Becoming a U.S. Citizen: Citizenship Interview Tips

Your citizenship interview to become a U.S. citizen may be stressful, but the most important thing is to answer each question honestly and to do whatever the USCIS officer asks you to do. Even though you might be nervous, remember that the officer sees scores of immigrants every day, and has probably seen everything. If you are polite, respectful, honest and forthcoming, you aren’t likely to have any problems.

Here are a few tips for completing a successful citizenship interview.

Citizenship Interview Tip #1: Be Yourself

The USCIS officer will not be impressed by lavish compliments or pro-U.S. statements, so don’t bother. Nervous immigrants often think that if they act like they think the officer wants them to act, they’ll be more likely to get approved. Quite the opposite, USCIS officers are more impressed by applicants who answer each question as briefly and succinctly as possible, without overdoing it. Even worse, sumptuous statements that have nothing to do with the interview might make the officer think that you have something to cover up.

Citizenship Interview Tip #2: Be Confident

In many countries other than the United States, it is a sign of respect or submission to look down at the ground when speaking to an authority figure. This is not the case in the U.S., and failing to look the USCIS officer in the eye might be construed as a sign of deception. Look the officer in the eyes and answer each question confidently. If this is difficult for you, try focusing your eyes on the officer’s forehead or nose instead of the eyes.

Citizenship Interview Tip #3: Be Honest

If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. If you are unsure what the officer is saying, ask him or her to clarify it. And if you have done something that you think might hurt your chances for approval, don’t lie about it. Even if your lie is not caught until after you have become a citizen, your citizenship can be revoked. Instead, be forthcoming in your answers to questions, though you don’t have to volunteer information you aren’t asked about.

Citizenship Interview Tip #4: Thank the Officer

When the interview is over, even if you think it went poorly, be sure to thank the officer. This is a sign of respect and appreciation, and USCIS officers hear it far too seldom. Although it won’t necessarily make a different in the approval process, it will leave the officer with a positive feeling about the interview.

Citizenship Interview Tip #5: Have Information in Order

Make sure that all of your documents are organized so you don’t have to scrounge through papers to find something. USCIS officers are not happy when they have to wait ten minutes for you to find something. And an irritated officer is never a good sign.