First, congratulations, in case your naturalization interview is approaching. It is one of the last stages of the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. However, the interview is not only about asking and answering questions, but it is also about arriving and bringing the correct documentation that has a potential of ruining your or a successful day at USCIS. The fact is, when you are ready, there is nothing to fear. This is what you should know about the process of the interview, what documents to present, the questions you will receive, and what would happen in case something is not going as planned. What Happens at the Naturalization Interview? An interview averagely takes 20-30 minutes and is held at a local field office of the USCIS. In the appointment, an officer of USCIS will: Review your N-400 application Ask you questions about your background Administer the English and civics tests Determine if you qualify for citizenship So if you said you were married, they may ask for evidence of a real relationship: shared bills, joint leases, kids’ birth certificates, etc. If everything is in order, you may be scheduled for your oath ceremony the same day or shortly after. If not, your case may be continued or denied, depending on the issue. What You Should Bring To The Interview USCIS expects you to bring original and updated documents, even if you already submitted copies with your application. Final Checklist: What to Bring for Naturalization Interview Appointment notice Green card State-issued photo ID All passports & travel docs Tax returns or transcripts Marriage & divorce records (if any) Selective Service proof (if applicable) Court records (if applicable) Name change docs Any evidence supporting your application 1. Your Appointment Notice This is usually Form N-445 (Notice of Naturalization Interview) or Form N-652 (Interview Results). This letter has the date, time, and location of your interview, don’t lose it, and bring the original with you. If it was emailed, print it. USCIS needs to scan the barcode. 2. Your Green Card Carry the original Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), with you, even when it is expired. In case it was lost or stolen and you have filed form I-90 to get a replacement, you are advised to bring your I-797C receipt notice to show evidence. 3. State-Issued Photo ID In most cases, it is a case of the driver or so-called state ID, which is particularly vital when your green card expires or is misplaced. 4. Passports and Travel Records USCIS would like to see all the passports and travel documents that you would have obtained since attaining permanent resident status. They will analyze your time abroad and sure that you passed the physical presence test. TIPS: If you have recently travelled, do carry a printout of your travel history on CBP i-94 Web site. 5. Tax Documents Especially if you’ve had long trips outside the U.S., bring copies of your federal tax returns or IRS tax transcripts from the last 3–5 years. If you filed jointly with a spouse, include the full return, not just your portion. 6. Proof of Marital Status Depending on your situation, bring originals (and maybe certified translations) of: Marriage certificate(s) Divorce decrees Death certificate (if widowed) Proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship (if applying under the 3-year rule) 7. Selective Service Proof (for men 18–26 years old) If you were required to register for Selective Service and you didn’t, bring an explanation letter and supporting evidence. If you did register, print proof from the Selective Service website. 8. Proof of Legal Name Change If your name has changed, bring court orders, marriage certificates, or other documents showing how and why. 9. Supporting Documents for Criminal History (if applicable) If you’ve ever been arrested, even if charges were dropped, bring certified court dispositions. This includes: Police reports Court records Probation documents Other Documents You Might Need Depending on your situation, it’s a good idea to bring: Work authorization card (EAD), if you have one Income statements (like W-2s or pay stubs) School records (for applicants under 18 or under special circumstances) Medical waiver (Form N-648) if applying for an exception to English/civics test NOTE: Not all legal issues automatically disqualify you, but not disclosing them can. Should You Bring a Lawyer? If your case is straightforward, many applicants go alone. But if you have complications in your record, such as: A criminal history Immigration violations An inconsistent timeline A marriage-based green card followed by a divorce …it’s strongly advised to bring an immigration attorney. The officer will ask questions based on what’s in your file, and what’s not. Legal guidance helps avoid misunderstandings that can lead to delays or denials. Will They Ask About Everything on the N-400? Yes. You’ll be asked to confirm or clarify your answers on the N-400, sometimes in great detail. Common topics include: Your full legal name and any name changes Travel outside the U.S. in the last 5 years Work and living history Tax filing history Criminal background Memberships in organizations Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution It’s important to answer honestly. If a mistake was made on your application, don’t panic, just explain the situation clearly. USCIS will consider whether it was an error or a deliberate misrepresentation. What About the English and Civics Tests? Unless you qualify for an exemption (based on age and years of residency), you must pass both tests: English test: Reading, writing, and speaking. Civics test: 10 questions about U.S. history and government. You must get at least 6 right to pass. IMPORTANT: If you fail either part of the test, you’ll get a second chance 60–90 days later. But if you fail twice, your application will be denied. Can USCIS Deny You After the Interview? Yes. Common reasons include: Failing the English or civics test Inconsistent answers or suspected fraud Missing documents Criminal history that shows lack of “good moral character” Extended trips outside the U.S. that broke continuous residence If your case is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation. In some cases, you can file an appeal (Form N-336), but not all cases qualify, and not all appeals succeed. Do You Need to Bring Your Spouse? Only if USCIS asks. Not always, but in some marriage-based cases, USCIS may request that your spouse attend. Check your interview notice carefully, and consult with your attorney if you're unsure. This usually applies if: You’re still within the conditional residency period You divorced shortly after receiving your green card There are questions about the legitimacy of your relationship Check your interview notice, if your spouse is required, it will say so clearly. What Happens After the Interview? If everything checks out, you’ll be scheduled for your naturalization oath ceremony, the final step where you take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen. Some ceremonies happen the same day; others are scheduled within a few weeks. If you're denied for another reason, such as something in your background that makes you ineligible, you might be able to appeal, though the success rate is low. That’s why working with an immigration attorney ahead of time is the best way to avoid this outcome. If USCIS needs more information they’ll give you a request for evidence (RFE) with clear instructions. Don’t Make These Common Mistakes Showing up without your green card Forgetting court documents for past arrests Assuming USCIS already has your documents, they might, but they want to see what you bring Submitting copies without originals (they’ll want to see both) If you’re unsure about anything on your N-400, now’s the time to go over it with a legal expert. If your answers don’t match up with your documents, or you misunderstand a question, it could delay your approval or worse. Final Thought Your interview is more than a formality, it’s a critical checkpoint. If you’re unsure about your case, don’t guess. Preparation makes the difference between approval and delay (or denial). At Guerra Bravo Law, we’ve helped countless families navigate the process with confidence. If you need help preparing, reviewing your documents, or attending the interview with legal support, our team is here.

What to Bring for Naturalization Interview?

August 01, 2025•7 min read

First, congratulations, in case your naturalization interview is approaching. It is one of the last stages of the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. However, the interview is not only about asking and answering questions, but it is also about arriving and bringing the correct documentation that has a potential of ruining your or a successful day at USCIS. The fact is, when you are ready, there is nothing to fear.

This is what you should know about the process of the interview, what documents to present, the questions you will receive, and what would happen in case something is not going as planned.

What Happens at the Naturalization Interview?

An interview averagely takes 20-30 minutes and is held at a local field office of the USCIS. In the appointment, an officer of USCIS will:

Review your N-400 application
Ask you questions about your background
Administer the English and civics tests
Determine if you qualify for citizenship

So if you said you were married, they may ask for evidence of a real relationship: shared bills, joint leases, kids’ birth certificates, etc. If everything is in order, you may be scheduled for your oath ceremony the same day or shortly after. If not, your case may be continued or denied, depending on the issue.

What You Should Bring To The Interview

USCIS expects you to bring original and updated documents, even if you already submitted copies with your application.

Final Checklist: What to Bring for Naturalization Interview

Appointment notice
Green card
State-issued photo ID
All passports & travel docs
Tax returns or transcripts
Marriage & divorce records (if any)
Selective Service proof (if applicable)
Court records (if applicable)
Name change docs
Any evidence supporting your application

1. Your Appointment Notice

This is usually Form N-445 (Notice of Naturalization Interview) or Form N-652 (Interview Results). This letter has the date, time, and location of your interview, don’t lose it, and bring the original with you.

If it was emailed, print it. USCIS needs to scan the barcode.

2. Your Green Card

Carry the original Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), with you, even when it is expired. In case it was lost or stolen and you have filed form I-90 to get a replacement, you are advised to bring your I-797C receipt notice to show evidence.

3. State-Issued Photo ID

In most cases, it is a case of the driver or so-called state ID, which is particularly vital when your green card expires or is misplaced.

4. Passports and Travel Records

USCIS would like to see all the passports and travel documents that you would have obtained since attaining permanent resident status. They will analyze your time abroad and sure that you passed the physical presence test.

TIPS: If you have recently travelled, do carry a printout of your travel history on CBP i-94 Web site.

5. Tax Documents

Especially if you’ve had long trips outside the U.S., bring copies of your federal tax returns or IRS tax transcripts from the last 3–5 years.

If you filed jointly with a spouse, include the full return, not just your portion.

6. Proof of Marital Status

Depending on your situation, bring originals (and maybe certified translations) of:

Marriage certificate(s)
Divorce decrees
Death certificate (if widowed)
Proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship (if applying under the 3-year rule)

7. Selective Service Proof (for men 18–26 years old)

If you were required to register for Selective Service and you didn’t, bring an explanation letter and supporting evidence. If you did register, print proof from the Selective Service website.

8. Proof of Legal Name Change

If your name has changed, bring court orders, marriage certificates, or other documents showing how and why.

9. Supporting Documents for Criminal History (if applicable)

If you’ve ever been arrested, even if charges were dropped, bring certified court dispositions. This includes:

Police reports
Court records
Probation documents

Should You Bring a Lawyer?

If your case is straightforward, many applicants go alone. But if you have complications in your record, such as:

A criminal history
Immigration violations
An inconsistent timeline
A marriage-based green card followed by a divorce

…it’s strongly advised to bring an immigration attorney. The officer will ask questions based on what’s in your file, and what’s not. Legal guidance helps avoid misunderstandings that can lead to delays or denials.

Will They Ask About Everything on the N-400?

Yes. You’ll be asked to confirm or clarify your answers on the N-400, sometimes in great detail. Common topics include:

Your full legal name and any name changes
Travel outside the U.S. in the last 5 years
Work and living history
Tax filing history
Criminal background
Memberships in organizations
Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution

It’s important to answer honestly. If a mistake was made on your application, don’t panic, just explain the situation clearly. USCIS will consider whether it was an error or a deliberate misrepresentation.

What About the English and Civics Tests?

Unless you qualify for an exemption (based on age and years of residency), you must pass both tests:

English test: Reading, writing, and speaking.
Civics test: 10 questions about U.S. history and government. You must get at least 6 right to pass.

IMPORTANT: If you fail either part of the test, you’ll get a second chance 60–90 days later. But if you fail twice, your application will be denied.

Can USCIS Deny You After the Interview?

Yes. Common reasons include:

Failing the English or civics test
Inconsistent answers or suspected fraud
Missing documents
Criminal history that shows lack of “good moral character”
Extended trips outside the U.S. that broke continuous residence

If your case is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation. In some cases, you can file an appeal (Form N-336), but not all cases qualify, and not all appeals succeed.

Do You Need to Bring Your Spouse?

Only if USCIS asks. Not always, but in some marriage-based cases, USCIS may request that your spouse attend. Check your interview notice carefully, and consult with your attorney if you're unsure.

This usually applies if:

You’re still within the conditional residency period
You divorced shortly after receiving your green card
There are questions about the legitimacy of your relationship

Check your interview notice, if your spouse is required, it will say so clearly.

What Happens After the Interview?

If everything checks out, you’ll be scheduled for your naturalization oath ceremony, the final step where you take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen. Some ceremonies happen the same day; others are scheduled within a few weeks.

If you're denied for another reason, such as something in your background that makes you ineligible, you might be able to appeal, though the success rate is low. That’s why working with an immigration attorney ahead of time is the best way to avoid this outcome.

If USCIS needs more information they’ll give you a request for evidence (RFE) with clear instructions.

Don’t Make These Common Mistakes

Showing up without your green card
Forgetting court documents for past arrests
Assuming USCIS already has your documents, they might, but they want to see what you bring
Submitting copies without originals (they’ll want to see both)

If you’re unsure about anything on your N-400, now’s the time to go over it with a legal expert. If your answers don’t match up with your documents, or you misunderstand a question, it could delay your approval or worse.

Final Thought

Your interview is more than a formality, it’s a critical checkpoint. If you’re unsure about your case, don’t guess. Preparation makes the difference between approval and delay (or denial).

At Guerra Bravo Law, we’ve helped countless families navigate the process with confidence. If you need help preparing, reviewing your documents, or attending the interview with legal support, our team is here.

Guerra Bravo Law Firm

Guerra Bravo Law Firm is a Texas-based immigration law firm led by experienced attorneys dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex immigration challenges. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of U.S. immigration law, our team is committed to providing accurate information, practical guidance, and compassionate advocacy through every stage of the legal process.