What to Expect at a Naturalization Interview

What should you expect when you go in for your naturalization interview for U.S. citizenship? Although I am a U.S. citizen by birth, I do have some information and pointers because my wife, a Brazilian national, went through the process.

First, you should expect to go alone. Do not count on or even attempt to take another family member with you. Anyone who is not up for an interview, including your spouse, will not be allowed to enter with you. Leave the spouse, children and all other family members home.

Second, you should expect the interview to begin from the moment you are called in to speak with the official. The interviewer might be a decent person or a jerk having a bad day. You have no control over who interviews you, but you can control your response and keep your composure. You will be asked to write a line or several lines of text, depending on what the interviewer wants, and you will also be quizzed on your knowledge of U.S. history and government. Study well beforehand!

Third, you should expect to be asked for documents that were not listed anywhere on any of the forms you received. Take more documentation than you think you need, but do not offer any of it unless you are asked for it. If any of your documents (birth certificates, marriage certificate, etc.) are in a language other than English, have them translated and the translation notarized as accurate by the translator. Also, be sure to take your past three years of tax returns.

Fourth, expect to be rejected the first time. My wife was turned back, but her return interview was rescheduled without her having to start the process all over (no additional fees). It is common for people to be required to return at a later date for a retest or to bring additional documentation. Even if your request is denied and you have to start all over, don't give up! Your dreams and your future are worth the effort.

I hope that something I've written above has helped you. If you have any questions, just leave a comment on this post and I'll reply as soon as possible. Just please be aware that I am not a lawyer and none of what I have to say is meant to constitute legal advice. If you are looking for assistance with the legal aspect of naturalization, please locate a lawyer who is a member of the Bar Association in your area. You should also take a look at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' "Guide to Naturalization." My wife and I were able to fill out all the paperwork ourselves following the information available from the U.S. government itself.