N-400 Interview Questions: What USCIS Officers Really Ask in 2026

Most people preparing for their citizenship interview focus entirely on memorizing civics questions. That's a mistake. The civics test is just one part of a much longer conversation with your USCIS officer.

During your N-400 interview, the officer will review your entire application line by line, ask about your travel history, verify your employment, probe your criminal background, and test your English skills. They'll also ask questions designed to check whether your written answers match what you say out loud.

If you filed your N-400 application on or after October 20, 2025, you're facing the new 2025 civics test, which is significantly harder than the old version. But even applicants who took the older test need to understand every other question type that comes up during the interview.

This guide covers all of it. You'll learn exactly what questions officers ask, why they ask them, and how to prepare for each part of the interview.

The 2025 Civics Test: What Changed and Why It Matters

The most significant change for applicants in 2026 is the new civics test that took effect October 20, 2025. If you filed your N-400 on or after that date, you're taking a substantially harder test (USCIS 2025 Civics Test).

Here's how the two tests compare:

The new test isn't just longer. It includes new questions about U.S. history and government, with roughly 75% carried over from the old test and 25% completely new content. The questions also emphasize history and government structure more heavily than before.

To study the complete question set, download the official 128-question study guide from USCIS. For a comprehensive breakdown with study tips, see our 128 civics questions study guide.

The 65/20 Exception

If you're 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you qualify for special consideration (USCIS Exceptions and Accommodations). You only need to study 20 designated questions, the officer will ask up to 10, and you need 6 correct to pass. You can also take the test in your native language with an interpreter.

The study materials for this group are available at the official 65/20 questions PDF.

N-400 Form Review Questions: The Heart of Your Interview

The civics test gets all the attention, but the form review is where most of your interview time goes. The officer will walk through your entire N-400, asking questions to verify accuracy and test your English comprehension at the same time (USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part B, Ch. 3).

They're not just checking boxes. They're watching for inconsistencies between what you wrote and what you say out loud.

Biographical Questions

These seem simple, but answer them exactly as they appear on your application:

• "What is your full legal name?"
• "Have you ever used any other names?"
• "Do you want to legally change your name?" (Learn more about N-400 name changes if this applies to you)
• "When is your birthday?"
• "Where were you born?"
• "How tall are you?"
• "What color are your eyes?"

Travel History Questions

Officers pay close attention to your travel because extended trips outside the U.S. can affect your continuous residence and physical presence requirements.

Expect questions like:

• "How many trips have you taken outside the U.S. since becoming a permanent resident?"
• "Did any of your trips last six months or longer?"
• "What was the purpose of each trip?"
• "When did you leave and when did you return?"
• "Which countries did you visit?"

Important: Bring a complete list of all your trips with exact dates. If your dates don't match what's on your application, be prepared to explain the discrepancy.

Employment History Questions

The officer will verify your employment over the past five years:

• "Where do you currently work?"
• "What is your job title?"
• "Where else have you worked in the past five years?"
• "Are you self-employed?"

Marriage and Family Questions

If you're married, especially if you're applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, expect detailed questions:

• "Are you currently married, divorced, or widowed?"
• "What is your spouse's full name?"
• "When and where were you married?"
• "Is your spouse a U.S. citizen?"
• "How many times have you been married?"
• "How many children do you have?"
• "What are their names and birthdates?"

Residence History Questions

• "Where do you currently live?"
• "How long have you lived at this address?"
• "Where else have you lived in the past five years?"

If you moved states while your application was pending, your case may have transferred. See our guide on moving states with N-400 pending for what to expect.

English Test: Reading, Writing, and Speaking

The English requirement has three parts, all evaluated during your interview (8 CFR § 312.1).

Speaking Test

There's no separate speaking section. The officer evaluates your spoken English throughout the entire interview based on your ability to understand and respond to questions. If you can have a basic conversation about your application, you should be fine.

Reading Test

The officer will show you three sentences and ask you to read one aloud. You need to read at least one sentence correctly to pass.

Sample sentences include:

• "George Washington was the first president."
• "Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States."
• "Citizens have the right to vote."
• "Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War."

The official reading vocabulary list contains every word that might appear.

Writing Test

The officer will dictate three sentences and ask you to write one. You need to write at least one sentence correctly.

Sample sentences include:

• "Citizens pay taxes."
• "Washington was the first president."
• "The United States has fifty states."
• "People vote for the President in November."

The official writing vocabulary list covers all possible words.

English Test Exemptions

You may be exempt from the English test if you meet certain age and residency requirements (INA § 312(b)):

If English is a concern, see our detailed guide on the N-400 English language test.

Good Moral Character Questions: The New 2025 Standard

In August 2025, USCIS updated its Good Moral Character (GMC) policy to evaluate the "totality of circumstances" rather than just looking for disqualifying factors (USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part F). Officers now assess whether applicants demonstrate positive moral qualities, not just whether they avoided serious wrongdoing.

This means the GMC questions during your interview carry more weight than before.

Criminal History Questions

You must answer these honestly and completely. The requirement is to disclose everything, even if charges were dropped, expunged, or sealed (8 CFR § 316.10).

• "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason?"
• "Have you EVER committed a crime for which you were not arrested?"
• "Have you EVER been charged with, convicted of, or sentenced for any crime?"
• "Have you EVER received a suspended sentence, been placed on probation, or been paroled?"

Critical: Minor traffic tickets count. Expunged records count. Dismissed charges count. For immigration purposes, you must disclose everything. If you have any criminal history, review our guide on N-400 with a criminal record or specific situations like citizenship with a DUI or traffic tickets and citizenship.

Tax Compliance Questions

• "Have you filed federal, state, and local tax returns for every year since becoming a permanent resident?"
• "Have you ever claimed to be a 'non-resident' on a tax return?"
• "Do you owe any overdue federal, state, or local taxes?"

If you have tax issues, bring documentation showing you've resolved them or have a payment plan in place.

Child Support Questions

• "Have you EVER failed to support your dependents?"
• "Have you EVER failed to pay alimony?"

Selective Service Questions

If you're male and lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26:

• "Did you register with the Selective Service System?"

This question trips up many applicants. See our guide on N-400 Selective Service requirements if this applies to you.

For a complete overview of what could disqualify you, see our guide on Good Moral Character for N-400.

Oath of Allegiance Questions

Every applicant must demonstrate they understand and are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance (8 CFR § 316.11).

• "Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?"
• "Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance?"
• "If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?"
• "If the law requires it, are you willing to perform noncombatant services in the U.S. Armed Forces?"
• "If the law requires it, are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?"

Conscientious Objector Accommodations

If your religious beliefs or moral convictions prevent you from bearing arms or performing military service, you can request a modified oath. You'll need to provide documentation of your beliefs, such as a letter from a religious leader or statement of conscience. USCIS accommodates these requests when they're based on sincerely held beliefs.

Other Attachment Questions

• "Have you EVER been a member of or affiliated with the Communist Party?"
• "Have you EVER advocated the overthrow of any government by force or violence?"
• "Have you EVER been associated with a terrorist organization?"
• "Have you EVER persecuted anyone because of race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion?"

"Gotcha" Questions: How Officers Test Your Truthfulness

Experienced officers use specific techniques to check whether you're being honest and whether your verbal answers match your written application.

Rephrased Questions

Officers deliberately rephrase N-400 questions using simpler language to see if you understand what you answered:

Follow-Up Traps

After you answer a question, officers may dig deeper to verify accuracy:

• On travel: "What was the EXACT date you left the country?"
• On organizations: "What was the purpose of that group you belonged to?"
• On employment: "How many hours per week did you work at that job?"
• General: "Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?"

Consistency Checks

Officers compare your verbal responses to what's written on your N-400. If there's a discrepancy, whether it's a different date, a forgotten trip, or an inconsistent job title, they'll ask about it.

The best way to prepare is to review your N-400 application thoroughly before your interview. Bring a copy with you and make sure you can explain everything you wrote.

What to Bring: Document Checklist

Having the right documents can make your interview smooth. Missing something can result in a "continued" decision where USCIS delays your case.

Required for All Applicants

• Your interview appointment notice (Form I-797C)
• Permanent resident card (green card)
• Valid passport and any expired passports covering your residency period
• State-issued driver's license or ID
• Copy of your submitted N-400

Situation-Specific Documents

• Marriage-based applicants: Marriage certificate, spouse's citizenship evidence, divorce decrees from prior marriages
• Travel concerns: Detailed list of all trips with exact entry/exit dates
• Criminal history: Court dispositions, arrest records, proof of completed sentences
• Tax issues: Tax transcripts, payment plan documentation
• Name discrepancies: Legal name change documents

For the complete checklist, see our guide on what to bring to your citizenship interview.

Interview Day: What to Expect Hour by Hour

Understanding the flow of interview day helps reduce anxiety.

Before You Arrive

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early
• Dress professionally (business casual is fine)
• Don't bring large bags, weapons, or prohibited items
• Plan for no cell phone use inside the building

Check-In Process

You'll go through security screening, check in at the reception desk, and wait to be called. Wait times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office.

The Interview Itself

Typical interviews last 15-30 minutes. The officer will:

1. Put you under oath to tell the truth
2. Verify your identity
3. Review your N-400 line by line
4. Administer the English reading and writing test
5. Ask civics questions
6. Ask about the Oath of Allegiance
7. Give you a decision

Possible Outcomes

• Approved (N-652 with "Congratulations"): You passed. You'll either take the oath the same day or receive a ceremony date.
• Continued: The officer needs more information or documents. You'll receive a request explaining what's needed.
• Denied: You did not qualify for citizenship. You'll receive a written explanation and information about appeal options.

Same-Day Oath Ceremonies

Some USCIS offices offer same-day oath ceremonies, often on specific days of the week (commonly Tuesdays or Thursdays). Ask your officer or check with the local office about availability. If you take the oath that day, you'll leave as a U.S. citizen.

If your oath is scheduled for later, remember: you are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance. Don't attempt to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, or claim citizenship benefits until after your ceremony.

What Happens If You Fail?

Failing part of your interview isn't the end. USCIS provides second chances.

Re-Test Procedure

If you fail the English or civics test, USCIS will schedule a re-test within 60-90 days. You only need to retake the portion you failed (8 CFR § 312.5).

If you fail the re-test, your application will be denied. At that point, you can:

1. File Form N-336 to request a hearing with a different officer (essentially a third chance)
2. Reapply from scratch with a new N-400

For detailed guidance, see our complete guide to failing the citizenship test.

Application Denied

If your N-400 is denied for reasons other than test failure, such as not meeting residency requirements or good moral character issues, you'll receive a written denial explaining why. You can appeal with Form N-336 within 30 days or address the issue and reapply later.

For denial next steps, see our guide on N-400 denied.

Real Interview Experiences: What Applicants Report

Based on reports from recent applicants:

Typical Successful Interview

• Lasted 15-25 minutes
• Officer was professional and efficient
• N-400 review was straightforward with no surprises
• Read one sentence, wrote one sentence for English test
• Asked 6-10 civics questions (2008 test) or 12-14 questions (2025 test) before stopping
• Received "recommended for approval" immediately
• Some offices offered same-day oath

Tips From Approved Applicants

• Review your N-400 the night before so dates and details are fresh
• Bring every document that might be relevant, even if not strictly required
• Speak clearly and answer only what's asked
• If you don't understand a question, ask the officer to repeat it
• Bring a pen (some offices don't provide one for the writing test)
• Stay calm if the officer seems stern; it's not personal

Handling Difficult Officers

Not every officer is friendly. Some ask rapid-fire questions or seem impatient. If you encounter a difficult officer:

• Stay polite and professional
• Take your time answering
• Ask for clarification if needed
• Don't argue or get defensive
• Focus on accurate, truthful answers

Remember: The officer's demeanor doesn't determine your outcome. Meeting the legal requirements does.

Official Sources

This guide is based on current USCIS policy and federal regulations. All information was verified against these official sources as of January 2026:

USCIS Resources

• Form N-400 Official Page
• N-400 Form Instructions
• USCIS Processing Times
• USCIS Fee Schedule
• 2025 Civics Test Information
• 128 Civics Questions PDF (2025 Test)
• 100 Civics Questions PDF (2008 Test)
• 65/20 Special Consideration Questions
• Reading Vocabulary List
• Writing Vocabulary List
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12
• Naturalization Interview and Test Overview
• Exceptions and Accommodations
• 10 Steps to Naturalization

Federal Regulations

• 8 CFR Part 312 - English and civics requirements
• 8 CFR Part 316 - General naturalization requirements
• 8 CFR § 316.10 - Good moral character requirements

USCIS Policy Manual

• Volume 12, Part B, Chapter 3 - Naturalization interview
• Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2 - English and civics testing
• Volume 12, Part F - Good moral character

Immigration law changes frequently. We monitor USCIS policy updates and revise this guide when regulations change.