The short version
- Two tests in one interview: civics and English.
- Civics comes from a public list of 100 questions across government, history and civics topics.
- English is tested by reading aloud, writing a dictated sentence, and the conversation itself.
- All of it happens face to face with a USCIS officer, in the same appointment as your application review.
Part one: civics
Civics questions are grouped into American government, American history, and integrated civics. Government is the largest block and includes the three branches, the rule of law, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, plus rights and duties of citizens. History runs from the colonial period through the 1800s to recent events. Integrated civics covers geography, national symbols and holidays.
Part two: English
| Skill | What happens | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Read one of up to three sentences correctly | Practise the official reading vocabulary list aloud |
| Writing | Write one of up to three dictated sentences correctly | Practise handwriting the official writing vocabulary |
| Speaking | Assessed from your answers during the interview | Rehearse answering questions about your own application |
Part three: your own application
Officers also confirm the information on your form. Expect questions about your travel history, addresses, employment, marital history and any legal issues. Getting a detail wrong here can matter more than a missed civics question, so re-read your submitted application before you attend.
Common mistakes
- Studying civics but ignoring the reading and writing vocabulary.
- Forgetting the interview also reviews your own application answers.
- Using unofficial question lists that have not been updated.
Key takeaways
- Civics plus English plus an application review, all in one appointment.
- Use the official question and vocabulary lists.
- Rehearse out loud, because every part of the test is spoken except one written sentence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the citizenship interview take?
Most interviews run between 20 and 40 minutes, covering the application review, the civics questions and the English reading and writing tasks. Waiting time at the office is often longer than the interview itself.
What should I bring to the interview?
Bring your appointment notice, permanent resident card, valid passports and travel documents, and any documents the notice asks for, such as updated marriage or tax records.
Is the writing part hard?
You write one dictated sentence using common civics vocabulary. Spelling errors that do not change the meaning are usually accepted, so practising the official writing vocabulary is normally enough.
Can I use notes during the test?
No. The interview is closed book. Everything is answered from memory, which is why practising the full list out loud matters more than reading it silently.