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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.Â
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.Â
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.
What Our Clients Say
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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