What to expect at your N-400 interview
Alexandra Fuxa • March 9, 2023
You have reached the end of your journey to become a US Citizen – you’ve had your green card for the required amount of time, and you have successfully completed and filed your N-400 form to finally apply to become a US Citizen. You just got your N-400 interview notice in the mail, but what happens at this interview?
The N-400 interview consists of two separate parts: a test, and an actual interview. Below, we will go over each part in more detail:
- Part I – Naturalization Test
The first part of your N-400 interview will consist of a test. The test is made up of two components: English, and civics. During the English portion of the test, you must demonstrate you understand the English language and that you have the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The officer will ask you to correctly read one sentence aloud and will also ask you to correctly write down one sentence.
During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history. There is a list of 100 possible questions the officer could ask you. However, the officer will only ask 10 questions during your interview, and you only need to answer 6 of those questions correctly in order to pass.
- Part II – Naturalization Interview
After you have passed your Naturalization Test, the officer will inform you that you have passed the test and will move on to the Naturalization interview. During this interview, the officer will review your N-400 petition with you. The officer will make sure all the information listed on the application is accurate and will correct any mistakes or updates on the form. The officer will also go over your travel history during the last 5 years. It is important you know your date of departure from the US, your date of arrival back in the US, what country you visited, and what was the purpose of your visit. Finally, you will go over the security questions and the constitution questions on the application together with the officer.
What happens after I pass the test and complete the interview?
Depending on the office your interview is scheduled at, you might be able to become a US Citizen the same day! Some offices offer naturalization ceremonies the day you successfully complete your interview, but you will have to ask the officer if this service is available. If it is not, no worries – you will be scheduled to come back for a naturalization ceremony. In the naturalization ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance and will be given your official naturalization certificate. It is very important to keep your green card until your naturalization certificate is issued. At the naturalization ceremony, an officer will explain the process to get a social security number and a passport.
What if I don’t pass the civics test?
If you do not pass the civics test on your first try, USCIS will reschedule your appointment and you will come back on a different day to retake the test. It is very important to study, since you only have 2 attempts to take the English and civics test. You can find the 100 possible questions the officer can ask you at this link:
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
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These include: Asylees and refugees Special immigrant juveniles Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners T and U visa applicants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Importantly, even if someone later adjusts status through a different pathway that is subject to public charge, any benefits they received while in an exempt category will not be held against them. What Public Benefits Are Not Considered in the Public Charge Test? It is a common and harmful myth that using any public benefit will jeopardize your immigration status. In fact, most non-cash benefits do not count against you in a public charge determination. According to USCIS and DHS guidance, the following types of assistance (current as of July 1, 2025) are not considered: Health-Related Benefits Medi-Cal/Medicaid, except for long-term institutional care Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, including subsidies COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment Community health services, crisis counseling, and short-term shelters Food and Nutrition SNAP (Food Stamps) WIC School meal programs Food banks and emergency food assistance Housing and Energy Emergency shelter Rental assistance (e.g., McKinney-Vento programs) Energy assistance (e.g., LIHEAP) Education and Childcare Public schooling Head Start Childcare subsidies (e.g., CCDF) Educational grants and scholarships Federal Cash and Tax Benefits Earned income tax credit (EITC) Child Tax Credit (CTC) Stimulus checks Unemployment insurance Social Security and veteran’s benefits Disaster and pandemic-related cash aid In short, just because a benefit is public or government-funded doesn’t automatically make it count against you. A Word of Caution About Medi-Cal and Medicaid, in Particular As of today (07/01/2025), standard use of Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) or Medicaid for most health-related services is not considered in a public charge determination. This includes preventative care, emergency services, pregnancy-related services, and short-term care. However, if Medicaid is used for long-term institutionalization, such as in a nursing home or psychiatric facility, that does count under the public charge test. Despite current guidance, we are seeing political shifts and changes in tone from the current administration that suggest public charge policies may become more restrictive in the future. This includes renewed interest in expanding the types of public benefits that may be considered, particularly around medical assistance. For that reason, we generally recommend that individuals who are applying for adjustment of status, or who may be subject to the public charge ground in the future, avoid enrolling in Medi-Cal or Medicaid at this time, unless absolutely necessary. Final Thoughts Immigration law is complex, and the rules surrounding public charge can feel confusing or even frightening. But it’s important to understand that using most public benefits—especially for food, education, and healthcare—will not automatically jeopardize your green card or visa application. Still, because policy can change quickly, we urge individuals to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for any public assistance—especially healthcare programs like Medi-Cal or Medicaid. If you have questions or concerns about how public benefits might impact your immigration case, our office is here to help. We are committed to providing up-to-date, personalized guidance to keep your immigration journey on track. Disclaimer The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the application of the public charge rule may vary depending on your specific situation. If you believe this topic may apply to you or you need individualized legal guidance, we encourage you to contact one of our highly-qualified legal professionals for a consultation and assistance tailored to your circumstances. Resources: USCIS Public Charge Resources ILRC Medi-Cal and Public Charge Alert (2024) California Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQ
