Does the officer ask every question on the N-400?

Usually most of them, and always the Part 9 questions. The officer may skip parts that are clearly not relevant.

What if I don't understand a question?

Say “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” Asking to repeat or rephrase is normal and does not count against you.

What if my answer changed since I filed?

Tell the officer. Changes such as a new address, job, trip or marital status are corrected on the form during the interview.

N-400 Interview Questions: What the Officer Asks and Why

How the interview goes

The officer puts you under oath, checks your ID, then goes through your N-400 question by question. Your answers must match the form; if something changed since you filed (new address, a trip abroad, a new job), say so. Answer only what is asked, briefly and truthfully. The English speaking test is this conversation.

Phrases the officer uses

Please come inside. / Please follow me.The officer calls your name in the waiting room and leads you to the interview office.
I'm Officer Taylor. I'll be conducting your interview today.The officer introduces himself or herself. You can reply: 'Nice to meet you.'
How are you doing today?A friendly greeting; it also lets the officer hear your English. Answer: 'I'm fine, thank you. How are you?'
Please remain standing. / Please stay standing.Do not sit down yet; you will first be placed under oath while standing.
Before we begin the interview, I'll need to place you under oath.You will have to promise to tell the truth. 'Under oath' means lying afterwards is a crime (perjury).
Please raise your right hand.Lift your right hand, palm forward, for the oath.
Do you swear or affirm that the statements you will give today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?The oath to tell the truth. Answer: 'I do' or 'Yes, I do.'
Do you promise to tell the truth?A simpler version of the oath. Answer: 'Yes, I promise.'
Please take a seat. / Please sit down. / Have a seat.You may now sit in the chair in front of the officer's desk.
Please put your belongings on the floor / on the chair next to you.Put your bag and coat aside so your hands are free for documents and signing.
I need to see your lawful permanent resident card, all of your passports, and your state-issued identification, please.Hand over your green card, every passport (current and expired) and your driver's license or state ID.
Did you bring your interview notice / appointment letter?The officer wants the Form N-1 interview notice (Form I-797C). Hand it over.
Have you had any changes since you filed your application?Tell the officer about anything new: new address, job, marriage, divorce, children, trips abroad, arrests or tickets.
Can you repeat that, please? / Could you speak a little louder?The officer did not hear or understand you. Repeat your answer slowly and clearly.
Do you understand the question? / Did you understand what I said?If not, say: 'I'm sorry, could you please repeat the question?' or 'Could you explain that, please?' Asking is allowed and does not fail you.
Now is the reading test. Please read line number 1 out loud for me.Start of the English reading test. Read the sentence aloud; you have up to three tries to read one sentence correctly.
Now I need you to write line number 1 for me. / Please write: ...Start of the writing test. The officer dictates a sentence; write it on the tablet or paper. Spelling mistakes that do not change the meaning are acceptable.
Are you ready for your civics test?The civics (history and government) questions begin. Answer with short, complete phrases.
Please review your application and sign here. / Please print your name and sign.The officer shows your N-400 with any corrections; check it and sign in cursive where indicated, then print (write in block letters) your name.
Congratulations. I am recommending your application for approval. Do you have any questions?You passed. You will receive Form N-652 with the result and later a notice for your oath ceremony. Answer: 'No, thank you.' or ask about the ceremony date.

The questions, part by part

Questions marked moral character are the Part 9 “Have you ever…” questions: the officer reads each one and expects a clear No (or Yes with an explanation). Questions marked allegiance are about the Oath.

On what basis are you applying for naturalization? How long have you been a lawful permanent resident?Part 1
What it checks: Confirms your eligibility category: 5 years as a permanent resident, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, or military service.
Answer pattern: I have been a permanent resident for more than five years.
What is your full legal name?Part 2
What it checks: The officer compares your spoken name with the N-400, your green card and passport. Give your legal name, not a nickname.
Answer pattern: My name is Maria Elena Lopez. Lopez is my family name.
Have you used any other names since birth? (nicknames, aliases, maiden name)Part 2
What it checks: Checks that every name you have used (maiden name, previous married names, aliases) is listed on the form.
Answer pattern: Yes. My maiden name was Maria Elena Garcia. / No, I have always used this name.
Do you want to legally change your name?Part 2
What it checks: If you asked for a name change on the N-400, the officer confirms the new name exactly as you want it; it takes effect at a court oath ceremony.
Answer pattern: No, I want to keep my name. / Yes, I want my legal name to be Mary Lopez.
What is your date of birth?Part 2
What it checks: Simple identity check against your documents. Say it the American way: month, day, year.
Answer pattern: March 15, 1985.
Where were you born? What is your country of birth and your country of citizenship or nationality?Part 2
What it checks: Identity and background check; the answer must match your passport and the N-400.
Answer pattern: I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am a citizen of Ukraine.
Was your mother or father a U.S. citizen before your 18th birthday?Part 2
What it checks: Checks whether you might already be a U.S. citizen through a parent, which would change how your case is handled.
Answer pattern: No, neither of my parents was a U.S. citizen.
What is your current home address? How long have you lived there?Part 4
What it checks: Checks your physical residence (not a P.O. box) and that you live in the USCIS district where you filed. Addresses must cover the last 5 years.
Answer pattern: I live at 125 Oak Street, Apartment 3B, Brooklyn, New York 11201. I have lived there for three years.
Where did you live before that? Have you moved since you filed your application?Part 4
What it checks: Confirms all addresses for the last 5 years and whether you reported any move (you must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving).
Answer pattern: Before that I lived at 40 Main Street in Newark, New Jersey, from 2019 to 2022. I have not moved since I filed.
What is your current marital status? (single, never married; married; divorced; widowed; separated; marriage annulled)Part 5
What it checks: Checks your marital history and, if you apply as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, that you are still living in marital union.
Answer pattern: I am married. / I am single, I have never been married.
How many times have you been married? When and where did you marry your current spouse?Part 5
What it checks: Every marriage counts, including annulled ones and marriages to the same person. Dates must match your marriage certificate.
Answer pattern: I have been married once. We got married on June 10, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Is your spouse a U.S. citizen? When did he or she become a citizen? Where does your spouse live and work?Part 5
What it checks: Needed for the 3-year rule and to confirm a real, ongoing marriage. Bring your spouse's proof of citizenship.
Answer pattern: Yes, my husband is a U.S. citizen. He was born in Texas. He works as a nurse at Mercy Hospital.
How many children do you have? Where do they live?Part 6
What it checks: All children must be listed, including adult, adopted and step-children and children living abroad. Also relates to child-support questions later.
Answer pattern: I have two children. They both live with me in Brooklyn.
Where do you work? Who is your employer and what is your occupation?Part 7
What it checks: Confirms employment for the last 5 years as listed on the form; also background for the tax questions.
Answer pattern: I work at ABC Logistics as a warehouse supervisor. I have worked there since 2021.
How many trips of 24 hours or longer have you taken outside the United States during the last 5 years?Part 8
What it checks: Checks physical presence and continuous residence; the number must match the N-400 and your passport stamps.
Answer pattern: I have taken three trips outside the United States in the last five years.
How many total days did you spend outside the United States during the last 5 years?Part 8
What it checks: You must have been physically present at least 30 months out of 5 years (18 of 3 years under the spouse rule).
Answer pattern: About 45 days in total.
When was your last trip outside the United States? Where did you go, and when did you return?Part 8
What it checks: The officer checks your passport stamps against the trip list. Be ready with dates and countries for each trip.
Answer pattern: My last trip was to Mexico. I left on December 20, 2024, and came back on January 5, 2025.
Did any trip last 6 months or longer? Did you ever leave the United States for one year or more?Part 8
What it checks: Trips of more than 6 months may break continuous residence; one year or more breaks it unless you had USCIS approval.
Answer pattern: No, none of my trips lasted more than six months.
Have you EVER claimed to be a U.S. citizen (in writing or any other way)? moral characterPart 9, Item 1
What it checks: A false claim to U.S. citizenship (for example on a job form I-9, a passport application or to vote) can make you permanently ineligible.
Answer pattern: No, I have never claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
Have you EVER registered to vote or voted in any Federal, state, or local election in the United States? moral characterPart 9, Item 2
What it checks: Unlawful voting or registration by a noncitizen is a serious problem. Lawful voting in a local election open to noncitizens may be answered 'No'.
Answer pattern: No, I have never registered to vote or voted in the United States.
Do you currently owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes in the United States? moral characterPart 9, Item 3
What it checks: Unpaid taxes may show a lack of good moral character. If you owe, bring proof of a payment plan with the IRS or state.
Answer pattern: No, I do not owe any taxes. I filed my tax returns every year.
Since you became a lawful permanent resident, have you called yourself a 'nonresident alien' on a tax return or decided not to file a tax return because you considered yourself a nonresident? moral characterPart 9, Item 4
What it checks: Filing as a nonresident or not filing may show you abandoned your U.S. residence. Bring IRS tax transcripts for the last 5 (or 3) years.
Answer pattern: No. I have filed my taxes as a resident every year.
Have you EVER been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with any Communist or totalitarian party anywhere in the world? allegiancePart 9, Item 5.a
What it checks: Membership in a Communist or totalitarian party is a bar to naturalization unless it ended more than 10 years ago or was involuntary (e.g., required for a job or food). Tell the truth and explain.
Answer pattern: No, I have never been a member of a Communist or totalitarian party. / Yes, I was required to join as a student in 1988; I left in 1991.
Have you EVER advocated, or been associated with any group that advocated: opposition to all organized government; world communism; a totalitarian dictatorship in the United States; overthrow of the U.S. Government by force or violence; the unlawful killing of government officers; the unlawful destruction of property; or sabotage? allegiancePart 9, Item 5.b
What it checks: Tests your attachment to the Constitution. Anyone who supports overthrowing the government by force or anarchism cannot naturalize.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER been a member of, associated with, or provided money, a thing of value, services or labor, or any other support to a group that used a weapon or explosive to harm people or property; kidnapped, assassinated or hijacked; or threatened, planned or incited others to do so? moral characterPart 9, Item 6
What it checks: This is the terrorism question. Any support for a terrorist organization, even small or forced, must be disclosed.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER ordered, incited, called for, committed, assisted, helped with, or otherwise participated in: torture; genocide; killing or trying to kill any person; intentionally and severely injuring any person; any kind of sexual contact with a person who did not consent; not letting someone practice their religion; or causing harm to any person because of their race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion? moral characterPart 9, Item 7
What it checks: Persecution and serious human-rights abuses are permanent bars. Military or police service in your home country may lead to follow-up questions here.
Answer pattern: No, I have never done any of those things.
Have you EVER served in, been a member of, assisted (helped), or participated in any military or police unit? moral characterPart 9, Item 8.a
What it checks: Military or police service anywhere (including compulsory service) must be disclosed. It is not a bar by itself, but the officer will ask what you did.
Answer pattern: Yes, I served two years of mandatory military service in Ukraine from 2005 to 2007 as a driver.
Have you EVER served in, been a member of, assisted, or participated in any armed group, for example a paramilitary unit, self-defense unit, vigilante unit, rebel group, or guerrilla group? moral characterPart 9, Item 8.b
What it checks: Checks for involvement in non-state armed groups, which may raise terrorism or persecution bars.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER worked, volunteered, or otherwise served in a place where people were detained, for example a prison, jail, prison camp, detention facility, or labor camp, or participated in any activity that involved detaining people? moral characterPart 9, Item 9
What it checks: Work in prisons or camps is not automatically a bar, but the officer checks whether you took part in abuse or persecution of detainees.
Answer pattern: No, I have never worked in a prison or detention facility.
Were you EVER a part of any group, or did you EVER help any group, unit, or organization that used a weapon against any person, or threatened to do so? Did you ever use or threaten to use a weapon against another person? moral characterPart 9, Item 10
What it checks: Covers use of weapons against people in any context, including armed groups or gangs.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER sold, provided, or transported weapons, or assisted any person in doing so, which you knew or believed would be used against another person? moral characterPart 9, Item 11
What it checks: Checks for weapons trafficking or supplying arms to people who would harm others.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER received any weapons training, paramilitary training, or other military-type training? moral characterPart 9, Item 12
What it checks: Includes training during compulsory military service. Answer 'Yes' if you served in the army and explain; it is not a bar by itself.
Answer pattern: Yes, I received basic weapons training during my mandatory military service in 2005.
Have you EVER recruited, enlisted, conscripted, or used any person under 15 years of age to serve in or help an armed group, or to take part in hostilities? moral characterPart 9, Items 13-14
What it checks: Use of child soldiers is a permanent bar.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER committed, agreed to commit, asked someone else to commit, helped commit, or tried to commit a crime or offense for which you were NOT arrested? moral characterPart 9, Item 15.a
What it checks: Good moral character covers crimes even if you were never caught. Lying here is worse than the offense itself.
Answer pattern: No, I have never committed a crime.
Have you EVER been arrested, cited, detained or confined by any law enforcement officer, military official, or immigration official for any reason, or been charged with a crime or offense? moral characterPart 9, Item 15.b
What it checks: You must disclose every arrest or citation anywhere in the world, even if the case was dismissed, expunged or sealed. Minor traffic tickets under $500 without arrest need not be listed, but be ready to mention them.
Answer pattern: Yes, I was cited for speeding in 2022 and paid the fine. I have never been arrested. / No, never.
If you received a suspended sentence, were placed on probation, or were paroled, have you completed your suspended sentence, probation, or parole? moral characterPart 9, Item 16
What it checks: You cannot be approved while still on probation or parole. Bring certified court dispositions for any case.
Answer pattern: That does not apply to me. / Yes, I completed my probation in 2020.
Have you ever engaged in prostitution, attempted to procure or import prostitutes or persons for the purpose of prostitution, or received any proceeds or money from prostitution? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.a
What it checks: Prostitution-related conduct within the statutory period bars good moral character.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you ever manufactured, cultivated, produced, distributed, dispensed, sold, or smuggled (trafficked) any controlled substances, illegal drugs, narcotics, or drug paraphernalia in violation of any law of a U.S. state, the United States, or a foreign country? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.b
What it checks: Drug trafficking is a bar. Note that marijuana is still illegal under federal law even in states where it is legal; work in the cannabis industry can be a problem.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you ever been married to more than one person at the same time? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.c
What it checks: Polygamy (practicing or having more than one spouse at once) bars good moral character.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you ever married someone in order to obtain an immigration benefit? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.d
What it checks: Marriage fraud is a permanent bar to any immigration benefit.
Answer pattern: No, never. I married my wife because we love each other.
Have you ever helped anyone to enter, or try to enter, the United States illegally? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.e
What it checks: Alien smuggling, even helping a relative cross the border, is a serious bar.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you ever gambled illegally or received income from illegal gambling? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.f
What it checks: Illegal gambling convictions or income show a lack of good moral character; legal casino or lottery play is fine.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you ever failed to support your dependents (pay child support) or to pay alimony (court-ordered financial support after divorce or separation)? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.g
What it checks: Willfully failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony shows a lack of good moral character. Bring payment records if you have children living elsewhere.
Answer pattern: No. I pay child support every month for my son who lives with his mother.
Have you ever made any misrepresentation to obtain any public benefit in the United States? moral characterPart 9, Item 17.h
What it checks: Lying to get public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, housing, etc.) is a good-moral-character problem. Lawfully receiving benefits is not.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER given any U.S. Government officials any information or documentation that was false, fraudulent, or misleading? moral characterPart 9, Item 18
What it checks: Covers any false document or statement to USCIS, consulates, CBP, SSA, etc. Inconsistencies with your past applications will be checked.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER lied to any U.S. Government officials to gain entry or admission into the United States or to gain immigration benefits while in the United States? moral characterPart 9, Item 19
What it checks: Fraud or misrepresentation to get a visa, green card or entry can make you removable; it must be disclosed and may need a waiver.
Answer pattern: No, I have always told the truth to immigration officials.
Have you EVER been placed in removal, rescission, or deportation proceedings? Are any proceedings currently pending? moral characterPart 9, Item 20
What it checks: You cannot naturalize while removal proceedings are pending. Past proceedings must be explained with court documents.
Answer pattern: No, I have never been in removal proceedings.
Have you EVER been removed or deported from the United States? moral characterPart 9, Item 21
What it checks: Prior removal or deportation affects eligibility and how you re-entered legally.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Are you a person born as a male who lived in the United States at any time between your 18th and 26th birthdays? Did you register for the Selective Service? moral characterPart 9, Item 22
What it checks: Men 18-26 living in the U.S. (except lawful nonimmigrants) must register for the draft. If you did not and are under 31, you may need a status information letter and to show it was not knowing and willful.
Answer pattern: Yes, I registered for the Selective Service when I was 18. / No, I was 30 years old when I came to the United States.
Have you EVER left the United States to avoid being drafted in the U.S. armed forces? Have you EVER applied for any kind of exemption from military service in the U.S. armed forces? moral characterPart 9, Items 23-24
What it checks: Draft evasion and certain exemptions from U.S. military service based on alienage can bar naturalization.
Answer pattern: No, never.
Have you EVER served in the U.S. armed forces? Are you currently a member of the U.S. armed forces? moral characterPart 9, Items 25-26
What it checks: Military service may qualify you for special naturalization provisions; bring your Form N-426 or discharge papers.
Answer pattern: No, I have never served in the U.S. armed forces.
Have you EVER been court-martialed, or received a discharge characterized as other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable? Were you EVER discharged because you were an alien? Have you EVER deserted from the U.S. armed forces? moral characterPart 9, Items 27-29
What it checks: Desertion during wartime and alienage discharges are bars; other discipline affects good moral character.
Answer pattern: That does not apply to me. I never served in the U.S. military.
Do you now have, or did you EVER have, a hereditary title or an order of nobility in any foreign country? If yes, are you willing to give it up at your naturalization ceremony? allegiancePart 9, Item 30
What it checks: The law requires you to renounce any foreign noble title (prince, count, lord, etc.) when you take the Oath.
Answer pattern: No, I have never had a title of nobility.
Do you support the Constitution and form of Government of the United States? allegiancePart 9, Item 31
What it checks: Core attachment question. You must be willing to accept and support the U.S. Constitution and democratic government.
Answer pattern: Yes, I do.
Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States? allegiancePart 9, Item 32
What it checks: You must understand what you promise: give up foreign allegiance, support the Constitution and laws, and serve the country when required. A waiver exists only for disability.
Answer pattern: Yes, I understand the Oath. I promise to be loyal to the United States and obey its laws.
Are you unable to take the Oath of Allegiance because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment? allegiancePart 9, Item 33
What it checks: Identifies applicants who need an oath waiver (Form N-648 medical certification). Most people answer 'No'.
Answer pattern: No, I am able to take the Oath.
Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States? allegiancePart 9, Item 34
What it checks: You must be willing to take the complete Oath. Modifications are allowed only for religious or conscientious objections to bearing arms.
Answer pattern: Yes, I am willing to take the full Oath.
If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms (carry weapons) on behalf of the United States? allegiancePart 9, Item 35
What it checks: Asks if you would fight for the U.S. if legally required. A 'No' is allowed only for sincere religious or conscientious reasons, which you must explain.
Answer pattern: Yes, if the law requires it.
If the law requires it, are you willing to perform noncombatant services (do something that does not include fighting in a war) in the U.S. armed forces? allegiancePart 9, Item 36
What it checks: Asks about non-fighting military service (e.g., medical, logistics). Same rules as bearing arms: 'No' only for religious or conscientious objection.
Answer pattern: Yes, if the law requires it.
If the law requires it, are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction (do non-military work that the U.S. Government says is important to the country)? allegiancePart 9, Item 37
What it checks: Everyone must answer 'Yes'. This part of the Oath cannot be modified or waived.
Answer pattern: Yes, I am willing.

How to prepare

Reread your own N-400 before the interview; bring a copy. Most interview questions are the form read aloud.
Know the dates: when you became a permanent resident, your trips outside the U.S., your marriage date.
For every “Have you ever” question, answer honestly. A truthful yes with an explanation is far better than a no the officer can disprove.
Practise saying your answers out loud in English. The civics test and the reading and writing words are the other two parts.