What to Bring to Your Citizenship Interview: Complete Checklist

Your interview appointment letter tells you when and where to appear. But what should you bring? This checklist ensures you arrive prepared with everything you need.

Required Documents

Your Interview Appointment Notice

Form I-797C — This is the letter USCIS sent scheduling your interview.

Bring the original notice. It contains: - Your appointment date and time - The USCIS office location - Instructions for your visit

Without this, you may have difficulty checking in.

Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Bring your current, valid green card. If your card has expired but you have a valid extension sticker or I-797, bring those too.

If your green card was lost or stolen, bring: - The police report (if stolen) - Receipt for your I-90 replacement application

Valid Photo Identification

Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as: - Passport (from any country) - Driver's license - State-issued ID card

Your green card alone may be sufficient, but a second form of ID is helpful.

Your Passport and Travel Documents

Bring all passports you've used since becoming a permanent resident. This includes: - Current passport - Expired passports - Any passports from previous countries

USCIS reviews your travel history during the interview.

Copy of Your N-400 Application

Bring a copy of the N-400 form you submitted. This helps you: - Review your answers before the interview - Clarify any information if asked - Update information if needed

Evidence Supporting Your Application

If your application required supporting documents, bring copies:

For marriage-based applicants: - Marriage certificate - Evidence of living together (bills, lease, photos) - Divorce decrees from prior marriages (if applicable)

For military service: - DD-214 or military orders - Proof of current service (if applicable)

For applicants with arrests or legal issues: - Court dispositions - Arrest records - Evidence of case outcomes

Documents for Specific Situations

If Your Name Has Changed

Bring legal documents showing any name changes: - Marriage certificates - Divorce decrees - Court orders for name changes

If You Have Children

Bring birth certificates for: - Children listed on your N-400 - Children born since you applied

If You Claimed Tax Filing Status

If relevant questions arose about taxes: - Tax returns for the past 5 years (or 3 years for spouse-based) - IRS transcripts if available

If You Have Trips Outside the U.S.

Be prepared to discuss: - Dates of each trip - Duration of each trip - Reason for travel

If any trip exceeded 6 months, bring documentation explaining the trip and your ties to the U.S. during that time.

Checklist Format

Print this checklist and check off each item:

Essential Items

[ ] Interview appointment notice (Form I-797C)
[ ] Green card (Form I-551)
[ ] Photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID)
[ ] All passports used since becoming a permanent resident
[ ] Copy of your N-400 application

If Applicable

[ ] Marriage certificate (if married)
[ ] Divorce decree (if previously married)
[ ] Birth certificates for children
[ ] Court documents for any arrests/legal matters
[ ] Tax returns or IRS transcripts
[ ] Military service records (DD-214)
[ ] Evidence of selective service registration (males 18-25)

For Your Comfort

[ ] Water bottle (you may wait before your interview)
[ ] Light reading material
[ ] Snack (if you have a long wait)

What NOT to Bring

Leave these items at home or in your car: - Weapons of any kind - Large bags or backpacks (may not pass security) - Electronic devices may be restricted (check your appointment letter) - Children, unless they're also interviewing

Some USCIS offices have strict security. Travel light with only necessary documents.

Organizing Your Documents

Create a folder or binder with your documents organized in order:

Interview notice on top
Identification (green card, passport)
N-400 copy
Supporting documents by category

Having organized documents shows preparation and makes the interview smoother.

Day Before Checklist

The day before your interview:

[ ] Confirm appointment date, time, and location
[ ] Map your route and parking options
[ ] Set multiple alarms
[ ] Gather all documents in one folder
[ ] Review your N-400 answers
[ ] Practice civics questions one more time
[ ] Choose appropriate attire
[ ] Get good sleep

Morning of Your Interview

[ ] Eat a healthy breakfast
[ ] Leave early (plan for traffic and parking)
[ ] Double-check your document folder
[ ] Bring your appointment notice
[ ] Dress professionally (business casual is appropriate)

What Happens If You Forget Something

If you realize you've forgotten a required document:

Before the interview: Still attend. Explain the situation. The officer may: - Request you mail the document later - Schedule a follow-up appointment - Proceed without it if not critical

Missing green card or ID: This may prevent your interview from proceeding. Contact USCIS before your appointment if possible.

Final Preparation

The interview is the final step before your citizenship ceremony. Proper preparation helps you:

Feel confident walking in
Answer questions accurately
Avoid delays from missing documents
Make a good impression

You've prepared for the civics test. You've practiced English. Now make sure you have the paperwork to match.

Arrive early, stay calm, and trust your preparation. You're ready for this.