So, What Happens at a Naturalization Interview?

If you have an upcoming naturalization interview with USCIS at a New Jersey Field Office, then I hope you will find this blog post helpful. This information is based on recent naturalization interviews where I have represented clients during the Trump administration in 2025.  

Did you file your N-400 without the guidance of an attorney? If you have an N-400 application pending, then you may want to consider hiring an attorney to review your application and represent you at your interview with USCIS. Typically, my office represents clients throughout the entire naturalization process: preparation of the application, submission of the application, preparation for the test and interview and representation at the interview. However, schedule permitting, I also represent individuals just at their interviews. Whether you are interested in hiring an experienced immigration attorney to represent you for the entire process, just for your naturalization interview or would like to learn a little more about the naturalization process, please do not hesitate to contact my office today to schedule an appointment.

Some of the benefits unlocked when naturalizing as a U.S. Citizen are: voting in elections, working for the federal government and running for elected office.

So, you applied for naturalization. Now, what happens next? First, congratulations! Somewhere between a few and several months after you file your N-400 application, you will have an interview at a USCIS Field Office with a USCIS officer about your application. Prior to the interview, USCIS will either schedule you for a biometrics appointment or if possible, they will reuse your previously captured biometrics. After the biometrics are completed, then you will be scheduled for an interview. Whether your interview is scheduled in Cranbury, Newark or Mt. Laurel, my office can represent you at your interview with USCIS. Additionally, representation is also available for Philadelphia and New York City interviews.

When you arrive at the field office on the day of your appointment, you will first go through security to enter the building. The security screening is similar to the screening you see in American airports. You should have your appointment letter and photo ID and will likely have to remove your shoes and belt. You must bring your "green card" with you. After completing the screening, you check in with the front desk by presenting your interview appointment notice to the federal employee at the window, who will then capture a photo of you and take a fingerprint from each hand. Then, you will be directed to wait until your interviewing officer calls you back for your interview. Once you are called back for your interview, you will follow the officer to their office and you will remain standing and take an oath where you solemnly swear to tell the truth. Then, the interview will begin.

The purpose of the interview is three-fold:

• Test of your ability to read, speak and write English

• Test of your knowledge of U.S. history and government with 10 questions

• Review of your N-400 Application and background information

  
  

It is important to review your application with your attorney prior to attending your interview. A recent trend that has emerged early in the Trump Administration is that the officers are asking every or nearly every question on the N-400 application. You should review your application with your attorney before the interview to ensure that you answered every question truthfully and correctly and that you are not surprised by any of the questions. You also will want to work with your attorney to ensure that you have never voted in an election or registered to vote (even by mistake or accident when renewing your driver license). Additionally, you will want to make sure you do not have any taxes owed to the IRS. If you have any arrests, convictions or other concerns about satisfying the"good moral character" requirement, then you should also discuss those concerns with your attorney prior to the interview.

You should be prepared and confident heading into your interview! If your application is approved, then you very well may have an oath ceremony on that same day. At the ceremony, you will turn in your "green card" and receive your certificate. You can then use that certificate to obtain a U.S. Passport. If USCIS is not holding a ceremony the day of your interview, then you will receive a letter scheduling your ceremony date.

Retaining an experienced immigration attorney, like Jeffrey Olsen, is highly recommend so you can navigate this process as effectively and smoothly as possible. The process can be stressful, time consuming and expensive. You do not want to have to repeat the process because you were unprepared or made mistakes in your application. If I can be of any assistance in helping you with your naturalization or with any other immigration matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to me today.

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The information in this blog is provided solely for informational purposes. The information provided is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship and shall not be construed as legal advice on any specific matter. Each legal matter is unique and requires an analysis based on the particular circumstances. As a result, the information provided here may not be applicable in every situation, including your situation, and action should not be taken based on this information without seeking specific legal advice based on particular circumstances. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstance.