What to Expect at Citizenship Interview
To obtain a green card, an official from the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may interview you and your spouse to determine your eligibility and credibility. Although this process can be nerve-racking, answering the official's questions honestly and completely helps complete this phase of the immigration process.
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Interview Letter
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You will receive a letter informing you of details about your interview, including when and where it will take place and what documents to bring. Take note of the time and place of your interview, and make sure you arrive 5 to 10 minutes early.
Documents to Bring
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You will be required to bring proper identification to the interview, including your permanent resident or alien registration card, your passport, a state-issued identification card and any re-entry permits. You may also be asked in your interview letter to bring additional documents to the interview.
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Dress
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To make a good impression, dress appropriately for your interview. Think business casual. Choose neat, conservative and comfortable clothing over distracting, revealing or dirty clothing.
Questions
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The official conducting the interview will ask you and your spouse personal questions about your relationship to determine its validity. For instance, you might be asked to describe the first time you met your spouse, what the wedding ceremony was like and your spouse's financial situation. Your official may request to interview you and your spouse separately. Answer the official's questions honestly, and don't be afraid to admit you don't know the answer to a question.
Civics and English Exams
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Some applicants may be required to take brief exams demonstrating knowledge of U.S. civics and English comprehension.
Decision
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While in some cases the official will approve your application for U.S. citizenship at the end of the interview, you will receive a notification of the bureau's decision by mail.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of William Warby
