Tips to Help with Your Naturalization Interview

Tips to Help with Your Naturalization Interview

For many going through the naturalization process, the interview is understandably the most nerve-wracking part of the process. You will sit across from someone who will essentially approve or deny your citizenship, and the answers you provide are a large determining factor in that decision. For this reason, it is extremely important that the interview goes well. Below are a few tips anyone facing a naturalization interview can use to ensure they are successful in this step of the process.

Bring All Proper Documents

There is a two-part process to the naturalization interview. One is the testing portion and one is the actual interview. During the interview, an officer will review your N-400 application and go over pertinent details of it with you. You should review this document beforehand to remind yourself of the information included within it. The chances are good that you filled it out some time ago, and you may need to refresh your memory.

Also, make sure that you bring any further documentation that is required. This can include copies of documents you included with your application as well as any updated information. For example, if you have changed your name since submitting your application, you need to bring legal documentation showing that your name was legally changed.

Study for the Civics Test

The second part of the interview is the civics test. While you must only answer one question correctly during the reading and writing tests, the civics test requires you to answer six out of 10 answers correctly. However, there are 100 questions an officer can choose to ask you. For this reason, you should have a basic understanding of subjects such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and how the legislative process in America works.

To help applicants prepare for this test, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have prepared a practice test. You can visit their website to take this test, or download their app.

Act Professionally

When applying for U.S. citizenship, it is important that you show respect for the process, the interviewing officers, and the entire country. This means that you should dress appropriately and arrive half an hour early for the appointment. Arriving late will surely make the wrong impression on the interviewer that will make the recommendation on your application.

It is also important to answer all questions as accurately and honestly as possible. If the USCIS finds out that you provided incorrect or false information, it could bar you from citizenship and other immigration benefits.

Stay Informed with a Chicago Immigration Attorney

Once you have submitted your application for citizenship, and have gone through the testing and interview, you should continue to stay updated on the status of your application. A Northbrook immigration attorney can help with this part of the process, too.

If you want to apply for citizenship to the United States, call Kriezelman, Burton, & Associates, LLC at (312) 332-2550 or fill out our online form. There are many legal issues involved with the naturalization process, and our attorneys will help you overcome them to give your application the best chance of approval. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Related Posts:

Six Reasons to Hire a Chicago Immigration Attorney

How to Bring Your Fiancé or Spouse to the United States