Small Talk & N-400 At the beginning of the interview, the officer might ask you first some simple “small talk” questions (about every day life) to be friendly and make you feel comfortable. The purpose is to see if you understand basic English Printable activities and powerpoints for reading and dictation can be found on http://USCitizenshipTeachers.org http://uscitizenshipsupport.com/us-citizenship-test-small-talk/

Introduction How are you? Why did you come here today? Why do you want to be a U. S. citizen? Have you studied for the citizenship test? How did you prepare? Do you have your state issued ID? Do you have your permanent resident card?

Commands Good morning. Please follow me. Come in.  Please remain standing and raise your right hand.  Do you swear to tell the truth?  What did you just promise?   OK, you can sit down now.   Why are you here today?   Please show me your green card.     Sign here.

Interview Clarification Qs Scenario’s in Wk 1

Weather How is the weather today? It’s hot, isn’t it? Is it still windy? Is it cloudy outside? Did the rain stop, yet?

General Have you been waiting a long time to talk to me today? How was your week-end?  How are you?  Did you study for the citizenship test?  Do you feel well prepared for your test today?  Do you have any questions?  Do you have plans for the week-end? 

Transportation How did you come here today? Did it take you very long to get here?  Did it take you long to find a parking spot?  Did you have any problems getting here?  How was the traffic? Did you come by bus or by car?

Today How did you come here today? Did anyone come with you? Did you drive? Which road did you take? Where did you park? Which bus did you take? What did you eat for breakfast? Do you have any questions?

Personal Information What is your name? How do you spell it? Have you ever used another name? Do you want to change your name? Where were you born? What is the date of your birth? What is the name of your spouse? Have you ever been divorced? Do you have children? How many children do you have?

What are their names? Where were they born? When were they born? What are the dates of their births?

Tips During the Interview Eye Contact: Look into the eyes of the USCIS officer when you talk to show you are honest. Direct eye contact is generally expected in the United States. How to Speak: Talk clearly so that the USCIS officer can understand you. Do not speak very soft or very loud. Likewise, do not speak too fast or too slow. How to Answer Questions: Answer only the questions asked of you. Answer the questions briefly, honestly, and directly. Your Posture: Sit up straight and proud during the interview. This shows the USCIS officer you are confident. It can also help you feel more confident about yourself. What to Say if You Do Not Understand a Question: Please, can you repeat that? Please, can you speak louder? Please, can you speak slowly? Please, can you repeat that in different words? When Your USCIS Officer is Not Friendly: Sometimes a USCIS officer will appear rude or unfriendly. Sometimes this is his or her way to be professional. Do not let the attitude of the officer get in the way of your doing well. If the officer is very rude, you may want to complain to the supervisor. What to Say if You Cannot Remember the Answer to a Question: Let me think about it for a moment. I’m sure I can answer that question. I studied a lot, but I can’t remember the answer to that question now. Can you ask me another one? When to Respond to Questions: Wait until the USCIS officer has finished asking you a question to respond. Do not interrupt the officer. However, do not wait too long because the officer may think you do not speak English

Beginning the Interview Truth Oath The interview generally begins when the USCIS officer calls your name. The officer or adjudicator will call you to his or her office. You may be asked to remain standing or to stand up and raise your right hand. The USCIS officer asks you to take an oath that you will tell the truth during your interview. Understanding the Oath The officer may want to check that you understood the oath. It is a legal agreement to tell the truth. If you lie after taking the oath, you may not be able to be a citizen at this time. Checking Identification The officer will check your identity by asking for your green card, your native country passport, travel document, or another ID (driver’s license or state ID). Reason for Interview The officer may ask you a question to see if you understand the reason for your interview. Reason for Becoming a Citizen The officer may ask you why you want to become a United States citizen. Do not take this question lightly. Have a serious answer prepared.

Truth Oath USCIS: Please remain standing and raise your right hand. Do you promise to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? You: Yes, I do. USCIS: Do you swear that all the information on your application, the documents you submitted and the information you give today is the truth?

Understanding the Oath USCIS: Do you understand what an oath means? You: Yes, it is a promise to tell the truth.

Checking Identification USCIS: Can I see your resident alien card, passport, and other types of photo identification? You: Yes, here they are.

Reason for Interview USCIS: Why are you here today? You: I’m here for my citizenship interview and test. I want to become an American citizen.

Reason for Interview USCIS: Why do you want to become an American citizen? You: I want to: vote have a US passport bring my family here

Sample Start of Interview USCIS: Hi, how are you today? You: USCIS: I’m Officer Jones. USCIS: Is it still raining outside? USCIS: OK, let’s begin the interview. Please stand up and raise your right hand. Do you promise to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? USCIS: You may sit down. USCIS: Do you know what an oath is? USCIS: Do you understand why you are here today? USCIS: Why do you want to be an American citizen? USCIS: I need to see your lawful permanent resident card, your passports, and your state-issued identification, please.

Countries Where were you born? What is your nationality? What country are you a citizen of? When did you move to the U.S.A.? When did you become a lawful permanent resident? Why did you move to the U.S.A.? Where did you enter the U.S.A.? What was your port of entry?

Visits Have you visited other countries since you became a lawful permanent resident? What countries have you visited? When did you go? How long were you gone? Did you have any visits longer than six months? When was your last trip?

Home Where do you live? How long have you lived there? Where did you live previously? Have you lived in other places in the past five years? What is your telephone number?

Work Are you currently employed? Do you have a job? Who do you work for? Where do you work? How long have you worked there? Where did your work before that? Have you worked in other places for the past five years? What is your work phone number?