💡 Study Tips & Strategies
Proven strategies and helpful tips to master the citizenship test.
💬 26 Most Asked Questions During N-400 Interview
Based on real interview experiences, here are the most commonly asked questions during the citizenship interview. Understanding these questions and preparing appropriate answers will help you feel more confident on interview day.
1. Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?
Good answers include:
- "Because I want to vote" - Voting is the main difference between a green card holder and a U.S. citizen. It's both your right and responsibility.
- "I believe in the form of government of the United States"
- "Because of the rights and freedoms of U.S. citizens"
Choose whatever answer you're most comfortable with.
2. What is your children's relationship to you?
⚠️ Common mistake: Don't answer "pretty good" or describe the quality of your relationship!
This question asks about the type of relationship:
- Biological children
- Stepchildren
- Adopted children
3. Did you register to vote in any elections in the U.S.?
Answer: "No" (related to Part 12, Questions 2 and 3 on your N-400 application)
You should not register to vote or vote in any federal, state, or local election in the U.S. before becoming a citizen.
4. Why didn't you register to vote in any elections in the U.S.?
Good answer: "Because I am not a U.S. citizen yet, but hopefully soon."
5. Do you always file your taxes?
⚠️ Pay attention: This is the opposite of Question 7a in Part 12 of your application!
Good answer:
"I've always filed my taxes since I received my green card."
If you didn't file for a valid reason:
"I didn't file my taxes in [year] because my income was below the filing threshold."
💡 For marriage-based applicants: Filing jointly with your spouse shows your marriage is legitimate.
"I've always filed my taxes jointly with my spouse since I received my green card."
6. Do you owe any taxes?
Filing and paying taxes demonstrates good moral character, which is required for citizenship.
Important: Do not owe any taxes at the time of your interview.
If you do owe taxes and cannot pay in full:
- Set up an IRS payment plan
- Bring the IRS payment plan documentation to your interview
- Bring proof of payments showing your account is up-to-date
7. Have you called yourself a "non-U.S. resident" on any tax returns?
Answer: "No" (related to Part 12, Question 8)
A "non-U.S. resident" means someone who doesn't live in the U.S. Since you are a permanent resident living in the U.S., the answer should be no.
8. Can you show me your tax return transcripts please?
💡 Important: Bring tax return transcripts, not tax returns!
Although your interview notice doesn't specifically mention this, officers increasingly request these documents. Your approval could be delayed if you don't have them.
Note: Tax return transcripts are different from tax returns. Check with the IRS on how to obtain transcripts.
9. Do you believe in religious freedom?
⚠️ Careful: This is the opposite of Question 14f in Part 12!
Freedom of religion is a First Amendment right. It means you can practice any religion or choose not to practice a religion.
Good answer:
"I believe in religious freedom and always let others practice their religions."
10. Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason?
⚠️ This question confuses many applicants!
If you've ever had a traffic ticket, the answer should be "Yes".
If you answered this incorrectly on your application, that's okay - just inform the officer during your interview and bring supporting documents.
Good news: Traffic tickets usually will not prevent you from getting citizenship, so there's no reason to hide them.
11. Are you an alcoholic?
Answer: "No" (related to Part 12, Question 30a)
An alcoholic (also called a habitual drunkard) is someone who drinks too much alcohol on a regular basis.
12. Do you practice polygamy?
Answer: "No" (related to Part 12, Question 30d)
Polygamy means being married to more than one person at the same time. It is illegal in the U.S.
13. Have you ever failed to support your dependents or to pay alimony?
Answer: "No" (related to Part 12, Question 30h)
Not paying child support or alimony shows lack of good moral character and is a main reason for denial.
If you have underage children not living with you or must pay alimony:
Bring supporting documents showing you are making payments regularly.
14. Have you ever made any misrepresentation to obtain any public benefit in the United States?
Answer: "No" (related to Part 12, Question 30i)
✓ It is okay to receive unemployment benefits, food stamps, or housing assistance. This will not affect your citizenship application.
Misrepresentation means providing false information.
Your application may be denied if you:
- Provided false information to obtain benefits
- Failed to pay back the government for an overpayment of benefits
15. Did you register for the Selective Service?
⚠️ Only applicable to male applicants
All men ages 18-25 who are U.S. citizens or immigrants (legally or illegally) living in the U.S. are required to register with the Selective Service.
Your interview notice lists "any evidence of Selective Service registration" as a required document.
💡 If you're not sure if you registered, verify your registration online with the Selective Service.
🇺🇸 Oath of Allegiance Questions (Extremely Important)
The following questions are crucial as they relate to the Oath of Allegiance - the final step before officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
16. Do you support the Constitution and form of government of the United States?
(Related to Question 45 on your application)
Answer: "Yes" - say it confidently!
If you become a U.S. citizen, you must support the Constitution and form of government of the United States.
17. What is the Constitution?
Answer: "The Constitution is the supreme law of the land."
This is also one of the civics test questions!
18. What is the form of government of the United States?
Answer: "Republic"
⚠️ Don't confuse "Republic" with "Republican"!
- "Republic" = form of government
- "Republican" = one of the major political parties
The answer is always "Republic" regardless of which political party controls the government.
19. Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
(Related to Question 46 on your application)
Answer: "Yes"
The Oath of Allegiance is what you recite during the Oath Ceremony - the last step before officially becoming a U.S. citizen. You must fully understand it.
20. What is the Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
Answer: "An oath is a promise. The Oath of Allegiance to the United States is a promise to be loyal to the United States."
21. Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
(Related to Question 47 on your application)
Answer: "Yes, I'm willing to."
Remember: You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
22. If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?
(Related to Question 48 on your application)
"Bear arms" means to use or carry a weapon, usually a gun.
This question asks: If during a war, the government asks you to use a gun to defend the United States, are you willing to do that?
Answer: "Yes, I'm willing to."
23. If the law requires it, are you willing to perform noncombatant services in the U.S. armed forces?
(Related to Question 49 on your application)
"Noncombatant services" are services that do not engage in fighting during a war (not carrying or using a gun).
This asks if you're willing to assist the U.S. armed forces during a war without using a gun.
Answer: "Yes, I'm willing to."
24. Can you give an example of noncombatant services that you can perform?
Good examples:
- Cooking for the soldiers
- Nursing
- Providing translation
25. If the law requires it, are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?
(Related to Question 50 on your application)
"Work of national importance under civilian direction" refers to important tasks during a national crisis, such as an earthquake or hurricane.
This asks if you're willing to help the country during a national disaster.
Answer: "Yes, I'm willing to."
26. Can you give an example of work of national importance under civilian direction?
Good example:
"Helping the Red Cross distribute water during an earthquake."
💡 Pro Tip: Practice answering these questions out loud before your interview. Being familiar with the questions and having prepared answers will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
📚 General Study Tips
- ✓ Study consistently: Review 10-15 questions daily rather than cramming
- ✓ Use multiple methods: Read, write, speak answers aloud, and quiz yourself
- ✓ Focus on weak areas: Use the "Challenging Questions" quiz mode for questions you got wrong
- ✓ Practice with others: Study with family or friends preparing for the test
- ✓ Stay updated: Verify current officials before your test at uscis.gov
🧠 Memory Tricks & Mnemonics
Three Branches of Government
Mnemonic: "LEJ" - Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Think: "Let's Eat Jelly" to remember the order
First 10 Amendments (Bill of Rights)
Remember key words: Speech (1st), Guns (2nd), No soldiers in homes (3rd), Search warrants (4th), Rights in court (5th-8th), Other rights (9th), State powers (10th)
Original 13 Colonies
Mnemonic: "New Mike Gave Nancy Rad Snacks
Delivered Daily"
(New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia)
Number of Senators
100 Senators total: 50 states × 2 senators each = 100
Length of Terms
Think "2-4-6-Life": House (2 years), President (4 years), Senate (6 years), Supreme Court (Life)
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Confusing House vs. Senate
Remember: House = 435 members, 2-year terms / Senate = 100 members, 6-year terms
❌ Number of Amendments
The Constitution has 27 amendments (not 10). The first 10 are the Bill of Rights.
❌ Declaration vs. Constitution
Declaration of Independence (1776) declared freedom. Constitution (1787) set up the government.
❌ Outdated Officials
Always check current President, VP, Senators, and Governor before your test!
📝 Test Day Preparation
Before the Test:
- • Get a good night's sleep
- • Review challenging questions one more time
- • Bring required documents (Green Card, ID)
- • Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- • Eat a healthy meal beforehand
During the Test:
- • Listen carefully to each question
- • Take your time - don't rush
- • Ask the officer to repeat if you didn't understand
- • Stay calm and confident
- • Multiple correct answers are acceptable!
📅 Important Historical Dates
🗣️ Tips for Non-Native English Speakers
- ✓ Practice pronunciation: Say answers out loud, not just in your head
- ✓ Use USCIS audio resources: Listen to native speakers saying the questions
- ✓ Learn key vocabulary: Constitution, amendment, branch, representative, etc.
- ✓ It's okay to give simple answers: You don't need to speak perfectly
- ✓ Ask for clarification: Officers will repeat or rephrase questions if needed
🎯 N-400 Interview Preparation
With a 96% pass rate, preparation is key. Here are essential strategies for your citizenship interview.
✅ Essential Do's
Start studying the moment you file, not when you receive your interview notice
You typically have 5-12 months between filing and interview, but only 4-6 weeks after receiving notice. Use spaced repetition for 20-30 minutes daily over 3-4 months for best results.
Organize documents in a three-ring binder with tabbed dividers
Create tabs for: (1) Personal ID, (2) Marital documents, (3) Tax documents (3-5 years), (4) Travel history, (5) Criminal records if applicable, (6) Supporting evidence, (7) Complete N-400 copy. Bring originals AND photocopies.
Answer exactly what was asked, nothing more, nothing less
If asked "When did you last arrive in the U.S.?" answer with the date, not visa details. Volunteering unrequested information often raises red flags unnecessarily.
Arrive 30 minutes early in business casual attire
Security takes time, parking may be limited. Being even slightly late can result in denial. Dress as you would for a job interview to show respect for the process.
Ask for clarification instead of guessing
Say "Could you please repeat that?" or "Could you rephrase that question?" Officers are instructed to help you understand. Guessing wrong is far worse than asking for help.
Verify current officials' names the week before your interview
Check President, Vice President, your Senators, Representative, Governor, Speaker of the House, and Chief Justice. Elections and appointments change these answers.
❌ Critical Don'ts
Never hide or fail to disclose ANY criminal history
Disclose ALL arrests even if charges were dropped, ALL citations even if dismissed, and ALL convictions regardless of expungement. Lying can result in deportation for fraud.
Don't forget weekend trips to Canada or Mexico
ALL trips outside the U.S. must be reported with exact dates. Use CBP's I-94 history (i94.cbp.dhs.gov), passport stamps, credit card statements, and email confirmations to verify dates.
Don't wait until the last minute to organize documents
For marriage-based applications, collect ongoing evidence from the moment you file N-400. Officers want to see continuous proof spanning months, not evidence rushed together in the final weeks.
Don't bring prohibited items to USCIS buildings
Leave at home: matches, lighters, liquids (including perfume), sharp objects, pepper spray, and sometimes even cell phones. Being stopped at security can make you late.
Don't create inconsistencies between applications
Officers cross-reference your N-400 against all previous immigration applications (I-485, I-751, etc.). Review prior applications before filing to identify potential inconsistencies.
📋 Week Before Interview Checklist
🏛️ What Actually Happens at the Interview
The Interview Begins the Moment You Greet the Officer
Your English speaking test starts when you meet the officer, not during the formal test. Every greeting, response to instructions, and comprehension of questions counts toward your English assessment.
Line-by-Line N-400 Review (Most Time-Consuming)
Officers now conduct comprehensive questioning about every section of your application. Interviews that previously took 15 minutes now often extend to 30-60 minutes. Report any changes since filing immediately: new jobs, addresses, travel, arrests, or tax updates.
Three Possible Outcomes
- Granted/Approved (88%): You'll receive oath ceremony notice same day or within 1-4 weeks. You're NOT a citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance.
- Continued (12%): Need more documents, failed test portion (can retest in 60-90 days), or pending background check. Not a denial—respond promptly to requests.
- Denied (4%): Can appeal within 30 days (Form N-336) or reapply. Consult attorney immediately if denied.
English Test (Integrated Throughout)
Speaking: Evaluated from initial greeting through all conversation. Reading: Read 1 sentence correctly out of 3 attempts. Writing: Write 1 sentence correctly out of 3 attempts (often on digital tablet). Perfect spelling/grammar not required—just understandable communication.
Civics Test Format
2008 test: Answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly. 2025 test (for applications filed Oct 20, 2025+): Answer 12 out of 20 correctly from 128 questions. Officers stop when you pass or fail. Answers don't need to be word-perfect.
You've Got This! 🌟
Thousands of people pass the citizenship test every year. With consistent study and practice, you will too!
Remember: The test is designed to be passable. The officers want you to succeed.
96% pass rate • Most interviews last 20-30 minutes • Proper preparation makes all the difference