Form N-445: The Naturalization Oath Ceremony Notice
Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, is the document USCIS mails to tell an approved applicant when and where to take the Oath of Allegiance. Despite its name, it is not a form to apply for or fill out in advance; it is a notice that arrives after the naturalization interview is approved, confirming the date, time, and location of the oath ceremony. Taking that oath is the final step of naturalization, and a person becomes a U.S. citizen at that ceremony. The notice also lists what to bring and includes a short questionnaire to complete at the ceremony itself.
The sections below cover what the notice contains, what to bring, what happens at the ceremony, and what to do if the scheduled date does not work.
What Form N-445 Is
Form N-445 is the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. After an applicant passes the English and civics tests, completes the interview, and has their Form N-400 approved, USCIS schedules the oath ceremony and sends this notice with the details.
A quick note on the test, because a common worry is misplaced: failing the English or civics portion at the interview does not lead to removal from the country. USCIS schedules a second attempt within 60 to 90 days, covering only the portion that was failed. If the second attempt is not passed, the N-400 is denied, but permanent resident status remains valid and a person can file a new application later.
In some USCIS districts, the oath is administered the same day as the interview. When that happens, USCIS does not mail a separate N-445; the applicant is simply asked to return later that day for the ceremony.
What the Notice Contains
The notice is composed of two pages that serve different purposes.
Page one confirms the ceremony details and identity information. It shows the Alien Registration Number (A-Number), the date the notice was issued, and the time and place of the ceremony. It also lists the documents to bring. Checking the ceremony date against any other notice received is worthwhile, simply to confirm the details are correct.
Page two is a questionnaire that must be completed at the ceremony, not before. It asks about anything that may have changed since the interview, such as travel outside the United States, marital status, or arrests. The questions should be answered truthfully; untruthful answers can affect the naturalization decision. The applicant signs and dates page two at the ceremony after adding the city, state, and date.
What to Bring to the Oath Ceremony
Page one lists the required documents, which generally include:
- The Form N-445 itself
- The Permanent Resident Card (green card)
- Any reentry permits or refugee travel documents
- Any other documents USCIS has issued
What Happens at the Ceremony
The ceremony follows a set order:
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- Check in. Present the completed Form N-445 to USCIS staff on arrival.
- Surrender the green card. A green card is returned at check-in, because the Certificate of Naturalization replaces it. (The green card is surrendered at the ceremony, not at the earlier interview.)
- Take the Oath of Allegiance. Reciting the oath is the moment naturalization is complete.
- Receive the Certificate of Naturalization. This certificate is the official proof of U.S. citizenship. Reviewing it for any errors before leaving the ceremony is a good idea, since corrections are easier to raise on the spot.
If you cannot attend the scheduled ceremony, it can be rescheduled. If the date does not work, the notice should be returned by mail to the local USCIS office along with a letter explaining why attendance is not possible. USCIS then sends an updated N-445 with a new ceremony date. Attendance at a naturalization ceremony is required to complete the process, so a missed ceremony should be rescheduled rather than skipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out Form N-445 before the ceremony?
No. Page two of the form is a questionnaire completed at the ceremony itself. It should not be filled out in advance, because it asks about anything that changed since the interview, right up to the ceremony date.
What do I bring to my oath ceremony?
Bring the Form N-445, your green card, any reentry permits or refugee travel documents, and any other documents USCIS has issued to you. Page one of the notice lists the specific items for your ceremony.
When am I officially a U.S. citizen?
Only after taking the Oath of Allegiance at the ceremony. Approval of the N-400 at the interview is a required step, but citizenship is not complete until the oath is administered.
What if I fail the citizenship test at my interview?
USCIS schedules a second attempt within 60 to 90 days, and you retake only the portion you failed. Failing the test does not cause you to lose your green card or be removed; if the second attempt is not passed, the application is denied and you may reapply later.
Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Naturalization
Most applicants who reach the N-445 stage are close to the finish line, but naturalization has requirements that are worth getting right from the start. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is a Chicago immigration law firm with decades of combined experience in citizenship and naturalization, working with clients nationwide.
If you are applying for naturalization or have questions about the oath ceremony, you deserve clear guidance through the final steps. Call 312.444.1940 or fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.
