Preparing for Your Naturalization Interview
It all begins with an idea.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an incredible milestone. For immigrants living in Hawai’i, one of the most important steps in the naturalization process is the USCIS naturalization interview. If you’ve filed Form N-400, you will eventually be scheduled to meet with a USCIS officer at the Honolulu Field Office.
This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after your interview.
Where Your Interview Will Take Place
In Hawai’i, naturalization interviews are conducted at the USCIS Honolulu Field Office, located at:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 2-200
Honolulu, HI 96813
If you live on Maui or another neighbor island, you’ll need to travel to O’ahu. Be sure to plan flights and transportation well in advance.
What to Bring With You
Bring every original document you submitted with your application, plus any updates since filing. Common items include:
Your Legal Permanent Residence Card (Green Card)
State ID or passport
Appointment notice
Original birth certificate and marriage/divorce decrees (if applicable)
Evidence of any name changes
Tax returns, W-2s, or IRS transcripts
Certified court records for any arrests, traffic tickets or citations, even minor ones
Updated travel records if you traveled abroad after filing
Tip: USCIS officers want to see consistency and honesty. Bring more documentation than you think you need.
What Happens During the Interview
Your interview typically includes three parts:
Application Review
The officer will go over your Form N-400 line by line, confirming your answers and asking clarifying questions.
Be prepared to explain any long trips abroad, criminal history, or prior immigration issues.
English Test
You’ll read and write simple sentences in English.
Example: “The U.S. has fifty states.”
Civics Test
The officer will ask up to 10 civics questions from the official 100-question list.
You need to answer at least 6 correctly.
Sample: “Who was the first President of the United States?”
After the Interview
At the end, the officer will tell you one of three things:
✅ Approved – You’ll receive a notice to attend your naturalization ceremony.
⏳ Request for Evidence (RFE) – USCIS needs more information.
❌ Denied – If eligibility requirements weren’t met.
If you are denied, don’t panic! Being denied does not mean you cannot apply again; most people do.
Most applicants in Hawaii are scheduled for their Oath of Allegiance Ceremony within a few weeks after approval.
Tips for Hawai’i Applicants
Plan your trip to Honolulu carefully. If you’re flying from Maui, build in extra time in case of delays. Arrive the day before and get a good night’s sleep. I usually meet with my clients the evening before to practice the interview and look over the documents they will be bringing to the interview.
Study in advance. Use USCIS study guides, flashcards, or mobile apps for civics preparation.
Practice English reading and writing. Even simple practice helps reduce nerves.
Arrive early. Security screening is similar to airport procedures. You will have to take off your shoes and go through a metal detector, for example. You will wait in a lobby area until your name is called.
Why Work With an Immigration Lawyer?
The naturalization process is straightforward for many, but if you have:
Prior criminal charges or arrests,
Extended trips abroad,
Complex immigration history,
…it’s wise to consult an experienced immigration lawyer. An attorney can review your file, prepare you for tough questions, and accompany you to your interview.
Final Thoughts
Your naturalization interview is the last major hurdle on the path to citizenship. With preparation and the right support, you can walk in confident and walk out one step closer to becoming a U.S. citizen.
If you have questions about preparing for your interview in Hawai’i or elsewhere, Patrie Law Associates is here to help. We work with families across Maui, the neighbor islands and throughout the United States to navigate the naturalization process.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation.