What Happens at the U.S. Citizenship Interview?
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When you apply to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must appear for a personal citizenship interview with immigration officials as part of the application process. This interview is usually scheduled soon after your biometrics have been taken, and the interview is usually held at a United Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office serving the region where you live.
At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we have experienced U.S. citizenship lawyers who help our satisfied clients in the Chicago area obtain citizenship for their foreign-born children. We are based in Chicago but also provide services in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Purposes of the U.S. Citizenship Interview
The citizenship or naturalization interview serves many purposes, including giving USCIS the opportunity to:
- Examine your N-400 application for citizenship to determine whether you meet the basic requirements for U.S. citizenship.
- Examining your immigration file to find any issues in your case that can preclude you from being approved for citizenship, such as obtaining permanent residency (green card) through fraud.
- Test your ability to read, speak, and write English, and
- Test your civics knowledge of U.S. history and government.
What Exactly Will Happen at the USCIS Interview
When you arrive at the federal building where your interview is scheduled, you will be required to show your appointment notice and then pass through a security check. You must comply with any COVID-related guidelines, such as wearing a mask that complies with government guidelines.
You will then proceed to the waiting room, where you will wait until your name is called. When called, a USCIS officer will take you to his or her office, and once comfortably seated, the officer will likely ask you to stand up and have you swear to truthfully answer questions you will be asked.
The officer will then start asking you questions which are basically going over your N-400 application for citizenship you filed. As you answer the questions, the officer is looking not just to verify that the information is correct, but they also use the opportunity to assess whether you speak and understand English.
You will still be tested on your English speaking, reading, and writing abilities by having to read loudly and write a sentence that the officer dictates to you. The officer will then ask you questions showing your knowledge of basic U.S. history and government.
At the end of the interview, the officer will either tell you that everything has gone well and that you will be approved for your citizenship, or they will simply tell you to go home and await a decision in the mail.
If your citizenship application is approved during the interview, you will not become a U.S. citizen there and then. Rather, you will be scheduled for an oath ceremony where you formally become a U.S. citizen after taking the oath of allegiance. You will then receive a certificate showing your new status as a U.S. citizen. You can thereafter apply for a U.S. passport.
Discuss Your Options with a Chicago Citizenship Attorney
If you are in the Chicago area and wish to apply for U.S. citizenship, Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC can help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about us and what we can do for you.
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Highly recommend attorney Kevin Raica and attorney Agata Bigdanowicz. They were super helpful, responded on time, and won my case in record time. It took about a month and half in total for me to get my approval after filing!
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
Hay momentos en la vida en los que una familia siente que el mundo se detiene. Nosotros vivimos uno de esos momentos y, en medio de la incertidumbre y el miedo, tuvimos la fortuna de encontrar a la abogada Sheila McNulty y al paralegal Rafael Rodríguez . Nos escucharon con empatía, nos guiaron con paciencia y defendieron nuestro caso con un profesionalismo, una dedicación y una calidad humana realmente excepcionales.…
We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank Khiabett for her exceptional work and dedication in handling my husband’s removal proceedings case. We also want to thank Agata for her great communication during the gathering of all documents. Khiabett we are incredibly grateful for your expertise, guidance, and persistence throughout the entire process. I can't thank you enough for your empathy and standing by me during such a…
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I wanted to share my experience and say that attorney Britney Rivera is extremely competent in her work. I had heard from friends that she was a very strong lawyer, and she certainly proved to be one. She won our case in a very short time, and my family and I are incredibly grateful to her!🌹And a big thank you to her team as well!🌹🌹🌹
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I give my total recommendation and trust in this great organization that has supported me and my family in very difficult times, especially the lawyer Andrea Ochoa and her paralegal Rafael who were little angels that God has sent us to be able to face all the obstacles that we have had along the way. Thank you very much with all my heart. ❤️
I have heard from several people that Brittni is a great attorney. When my friend was detained, I recommended Brittni to take his case. She did an amazing job putting together all the necessary information, especially given that we had only a couple of days to submit the habeas corpus application. She and her team worked very professionally and provided clear guidance throughout. She stayed in touch consistently and was…
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