Citizenship Interview: Benefits of Having a Lawyer at Citizenship Interview

Citizenship Interview

During the process of naturalization, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will conduct the U.S. Citizenship Interview. Though the interview does not require your immigration and naturalization attorney to be present, there are benefits of having a lawyer at citizenship interview. The experienced attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. are able to help you study, prepare, and protect you during your citizenship interview.

What To Expect During the Citizenship Interview

One of the benefits of having a lawyer at your citizenship interview is that we know what to expect from the citizenship interview and can help you learn how to pass the immigration interview. The interview is a three-part test that evaluates you based on your abilities in the following:

• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

During the speaking portion, the USCIS will determine your speaking eligibility for using form N-400, Application for Naturalization. There are currently two civics tests that may be conducted: the 2020 civics test and the 2008 civics test. You will only take one of them, yet they come with different study materials. This section is also called the oral test. A USCIS officer will ask you a series of questions from a list that the USCIS provides.

For the 2020 civics test, we can help you study the list of 128 questions. During the USCIS questions interview, the officer will ask you 20 questions from the list. You must answer 12 questions correctly to pass

For the 2008 civics test, there are 100 study questions. The officer will ask you 10 questions from the list. To pass the 2008 USCIS questions interview, you must answer 6 of the 10 correctly to pass.

During the reading portion of your citizenship interview, you will be given three sentences to read aloud to a USCIS officer. You must speak one of the three sentences correctly to pass the reading section.

During the written portion of your citizenship interview, three sentences will be given to you, and you need to write down at least one correctly.

We can help you prepare for each of these sections and help you know what to expect at a citizenship interview.

What Kind of Questions Are Asked During a Citizenship Interview?

Though the main questions in the interview will be asked during the oral test given from the study guide, the USCIS officer will also ask you about yourself. You will need to be able to interact with the officer formally and give correct answers to their questions outside of the oral exam.

One of the first interactions with the officer will include questions. Greetings such as, “How are you today?” and “How are you feeling?” may be exchanged between you. You will also be asked to go under oath. You must be able to respond to these questions:

• “Do you understand what the word ‘oath’ means?”
• “Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth…?”

Other questions may be about your personal information, some of your physical attributes, and your family history. You may be asked questions at your citizenship interview such as:

• How old are you?
• Are you keeping your legal name?
• Where were you born?
• How old are your children?
• What are your family member’s names and birthdates?
• What color is your hair?
• What is your race/ethnicity?

The USCIS officer may also ask questions about immigration, your travel experience, and residency such as:

• Have you taken trips that have lasted six months or longer?
• Where do you currently live and how long have you been living there?
• Does anyone else live with you?
• What is your current citizenship?
• How long have you had your green card?
• When did you last travel outside the United States?
• What was your reason for traveling?
• What dates did you leave and return to the United States?

There may also be questions about your education and work life. Along with employment questions, you may be asked about tax obligations and fulfillments. Other questions may include why you want to become a United States citizen and how your personal ethics align with that of the United States of America. These questions may include:

• Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen?
• Do you obey and agree with the laws of the United States?
• Would you be willing to serve in the military if the United States requires it of you?
• Do you support the U.S. Constitution?

One of the benefits of having a lawyer at a citizenship interview is that we are allowed to ask for clarification. If you are ever confused by one of the questions the USCIS officer asks, your attorney can communicate the issue with the question.

What to Bring to a Naturalization Interview

Your immigration attorney will help you prepare the documents needed for the naturalization interview. You will need to bring:

• Your interview appointment notice
• Driver’s license or other form of state-given identification
• Your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Any travel documents and passports since becoming a U.S. resident
• Tax returns
• Evidence of support for dependents

Your naturalization attorney will help you with all other forms to fully prepare you for your citizenship interview.

Is My Spouse Required at Citizenship Interview?

If your citizenship interview is marriage based, you will need proof that your spouse has been a United States citizen for at least three years. You must also prove that you and your spouse have been married for at least three years. Your spouse does not have to be there, you only need documented proof of marriage

As family sponsorship lawyers, we are well prepared and equipped to walk you through the path to naturalization through family sponsorship. We can help you through questions that the USCIS may ask you about your marriage to prove it is a bona fide, or good faith, marriage.

Domestic Violence Citizenship Interview

If you are a victim or survivor of domestic violence, our citizenship attorneys can help you file for VAWA Immigration, also known as the Violence Against Women Act, or a U-Visa for criminal victims. We can provide support and resources to help you become a U.S. Citizen.

Naturalization Interview Result

After your citizenship interview, you will receive your naturalization interview result. If you are approved, you will be scheduled to participate in a Naturalization Ceremony. During the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance, receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and officially become a citizen of the United States.

Contact a Naturalization Attorney Today

Contact the immigration and naturalization lawyers at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. to gain the benefits of having a lawyer at your citizenship interview. With several decades of combined experience, we are able to help you prepare for your interview, be present during the interview, and support you on your path to becoming a citizen of the United States. Contact us at 312.444.1940 today.