INA · USCIS
Immigration: USCIS interviews, green cards and immigration court
What happens at a USCIS interview or a green card interview, what to do when you get a Notice to Appear, and how immigration court hearings work, from the official sources.
Key points
- Who
- Permanent residents who applied for naturalization on Form N-400.
- What
- A USCIS officer places you under oath and asks about your application. The interview is also your English speaking test.
- Tests
- Unless you qualify for an exemption: an English test (reading, writing, speaking) and a civics test.
- Watch out
- You are not a US citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.
Guides in this area
- How toHow to prepare for your citizenship interview (N-400)What happens at the USCIS naturalization interview: the oath, questions about your N-400, the English and civics tests, what to bring and how to practise.
- How toImmigration court: your Notice to Appear and first hearingWhat a Notice to Appear means, how to find your hearing date, keep your address current and get free legal help before your first immigration court hearing.
- How toAsylum: who qualifies, Form I-589, the interview and the court pathWhat asylum is, who qualifies, the 1-year deadline, Form I-589 and its fees, the asylum interview and interpreters, work permits, and asylum vs refugee status.
- How toThe green card interview: what to expect and how to prepareWhat happens at the USCIS green card interview for Form I-485: the oath, questions on your application, marriage interviews, what to bring and what comes next.
Short answers, with the law behind them
What happens at a citizenship interview?
A USCIS officer places you under oath and asks about the information in your N-400 and your documents. The conversation is also your English speaking test. 8 C.F.R. § 335.2
What is on the civics test?
On the 2025 civics test, the officer asks up to 20 of the 128 official questions and you must answer 12 correctly. Which test you take depends on when you filed. USCIS: the naturalization interview and test
Can I bring a lawyer to the interview?
Yes. You have the right to be represented by an attorney or an accredited representative at the interview. 8 C.F.R. § 292.5(b)
What if something changed since I filed?
Answer truthfully and consistently with your application. If something changed since you filed, say so; do not guess. USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part B, Ch. 3
When do I become a citizen?
Only after you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Passing the interview is not enough on its own. 8 U.S.C. § 1448
Do I have to tell the immigration court when I move?
Yes. If you are in immigration court proceedings, you must report a new address to the court within 5 days on Form EOIR-33, or you may miss the notice of your next hearing. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.15(d)(2)
How do I apply for asylum?
File Form I-589 within 1 year of your last arrival in the United States, unless an exception applies. If you are not in removal proceedings, you file with USCIS and may be interviewed by an asylum officer; if you are in immigration court, you file with the court. See Applying for asylum. INA § 208(a)(2)(B) · USCIS: Form I-589
Where to complain, for free
Other areas of US law
Official sources
- USCIS: The naturalization interview and test uscis.gov
- USCIS Policy Manual: Naturalization examination uscis.gov
- USCIS: Naturalization ceremonies uscis.gov
- USCIS: Contact Center uscis.gov
This page explains the law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your situation. Justice is not a law firm and is not affiliated with any court or government agency.