Hi everyone. Welcome back to our Youtube Channel.
We are here to help you pass your US citizenship interview.
Today we're going to cover some common questions and commands
that an immigration officer might ask you during the US citizenship interview.
And I'll provide you some sample answers.
I will also teach you a few phrases that you can use if you don't understand the immigration officer.
Are you ready? Let's start.
N-400 US Citizenship Interview Possible Questions
First, if you're new to our youtube channel, consider subscribing to get our latest content.
We've already reviewed Part 12 of the N-400 application form for you.
If you haven't seen those videos, definitely go check them out here.
During the US citizenship interview, the immigration officer might ask you various questions that may seem unrelated to the interview.
However, they are actually testing your understanding of English.
Your responses also show how well you speak English.
In the first half of this video, I will go over some sample questions and answers.
In the second half of the video, I will give you the opportunity to practice what you've learned.
All right. Let's go over them now.
Small talk
Before the interview, the immigration officer may make small talk with you.
Here are some of the possible questions and sample answers for practice.
How's your day going?
So far so good. Thank you.
How are you?
Very good. Thank you.
How are you doing?
I am well. And you?
How are you feeling?
I feel great. Thanks for asking. And you?
How long have you been waiting?
Not too long. About 45 minutes.
Have you been waiting a long time to speak with me today?
No. I haven't been waiting long.
Do you need to use the restroom before we start?
I'm fine. Thank you.
Sure. Can you show me where the restroom is?
Did anyone come with you today?
Yes, my daughter accompanied me today.
No, I came alone.
Did anyone accompany you today?
Yes, my husband is here in the waiting room.
How did you get here this morning?
My husband brought me here.
I drove myself.
Who drove you here?
I drove here myself.
My son drove me.
Did you come here voluntarily?
Yes. I chose to come here freely.
How was the traffic?
The traffic was pretty bad.
Not too bad. I was lucky.
Did you have any problems getting here today?
No. Thank you for asking.
There was a bit of traffic. I'm glad I left home early enough.
How is the weather today?
The weather is nice today.
It was raining in the morning but then the sun came out.
Sometimes, the immigration officer will retake your photo and fingerprints during the interview.
Here are some sample commands they may say.
I need to take your photo. please face the camera.
Please look at the camera with a neutral expression.
Please sit straight and look at the camera.
Please put your left index finger on the scanner.
Please place your right index finger on the scanner.
Taking the Oath
Another thing the immigration officer will do is to administer the oath,
to make sure everything you said is the truth.
Remember, lying to an immigration officer will get your application denied.
Here are some of the instructions that the immigration officer might say.
Before we begin the interview, I'll need to place you under oath.
Please raise your right hand.
Do you swear that the statements you will give today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Yes, I do.
Please remain standing and raise your right hand.
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Yes, I do.
Please stand up and raise your right hand.
Do you affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?
Yes, I do.
After the oath, the immigration officer will instruct you to sit down.
Thank you. Please take a seat. or
Thank you. You can have a seat now.
Thank you. Please be seated.
You can lower your hand and sit down now.
Thank you.
Sometimes, the immigration officer will ask you if you understand what you just did.
Do you understand what an oath means?
Yes, an oath means a promise.
What did you just promise?
I promise to tell the truth.
Do you know what you just swore?
I swear not to lie.
Please tell me what you just affirmed.
I promise to tell the truth.
More small talk
After the oath, the immigration officer might ask more general questions to test your English understanding and speaking ability.
Here are some sample questions and answers.
Are you ready for your interview?
I'm a bit nervous but yes, I'm ready.
How long have you been preparing for your interview?
I've been studying for a long time. I'm ready
Have you been studying?
Yes, I've been studying and practicing for this interview
How have you been studying?
I watched a lot of YouTube videos, took a class and practice English with my friends and family.
Do you understand why you are here today?
Yes, I'm here to take the citizenship test.
Why are you here today?
I'm here for my citizenship interview.
What do you miss about your old country?
I miss my friends and family.
Do you have any questions for me?
No officer.
Yes. I have a question about the oath ceremony.
Why do you want to become an American citizen?
Here are some possible answers.
I want to become an American citizen so that I can vote in the next election.
I believe in the form of government and want to vote.
I want to be a citizen because I love America.
Because of the rights and freedoms of Americans.
There are good opportunities here.
For better job and educational opportunities.
I want a better life for my children.
What is the form of government of the United States?
Democratic Republic
Asking for supporting documents
During the course of the interview, the immigration officer will ask you to provide various supporting documents.
Make sure to bring all original documents such as your passport, green card,
marriage certificate, your children's birth certificates etc.
If the document is in a foreign language, make sure to get a certified translated copy into English and notarized.
Here are different ways that the immigration officer might ask you for your documents.
Could you show me your Social Security card please?
Can I have all of your passports, expired and non expired ones?
I would like to see your husband's birth certificate.
Did you bring your tax returns?
Can you show me some proof that you've filed and paid your taxes for the last five years?
Can you please show me your green card?
I need to see your divorce decree.
You can answer
Here you are. Here you go.
And then present the required document.
And if you need time to gather your documents, you can say
Please give me a minute.
Please give me a moment.
Asking for clarification
Sometimes, you might not hear the immigration officer clearly and that's perfectly normal.
You can use the following sentences to ask the immigration officer to repeat the question or command.
I apologize officer, but can you repeat the question?
Excuse me officer, can you repeat that please?
I'm sorry. I didn't catch what you said. Can you say that a bit slower?
I'm very sorry. I didn't hear you the first time. Can you say that again?
Sorry officer, can you repeat that slowly please?
I'm so sorry officer. I didn't understand you. Can you rephrase the question?
And if you want some clarification for some questions,
you can always double check with them.
Sorry officer, do you mean I will get a notice in the mail?
You meant you want to see all of my passports, correct?
One word of caution, don't use these phrases too often or the immigration officer will think you don't understand English.
Okay, it's your turn now. I will be the immigration officer and you will be the applicant.
I hope you find this helpful.
Remember, practice makes perfect.
Take time to watch this video several times and repeat after me.
I will go over the rest of the application in the next video. See you next time. Bye!