Naturalization Interview Tips

Through the years, I have attended many naturalization interviews and prepared many more clients to go to the interview on their own. For each client, it is an exciting day, as it is the culmination of a long immigration journey. If they are successful at the interview, they will finally become United States citizens. However, they must make it past the interview, and the immigration officer, who will not only test their knowledge of civics and the English language but also question them on the many things that are contained in the N-400 application.

I have found that in general, the civics exam is the least of most client’s concerns at the interview. This does not mean you should not study hard and prepare. I think most clients do not have trouble with the civics exam because they study hard and prepare. So study and prepare! More so, I have had clients experience trouble with the English language portion of the exam. The language portion not only covers the ability to read and write a small amount of English. It also covers the applicant’s ability to converse with the officer during the interview. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking an English preparation course if English is your second language, and you have not already been studying in advance.

Marriage. If you are applying at 3 years, based on your marriage to a US Citizen, it is important to be prepared to prove that you have a good faith marriage. As in the past, have evidence to prove this fact. Trips you have taken together, photos, bills paid, joint bank accounts showing daily living expenses, and joint taxes.

Travel History. A major concern with Naturalization is travel. The next blog on this website will be about travel and how it can affect your case. For now, if you travel at all while your case is pending, be sure to document when and where you traveled, to update your application.

Criminal History. Any criminal history can pose a major threat to citizenship. If you have had any arrests, charges, or convictions, it is important to talk to an attorney who has experience not only with immigration but also with criminal law. As a former criminal defense attorney, I have the experience to read your criminal history and determine what might pose an issue. If you have any arrests in the period after you file your case, I would recommend talking to an experienced attorney as well.

Taxes. More and more, I have seen cases delayed due to a lack of proof of paying taxes. Make sure to bring your tax returns for the entire period, usually 5 years, with you to the interview.

Child Support. If you pay child support, make sure you have proof that you have and continue to make your child support payments.

Any other changes. If anything else has changed in your life, be prepared to note it. If you move, start new employment, marry, divorce, etc. All of this should be documented.

There are many other issues that are covered in your application itself. These should be carefully reviewed before filing. If you are preparing to file for citizenship, and have any questions, I would be happy to have a consultation with you. Contact me today.