Is N-400 taken before or during interview

[Zaidba 39]

I wounder if decisions to approve or deny N-400 applications are taken before the interview and then the interview is just to confirm the information or make a change in decision if necessary? Or is the decision is taken during the interview without prior determination?

[Georgia16 2,858]

You have to pass the test on the day of the interview. 

 

 

[Going through 5,671]

Normally the IO will review the applicant's immigration file beforehand (at least that part is laid out in their policy manual)---I suppose to make note of any questions/areas of focus they want to ask about during the interview, check over any evidence submitted, etc.  

 

The civics test, as mentioned, is done the day of...but I think they may be already leaning one way or the other by the time you sit down in front of them.  A lot of my questions seemed more of a fact-checking exercise on the IO's part.  And she also seemed well-aware of what my answers were going to be (or perhaps, what they SHOULD be?) during my interview...like when she kept asking questions about my parents marriage and if they were married at the time of my birth---for what reason, I don't know, as my parents marriage was irrelevant for my N400. (Neither of them immigrated, were ever petitioned, have relatives in the US, or ever resided in the US)  As I answered her yes/no questions about them I did notice she just nodded her head quietly and kept "checking off" something from a page on her desk with each of my responses.  In hindsight, I should have politely asked her why the questions about them to stave off my curiosity but at the time I just was thinking to myself "answer honestly, who cares why she wants to know, whatever the reason it's not important right now, answer honestly" replaying in my head.  Same replay in my head when she focused (twice) on my criminal history.

 

My piece of advice for N400 interviews---go in there with the mindset that the IO wants to help you get approved and become a citizen by looking over your application/evidence...don't go in there with the mindset that they are outright looking for any reason to deny you....or else you'll drive yourself completely nuts thinking about all possible (and impossible) "what if" scenarios.  

Edited July 29, 2019 by Going through

[dilip 187]

11 hours ago, Zaidba said:

I wounder if decisions to approve or deny N-400 applications are taken before the interview and then the interview is just to confirm the information or make a change in decision if necessary? Or is the decision is taken during the interview without prior determination?

Why are you thinking you will be denied?  If your record is clean and you answers all questions truthfully and honestly, you will be fine.

Edited July 29, 2019 by dilip

[Zaidba 39]

On 7/29/2019 at 9:08 AM, dilip said:

Why are you thinking you will be denied?  If your record is clean and you answers all questions truthfully and honestly, you will be fine.

No that is not what I am thinking, I was just asking if the decision is taken during the interview which means very little time to really examine the case, or the application is looked at before and decision is made and the interview just confirms the decision or reverse it if necessary. It is just curiosity! ☺️

[dilip 187]

16 hours ago, Zaidba said:

No that is not what I am thinking, I was just asking if the decision is taken during the interview which means very little time to really examine the case, or the application is looked at before and decision is made and the interview just confirms the decision or reverse it if necessary. It is just curiosity! ☺️

Obviously, they do background check and check all the information on your application and compare with your past submission and if they initially determined that y met basic requirements, the will call for interview ( and also we are knowledgeable enough to figure out whether we  have high probability to be successfully) and they clarify rest during interview.   If you meet the basic requirements, you will get an interview and you can defend yourself.  Relax and you will be fine.  If you have any concern about your case, you can ask this board for advice.