INTERVIEW

In New York, it is taking between 6-10 months to be scheduled for a naturalization interview.

Applicants will receive a notice in the mail telling them when and where to appear for the interview and what documents they need to bring with them. If you can not make your scheduled interview, you must notify the office where your interview is scheduled by mail. Send a letter requesting that your interview be rescheduled and return a copy of the appointment notice with the letter.

During the interview the USCIS will:

1. Update and review information on the N-400 application.
2. Test your knowledge of U.S. history and government, unless you qualify for a waiver based on a disability.
3. Test for a basic ability to speak, read, write and understand English, unless you qualify for a waiver.
4. Review supporting documents including tax returns for the last five years, green card, birth certificate, passports, etc.
5. Determine your eligibility.

Applicants who fail the English and/or civics examinations have the right to be re-examined within 90 days. Those who fail a second time must start the application process all over again from the beginning. Otherwise, the INS has 120 days from the interview to grant or deny the application. The USCIS will notify successful applicants of the swearing-in ceremony usually within 1-3 months after the interview.