Can you bring a lawyer to your citizenship interview?

Asked by: Antoinette Murray  |  Last update: August 2, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (31 votes)

You can have a lawyer accompany you to your USCIS interview, even if you only just hired the lawyer. It doesn't matter that you've never told USCIS that you'll be bringing an extra guest. On the day of the interview, the lawyer should simply hand the USCIS officer a form called a G-28 to show that they represent you.

Can you take a lawyer to your citizenship interview?

It's an opportunity for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer to assess whether the applicant meets the requirements for citizenship. The interview can be intimidating, and for this reason, many applicants choose to have an attorney present during the interview.

Is it better to have a lawyer for citizenship interview?

One of the benefits of having a lawyer at your citizenship interview is that we know what to expect from the citizenship interview and can help you learn how to pass the immigration interview. The interview is a three-part test that evaluates you based on your abilities in the following: Speaking. Reading.

Can a lawyer be present during immigration interview?

At your in-person interview, the examiner might ask for information about the questions on application forms, your admissibility, background, employment, martial history, entry into the US, etc. Many times, these questions can be unclear or vague; an attorney can help clarify what's being asked during your interview.

What does an attorney do at a naturalization interview?

During your naturalization interview, your lawyer can ensure that the immigration officer conducting the interview observes your rights. If the officer asks impermissible questions, your immigration lawyer can object to those questions.

Bring Lawyer to USCIS Interview

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What do I need to bring to my citizenship interview?

Your interview appointment notice; Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card; A state-issued identification such as a driver's license; and. All valid and expired passports and travel documents issued to you that document your absences from the United States since becoming a permanent resident.

What do I need to bring to my naturalization interview?

Bring as many as possible of the following:
  • Copy of your passport showing departure and arrival stamps.
  • Copies of income tax returns (or transcripts) for the past 5 filing years (or past 3 filing years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen)
  • Rent or mortgage payment receipts.

How long is the citizenship interview?

How long will the interview last? A typical citizenship interview lasts about 20 minutes, but the exact timeframe varies by applicant.

Should I be nervous for USCIS interview?

If you are preparing to go to an Immigration interview, just remember to relax, be prepared, and tell the truth. If you are concerned about anything they may ask you, or with something in your past that you are worried about, go talk to an immigration attorney.

Does having an immigration lawyer speed up process?

While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.

What percentage of people pass the citizenship interview?

Applicants who fail 1 or both test components will have a second opportunity to pass both portions of the test, called a re-exam. The diagram below shows that 96.1% of all applicants pass the naturalization test.

What is the most questions asked in is citizenship interview?

Most commonly the citizenship interview questions will begin with questions about your application and background. They will want to know about your immigration status, application, and background information. There are also basic questions such as what is your birthdate where were you born and what is your race.

Do I need to take tax returns for citizenship interview?

Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).

Can I wear jeans to citizenship interview?

It's not necessary to dress formally for your U.S. citizenship interview and test. You may dress comfortably but look professional. "Business casual" is a good rule of thumb. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts and t-shirts.

Can I take my phone to citizenship interview?

Under USCIS policy cell phone, video, and audio recording, as well as traditional and cell phone photography are all prohibited in USCIS field offices, unless specifically allowed during naturalization ceremonies.

Can I travel after my citizenship interview?

The short answer is yes: there is no restriction on international travel when you apply for naturalization nor after you have been recommended for naturalization and are waiting for your oath ceremony.

What are the most common US citizenship questions?

Common Citizenship Test Questions & Answers
  • Who is currently the President of the U.S.? – ...
  • What are the two primary political parties in the U.S.? – ...
  • When (what month) do people vote for the President? – ...
  • How often is a new president voted for? – ...
  • What age do people have to be before they are allowed to vote in the U.S.? –

What should you not say in an immigration interview?

THE DON'Ts. DON'T joke around with the USCIS officer. In particular, avoid joking or sarcasm related to drug dealing, communicable diseases, bigamy, or smuggling people into the country. DON'T argue with your spouse or other family members in the middle of an interview.

Are USCIS officers friendly?

They might ask, “How are you?” or something similar. Many will make small talk, such as commenting about the weather. Most people report that their USCIS interviewer was friendly, but there are exceptions. The officer will explain the purpose of the interview.

How many questions do they ask during citizenship interview?

The 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers for the naturalization test are listed below. The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions.

How long after citizenship interview can I get a passport?

Passports are typically processed within 6-8 weeks. If you are planning on traveling outside of the United States and need a passport quicker, you can pay an extra $60 to have the application expedited. How soon can I apply for a passport after citizenship?

Can I do my citizenship interview and oath on the same day?

You may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a ceremony is unavailable, we will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location of your scheduled naturalization ceremony on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.

What three tests will be given during the naturalization interview?

The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics. The following charts outline the content for the English and civics portions of the naturalization test.

What to expect at my oath ceremony?

At the beginning of the ceremony, USCIS will present information, videos, music, and opening remarks from its Master of Ceremonies and, sometimes, a guest speaker. You and other naturalization applicants will need to stand, raise your right hand, and recite the Oath of Allegiance in front of USCIS officials.

What to bring to Social Security office after naturalization?

We can accept only certain documents as proof of citizenship for new and replacement cards. These include a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you aren't a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents.