Dress Code & Children

[sasaqlain 24]

Is there a dress code that needs to be followed when appearing for the N-400 interview? Anything against a decent jeans, shirt and a jacket?

Also, I have a 3 year old whom i don't want to leave behind with a babysitter. Can I bring her to the interview with me?

Your experience and advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

[bigdog 376]

I would recommend business casual, or a nice dress for female,find a sitter for 3 hours for the kid.

[canadian_wife 1,808]

I agree, business casual (stay away from jeans) and find a sitter

Good luck

[Anh map 2,098]

The offices/waiting areas are not set up for child care. The kids don't enjoy it, and the others without kids do not enjoy other people's kids.

The interviewing officer wants to talk with you, not your child.

Find someone to watch your child so you can give your full attention to the appointment.

[N M 96]

Humour me on this, because I would really love to know.

Has anyone EVER been denied Citizenship because of what they wore to the interview?

I say wear what makes you feel comfortable. If that's jeans, then jeans it is.

[hotshot 2]

I would say business casual, nice dress for ladies if she is going and as for the children if you can find a sitter for few hours that will be great.....

[arvinb 17]

I wore nice jeans and a dress shirt. My theory is dress like how the people in that office dress up, which seems to be business casual (no t-shirts, but jeans seem to be fine). Imagine like you were coming in to interview for a job at that office.

Also you will be waiting for up to 2 hours after your appointment time to be actually interview. During that time you'll be packed into a room full of other interviewees, and you don't want to leave the room in case they call your name. Do you really want to risk locking your kid in there that long?

[Karee 4,190]

I wore nice jeans and a dress shirt. My theory is dress like how the people in that office dress up, which seems to be business casual (no t-shirts, but jeans seem to be fine). Imagine like you were coming in to interview for a job at that office.

Also you will be waiting for up to 2 hours after your appointment time to be actually interview. During that time you'll be packed into a room full of other interviewees, and you don't want to leave the room in case they call your name. Do you really want to risk locking your kid in there that long?

We got lucky. We didn't even get a chance to sit down and they called her name. We were there for about 20 minutes max.

[sasaqlain 24]

Thank you all for your valuable input. I guess i'll have to drop my girl at the grandmothers and leave for the interview in a business casual attire as you all suggested. I would have liked to appear in comfortable clothing(definitely a shirt and a jacket) but it seems that everybody is suggesting otherwise.

Hotshot: You are right. I'll get to read your experience with the interview and follow suit:)

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Not that it matters for the OP but a dress or skirt isn't necessary for woman as this isn't 1952 Just sayin!

Dockers and a polo, dress slacks and a dress shirt etc are all fine. I saw a variety of folks when I went. I personally came from work so I had dress pants and blouse on.

[NickD 202]

On both my wife's and stepdaughter's interview letter, said no blue jeans. But didn't say anything about going in naked. Can't be more American than wearing blue jeans, but we don't make the rules. Are they still printing this on the latest interview letters? No blue jeans!

Do not feel you would want to wear anything that would make you feel self-conscious or awkward with a three year old child for this most important interview. Will be given the 3rd degree on how you answered all those ten questions, adequate evidence, and the civics test. That is enough stress for one day.

[~PalmTreeGurl~ 154]

My hubby wore slacks & a collared shirt. He neverrrrr wears slacks, always in jeans but as everyone suggested here -he listened ... it sure put a huge smile on my face seeing hubby all dressed up! but there were men wearing jeans there and cowboy boots... since this is Texas and all!

Edited October 11, 2012 by ~PalmTreeGurl~

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I have read of one case here on VJ where the individual who arrived for the ceremony wore jeans and was told to go home and change them by USCIS. Because he was too far from home, he went to a local shopping mall and bought a pair of non-jean pants to wear. That was about 3 years ago, I believe.

[Karee 4,190]

I have read of one case here on VJ where the individual who arrived for the ceremony wore jeans and was told to go home and change them by USCIS. Because he was too far from home, he went to a local shopping mall and bought a pair of non-jean pants to wear. That was about 3 years ago, I believe.

Agreed.

I think the interview and the oath ceremony are different.

It says right on the oath letter, "Proper attire should be worn. The naturalization ceremony is a solemn an meaningful event. Please dress in proper attire to respect the dignity of this event (please, no jeans, shorts or flip flops)."

[Arlington 5]

If at all possible, leave the kids with someone else. The last thing you need is to be worried about on this day is what to bring for the kids to eat, or at the last minute for them to have an "accident" and have to go back to the house and be late. Give yourself plenty of time.