Test Day Checklist: What to Bring to Your Citizenship Interview
Last updated: December 11, 2025
Your USCIS citizenship interview is one of the most important days in your immigration journey. Being prepared can reduce anxiety and ensure everything goes smoothly. Here's your complete checklist.
Required Documents (MUST BRING)
- Your Interview Appointment Notice — The letter USCIS sent you with date, time, and location
- Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) — Your most important document
- Government-Issued Photo ID — Driver's license, state ID, or passport
- All Passports — Current and expired (showing travel history)
- Re-entry Permits or Refugee Travel Documents — If applicable
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Marriage Certificate — If you're married or applying based on marriage
- Divorce Decrees — From any previous marriages (yours or your spouse's)
- Children's Birth Certificates — If you have children
- Tax Returns (Last 5 Years) — IRS transcripts or copies of filed returns
- Selective Service Registration — For males who were 18-25 in the U.S.
- Court Documents — If you have arrests, citations, or criminal history
Timing & Arrival
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early — Allow time for security screening
- Plan for parking/transit delays — USCIS offices are often in busy areas
- Security screening takes 5-15 minutes — Similar to airport security
- Bring a book or phone — Wait times vary, could be 30min - 2 hours
Prohibited Items (Do NOT Bring)
- 🚫Weapons of any kind — Knives, pepper spray, firearms
- 🚫Large bags or backpacks — Bring a small purse/wallet only
- 🚫Food or drinks — Water bottle usually OK after screening
- 🚫Recording devices — No audio/video recording allowed
What to Wear
Business casual is recommended. You don't need a suit, but dress respectfully:
- ✅ Good: Collared shirt, slacks, dress, modest clothing
- ✅ Fine: Clean jeans with nice top
- ❌ Avoid: Tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, offensive graphics
Remember: Dress how you'd dress for a job interview. Show respect for the process.
Pro Tips for Test Day
- Bring your phone — You'll need to silence it, but useful for emergencies
- Organize documents in a folder — Makes it easy to hand things to the officer
- Review your N-400 application — The officer will verify your answers
- Practice your civics questions — Use our free practice test
- Get a good night's sleep — You'll think more clearly and answer better
What Happens at the Interview
Want to know the full process? Read our detailed guide: Citizenship Interview Process Step-by-Step