When you have lived legally in the United States and want to become a citizen, you need to go through naturalization. This process involves testing and additional background checks. You must provide certain paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and then attend an interview.
The USCIS interview before naturalization is crucial to your success or failure when seeking United States citizenship. Many people put off becoming citizens because they worry about the interview process. Once you know what happens during the interview, you can begin to prepare.
What can you expect during your naturalization interview?
Questions about your application
Naturalization is only an option if your citizenship would benefit the country and your community. Your application helps build the case that you meet the standards to become a citizen. If there are mistakes, omissions or contradictions in your application paperwork, the interview will be an opportunity for USCIS workers to clarify matters.
They may also ask you questions to ensure that naturalization is the right choice in your case, such as questions about your reason for wanting to become a citizen.
Two tests you must pass
The USCIS interview will also include two tests that will be primarily verbal that you must pass to become a citizen.
There is an English language test that includes speaking, listening, reading and writing to test your language proficiency. There is also a Civics test that looks that your understanding of the United States government and history. There are study guides available online for both the questions used for the Civics tests and the vocabulary that you should know for the English language test.
Knowing what to expect during the naturalization interview can help you better prepare and improve your chances of becoming a citizen.