Your interview results (Form N-652)
The officer hands you Form N-652, Naturalization Interview Results. It shows one of three outcomes:
Granted (approved)
You passed your tests and USCIS found you eligible. Sometimes the notice says a decision "cannot yet be made" even if you passed the tests, because a final review is still needed. If you're approved, the next step is the oath ceremony. You are not a citizen yet at this point.
Continued
The officer needs more before deciding. The most common reasons are:
- More documents are needed. You'll get Form N-14, Request for Additional Information, which lists what to send and the deadline. USCIS generally gives 30 days to respond.
- You didn't pass the English or civics test. USCIS schedules a second interview 60 to 90 days after the first, and you only retake the part you failed. If you fail the same part again, your application will be denied.
Denied
USCIS sends a written notice explaining why. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can request a hearing with Form N-336. You must file it, with the fee, within 30 days of the decision. After that, the denial is final. Talk to an immigration attorney if you're considering this.
By regulation, USCIS has 120 days from your first interview to make a decision.
The oath ceremony
In some limited cases you can take the oath the same day as your interview. More often, USCIS mails you Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, with the date, time and place. Depending on where you live, the ceremony is either run by USCIS or held by a judge in court.
Before you go
- Answer the questionnaire on Form N-445 before you arrive. It asks about anything that happened since your interview, such as travel, arrests or marriage. Answer truthfully.
- Bring your green card. You turn it in when you check in.
- Check the federal building's rules on prohibited items before you go.
At the ceremony
- You check in, and a USCIS officer reviews your N-445 answers.
- You turn in your Permanent Resident Card.
- You take the Oath of Allegiance. This is the moment you become a U.S. citizen.
- You receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Check it carefully before you leave, and tell USCIS right away if anything is wrong, such as your name or date of birth.
If you can't attend
Follow the instructions on your N-445: return the notice to your local USCIS office with a letter asking for a new date. USCIS warns that missing your ceremony more than once may lead to your application being denied.
After you become a citizen
- Apply for a U.S. passport. Your Certificate of Naturalization is proof of citizenship, but it isn't a travel document. Keep the certificate safe; replacing it is slow and costly.
- Register to vote. You'll receive a voter registration application after the oath.
- Update your Social Security record. USCIS advises waiting at least 10 days after the ceremony before updating your records with the Social Security Administration.
- Help your children. Children under 18 who are permanent residents and live with you may become citizens automatically. Look into getting them a passport or Certificate of Citizenship.
Sources: USCIS M-1051, 10 Steps to Naturalization; USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part B, Chapter 4 (examination results); USCIS: Naturalization Ceremonies; USCIS: Form N-336. This is general information, not legal advice.