeland Security
  • Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
  • Secretary of the Interior
  • Secretary of Labor
  • Secretary of State
  • Secretary of Transportation
  • Secretary of the Treasury
  • Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  • Attorney General
  • Vice President
  1. What does the judicial branch do? Question 37 Audio (MP3, 349 KB)
  • reviews laws
  • explains laws
  • resolves disputes (disagreements)
  • decides if a law goes against the Constitution
  1. What is the highest court in the United States? Question 38 Audio (MP3, 159 KB)
  • the Supreme Court
  1. How many justices are on the Supreme Court? Question 39 Audio (MP3, 142 KB)
  • nine (9)
  1. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now? Question 40 Audio (MP3, 232 KB)
  • John Roberts (John G. Roberts, Jr.)
  1. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is onepower of the federal government? Question 41 Audio (MP3, 409 KB)
  • to print money
  • to declare war
  • to create an army
  • to make treaties
  1. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is onepower of the states? Question 42 Audio (MP3, 485 KB)
  • provide schooling and education
  • provide protection (police)
  • provide safety (fire departments)
  • give a driver’s license
  • approve zoning and land use
  1. Who is the Governor of your state now? Question 43 Audio (MP3, 240 KB)
  • Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]
  1. What is the capital of your state?* Question 44 Audio (MP3, 375 KB)
  • Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]
  1. What are the twomajor political parties in the United States?* Question 45 Audio (MP3, 190 KB)
  • Democratic and Republican
  1. What is the political party of the President now? Question 46 Audio (MP3, 229 KB)
  • Republican (Party)
  1. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? Question 47 Audio (MP3, 456 KB)
  • Paul D. Ryan
  • (Paul) Ryan

C: Rights and Responsibilities

  1. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe oneof them. Question 48 Audio (MP3, 468 KB)
  • Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
  • You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
  • Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
  • A male citizen of any race (can vote).
  1. What is oneresponsibility that is only for United States citizens?* Question 49 Audio (MP3, 265 KB)
  • serve on a jury
  • vote in a federal election
  1. Name oneright only for United States citizens. Question 50 Audio (MP3, 242 KB)
  • vote in a federal election
  • run for federal office
  1. What are tworights of everyone living in the United States? Question 51 Audio (MP3, 427 KB)
  • freedom of expression
  • freedom of speech
  • freedom of assembly
  • freedom to petition the government
  • freedom of religion
  • the right to bear arms
  1. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? Question 52 Audio (MP3, 238 KB)
  • the United States
  • the flag
  1. What is onepromise you make when you become a United States citizen? Question 53 Audio (MP3, 579 KB)
  • give up loyalty to other countries
  • defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
  • obey the laws of the United States
  • serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
  • serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
  • be loyal to the United States
  1. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?* Question 54 Audio (MP3, 179 KB)
  • eighteen (18) and older
  1. What are twoways that Americans can participate in their democracy? Question 55 Audio (MP3, 681 KB)
  • vote
  • join a political party
  • help with a campaign
  • join a civic group
  • join a community group
  • give an elected official your opinion on an issue
  • call Senators and Representatives
  • publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
  • run for office
  • write to a newspaper
  1. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?* Question 56 Audio (MP3, 184 KB)
  • April 15
  1. When must all men register for the Selective Service? Question 57 Audio (MP3, 260 KB)
  • at age eighteen (18)
  • between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)

AMERICAN HISTORY

A: Colonial Period and Independence

  1. What is onereason colonists came to America? Question 58 Audio (MP3, 391 KB)
  • freedom
  • political liberty
  • religious freedom
  • economic opportunity
  • practice their religion
  • escape persecution
  1. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? Question 59 Audio (MP3, 193 KB)
  • American Indians
  • Native Americans
  1. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? Question 60 Audio (MP3, 220 KB)
  • Africans
  • people from Africa
  1. Why did the colonists fight the British? Question 61 Audio (MP3, 356 KB)
  • because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
  • because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
  • because they didn’t have self-government
  1. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Question 62 Audio (MP3, 150 KB)
  • (Thomas) Jefferson
  1. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? Question 63 Audio (MP3, 188 KB)
  • July 4, 1776
  1. There were 13 original states. Name threeQuestion 64 Audio (MP3, 659 KB)
  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Georgia
  1. What happened at the Constitutional Convention? Question 65 Audio (MP3, 244 KB)
  • The Constitution was written.
  • The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
  1. When was the Constitution written? Question 66 Audio (MP3, 158 KB)
  • 1787
  1. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name oneof the writers. Question 67 Audio (MP3, 358 KB)
  • (James) Madison
  • (Alexander) Hamilton
  • (John) Jay
  • Publius
  1. What is onething Benjamin Franklin is famous for? Question 68 Audio (MP3, 440 KB)
  • S. diplomat
  • oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
  • first Postmaster General of the United States
  • writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”
  • started the first free libraries
  1. Who is the “Father of Our Country”? Question 69 Audio (MP3, 139 KB)
  • (George) Washington
  1. Who was the first President?* Question 70 Audio (MP3, 141 KB)
  • (George) Washington

B: 1800s

  1. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? Question 71 Audio (MP3, 253 KB)
  • the Louisiana Territory
  • Louisiana
  1. Name onewar fought by the United States in the 1800s. Question 72 Audio (MP3, 361 KB)
  • War of 1812
  • Mexican-American War
  • Civil War
  • Spanish-American War
  1. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South. Question 73 Audio (MP3, 241 KB)
  • the Civil War
  • the War between the States
  1. Name oneproblem that led to the Civil War. Question 74 Audio (MP3, 273 KB)
  • slavery
  • economic reasons
  • states’ rights
  1. What was oneimportant thing that Abraham Lincoln did?* Question 75 Audio (MP3, 360 KB)
  • freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
  • saved (or preserved) the Union
  • led the United States during the Civil War
  1. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? Question 76 Audio (MP3, 387 KB)
  • freed the slaves
  • freed slaves in the Confederacy
  • freed slaves in the Confederate states
  • freed slaves in most Southern states
  1. What did Susan B. Anthony do? Question 77 Audio (MP3, 235 KB)
  • fought for women’s rights
  • fought for civil rights

C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information

  1. Name onewar fought by the United States in the 1900s.* Question 78 Audio (MP3, 383 KB)
  • World War I
  • World War II
  • Korean War
  • Vietnam War
  • (Persian) Gulf War
  1. Who was President during World War I? Question 79 Audio (MP3, 161 KB)
  • (Woodrow) Wilson
  1. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II? Question 80 Audio (MP3, 200 KB)
  • (Franklin) Roosevelt
  1. Who did the United States fight in World War II? Question 81 Audio (MP3, 204 KB)
  • Japan, Germany, and Italy
  1. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in? Question 82 Audio (MP3, 221 KB)
  • World War II
  1. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? Question 83 Audio (MP3, 203 KB)
  • Communism
  1. What movement tried to end racial discrimination? Question 84 Audio (MP3, 173 KB)
  • civil rights (movement)
  1. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?* Question 85 Audio (MP3, 241 KB)
  • fought for civil rights
  • worked for equality for all Americans
  1. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States? Question 86 Audio (MP3, 230 KB)
  • Terrorists attacked the United States.
  1. Name oneAmerican Indian tribe in the United States. Question 87 Audio (MP3, 1.13 MB)

[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

  • Cherokee
  • Navajo
  • Sioux
  • Chippewa
  • Choctaw
  • Pueblo
  • Apache
  • Iroquois
  • Creek
  • Blackfeet
  • Seminole
  • Cheyenne
  • Arawak
  • Shawnee
  • Mohegan
  • Huron
  • Oneida
  • Lakota
  • Crow
  • Teton
  • Hopi
  • Inuit

INTEGRATED CIVICS

A: Geography

  1. Name oneof the two longest rivers in the United States. Question 88 Audio (MP3, 230 KB)
  • Missouri (River)
  • Mississippi (River)

 

  1. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States? Question 89 Audio (MP3, 184 KB)
  • Pacific (Ocean)
  1. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States? Question 90 Audio (MP3, 182 KB)
  • Atlantic (Ocean)
  1. Name oneU.S. territory. Question 91 Audio (MP3, 349 KB)
  • Puerto Rico
  • S. Virgin Islands
  • American Samoa
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Guam
  1. Name onestate that borders Canada. Question 92 Audio (MP3, 624 KB)
  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • Vermont
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Ohio
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • North Dakota
  • Montana
  • Idaho
  • Washington
  • Alaska
  1. Name onestate that borders Mexico. Question 93 Audio (MP3, 288 KB)
  • California
  • Arizona
  • New Mexico
  • Texas
  1. What is the capital of the United States?* Question 94 Audio (MP3, 170 KB)
  • Washington, D.C.

 

  1. Where is the Statue of Liberty?* Question 95 Audio (MP3, 317 KB)
  • New York (Harbor)
  • Liberty Island

[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

 

 

B: Symbols

  1. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? Question 96 Audio (MP3, 282 KB)
  • because there were 13 original colonies
  • because the stripes represent the original colonies
  1. Why does the flag have 50 stars?* Question 97 Audio (MP3, 309 KB)
  • because there is one star for each state
  • because each star represents a state
  • because there are 50 states
  1. What is the name of the national anthem? Question 98 Audio (MP3, 170 KB)
  • The Star-Spangled Banner

C: Holidays

  1. When do we celebrate Independence Day?* Question 99 Audio (MP3, 220 KB)
  • July 4
  1. Name twonational U.S. holidays. Question 100 Audio (MP3, 927 KB)
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas

The above questions and answers are from the USCIS.gov website.

Lawrence Gruner is a fiance visa, marriage green card and U.S. Citizenship attorney.  He would be happy to consult with you, free of charge, about your immigration case.

If you received some value from this post please consider helping someone else.  Once charity our office supports is World Vision.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE

REQUEST YOUR FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION WITH AN ATTORNEY

    YOUR PRIVACY IS
    IMPORTANT US

    [recaptcha class:cct_recaptcha]

    • Do Immigration Attorneys Give Free Consultations?

      We receive this question fairly regularly. The answer is, like most things, it depends. Some Immigration Attorneys will provide a 20 or 30 minute consultation to go over your matter for free. The hope is that the attorney will establish a connection with the client, and, if the attorney is able to help, they can […]

    • Marriage Based Green Card for Spouse
    • Fiance Visa Processing Time 2020

      How long does the fiance visa process take in 2020? There are several factors that influence how long a given fiance visa case will take.  These include overall case filings, which country your fiance resides in, and whether the case has been prepared properly. For many years, for most people, the total time it would […]

    • Over 200K DACA Recipients on Covid-19 Front Lines in the U.S

      The Center For American Progress recently had an article titled: “A Demographic Profile of DACA Recipients on the Frontlines of the Coronavirus Response”. The article states that there are over 200,000 DACA recipients who are on the front line helping America in the battle against Covid-19. These workers include medical doctors, nurses, teachers, and workers […]

    • Fiance Visa Interview Most Important Question

      In 2019 fiance visa cases are taking about 10 months to complete. This is the time period needed to go through all 3 stages of the fiance visa process. We have had cases that have gone through all 3 stages in less than 10 months this year but those are outliers. At the end of […]

    • S. Lucas
      TEMPORARY VISA
      img

      Our experience was amazing. The process was smooth. Larry and Jason helped us every step of the way to get my husband’s temporary visa. When I started getting anxiety about how long it takes, what’s the next step or what if’s, I would call either of them and they had no problems giving me answers. Jason went with us to our meeting with immigration, and made us laugh the whole time. He really helped keep me calm as I suffer from anxiety very badly. A year later, I can still call Larry and ask questions about the next step. I’m very thankful I found these guys!!! Highly recommend them!

    • L. Alvarado Jr.
      IMMIGRATION LAW
      img

      I met the love of my life in China. When I was looking for an Immigration attorney to help me get the K1 Visa for my fiance, I was so glad that I found the Law Office Of Lawrence Gruner. Attorney’s Lawrence Gruner and Jason Marachi gave us excellent representation throughout the whole process and got us through the process very quickly and smoothly. It only took six month’s for my fiance to get her K1 Visa and move to the U.S. with me so we could get married and start our lives together. And in another six month’s later, my wife now has her Green Card. I highly recommend this Law Office for your Immigration Law needs.
      Thank you Mr. Gruner and Mr. Marachi!!

    • M. Obregon
      IMMIGRATION LAW
      img

      Lawrence and his legal team are stellar. They provided an affordable solution to our immigration related legal issues. My wife and I turned to Lawrence and his team from friends that also had a successful experience. Simply, we all agree that it was the right choice. Everything was completed as offered and his legal advice as a lawyer and a friend is always there. Thank You!

    SEE ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS

    TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE

    REQUEST YOUR FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION WITH AN ATTORNEY

      YOUR PRIVACY IS
      IMPORTANT US

      [recaptcha class:cct_recaptcha]