Sample N-400 Interview Script

Our clients often want to get a sense of what kind of interaction and questions are asked during the N-400 interview.   Below is a realistic sample script for a typical N-400 Naturalization Interview for the applicant Mr. John Michael Doe who is called from the waiting room and escorted to the interview office by the USCIS officer, Officer Smith.

1. Introduction and Oath

Officer: Good morning. My name is Officer Smith, and I’ll be conducting your naturalization interview today.
Applicant: Good morning.
Officer: Please remain standing and raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm that the statements you will give today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Applicant: Yes, I do.
Officer: Thank you. You may be seated.

2. Identity Verification

Officer: May I please have your green card, state-issued ID, and passport?
Applicant: Here you go.
Officer: Thank you. Let’s verify your information. Your full legal name is John Michael Doe, correct?
Applicant: Yes.
Officer: Have you ever used any other names, including nicknames, maiden names, or aliases?
Applicant: No.
Officer: Your date of birth is April 10, 1985, and your country of birth is the United Kingdom, correct?
Applicant: That’s correct.
Officer: What is your current address?
Applicant: 123 Main Street, Rockville, Maryland.
Officer: And how long have you lived at that address?
Applicant: Since 2021.

3. Eligibility and Continuous Residence

Officer: When did you become a lawful permanent resident?
Applicant: June 15, 2018.
Officer: So you’ve been a permanent resident for more than five years. Have you taken any trips outside the United States during that time?
Applicant: Yes, a few short vacations.
Officer: What was the longest trip you took outside the U.S.?
Applicant: About three weeks.
Officer: Have you lived continuously in the U.S. since becoming a permanent resident?
Applicant: Yes, I have.
Officer: And have you resided in this USCIS district for at least three months before applying?
Applicant: Yes.

4. Employment and Marital Information

Officer: Are you currently employed?
Applicant: Yes, I work as a software engineer at ABC Technologies.
Officer: How long have you worked there?
Applicant: About three years.

Officer: Are you married?
Applicant: Yes.
Officer: What is your spouse’s name?
Applicant: Jane Doe.
Officer: Is your spouse a U.S. citizen?
Applicant: Yes, she naturalized in 2020.
Officer: Do you have any children?
Applicant: Yes, one son, age five.

5. Good Moral Character and Conduct

Officer: Now I’ll ask you some questions about your background and moral character. Please answer “yes” or “no.” If you’re unsure, just let me know and we’ll discuss it.

Criminal and Arrest History

1. Have you ever been arrested, cited, charged, or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, including traffic violations?
2. Have you ever been convicted of a crime or offense, even if it was later dismissed, expunged, or sealed?
3. Have you ever spent time in jail, prison, or been on probation or parole?
4. Have you ever been in court for any criminal matter, even if it was dismissed or resolved through a diversion program?
5. Have you ever committed a crime or offense for which you were not arrested?
6. Have you ever been involved in domestic violence, assault, or any offense involving harm to another person?
7. Have you ever been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)?
8. Have you ever been involved in selling, possessing, or using illegal drugs or controlled substances?
9. Have you ever helped anyone enter or try to enter the United States illegally?

Law Compliance and Truthfulness

10. Have you ever failed to file your federal, state, or local taxes?
11. Do you owe any overdue taxes to any government agency?
12. Have you ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen in writing or otherwise?
13. Have you ever registered to vote or voted in any election in the United States?
14. Have you ever been deported, removed, or ordered to leave the United States?
15. Have you ever given false or misleading information to any U.S. government official or on any immigration application?
16. Have you ever lied to gain an immigration benefit or to avoid deportation?

Financial and Family Responsibilities

17. Do you have any children, including biological, step, or adopted?
18. Do you financially support all your children and dependents as required by law?
19. Have you ever failed to pay court-ordered child support or alimony?
20. Have you ever been ordered by a court to pay fines, restitution, or penalties, and have you complied with those orders?

Selective Service and Military

21. If you are or were a male who lived in the United States between ages 18 and 26, did you register with the Selective Service?
22. Have you ever deserted from the U.S. Armed Forces?
23. Have you ever received an exemption or discharge from the military for being an alien?

Organizations, Associations, and Conduct

24. Have you ever been a member of or associated with any organization or group that used or advocated violence against people or the government?
25. Have you ever supported terrorism or the persecution of any person because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group?
26. Have you ever participated in genocide, torture, or killing of any person?
27. Have you ever been involved in prostitution, human trafficking, or illegal gambling?
28. Have you ever married or helped someone marry for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws?
29. Have you ever received or helped anyone receive public assistance, welfare, or benefits fraudulently?
30. Have you ever failed to support yourself or become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence?

Final Character Confirmation

31. Since becoming a lawful permanent resident, have you done anything that might suggest you do not have good moral character?
32. Is there anything in your background that you think the government should know before a decision is made on your application?

Applicant: No to all of those questions.

Officer: Thank you.

6. English Reading and Writing Test

Officer: Now we’ll do the English portion. Please read this sentence aloud:
Sentence: “The President lives in the White House.”
Applicant: The President lives in the White House.

Officer: Great. Now please write the following sentence on this tablet:
Sentence: “Citizens can vote.”
Applicant: (Writes the sentence.)

Officer: Excellent.

7. Civics Test

Officer: Now we’ll go over the civics test. I’ll ask you up to ten questions; you need to answer six correctly to pass. Ready?
Applicant: Yes.

1. What is the supreme law of the land?
   Applicant: The Constitution.
2. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
   Applicant: The Bill of Rights.
3. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
   Applicant: The President.
4. How many U.S. Senators are there?
   Applicant: 100.
5. What is the capital of your state?
   Applicant: Annapolis.
6. What is the name of the national anthem?
   Applicant: The Star-Spangled Banner.

Officer: Excellent — that’s six correct. You’ve passed the civics portion.

8. Final Review and Decision

Officer: Mr. Doe, you’ve passed the English and civics tests, and your application appears to meet all requirements for naturalization. I’m recommending your application for approval.

You’ll receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony. Do you have any questions for me?
Applicant: No, thank you.
Officer: Congratulations in advance, Mr. Doe. Welcome to the final step toward becoming a U.S. citizen.

Conclusion

A naturalization interview is a structured but conversational process designed to confirm your eligibility, moral character, and readiness for U.S. citizenship. While every interview follows a similar format, each case is unique — and preparation makes a meaningful difference. Understanding the questions, bringing the correct documentation, and being ready to explain any past issues clearly and honestly can help ensure a smooth experience. Please contact us if we can be of any help in understanding or preparing for naturalization application submission.  We offer flat fee engagements and phone consultations.   Also, please subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to obtain further news and developments on this topic.