Where is the interview?
Answer
At a local USCIS office
Explanation
The naturalization interview takes place at a local USCIS field office assigned based on the applicant's residential address. USCIS operates 88 field offices in the United States, including Puerto Rico, plus several offices abroad in major embassies and consulates. The assigned office is the one within whose jurisdiction the applicant lives, as defined by ZIP code; USCIS publishes a Field Office Locator at uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office.
The specific office, address, date, and time of the interview are stated in the interview appointment notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) mailed to the applicant typically eight to ten months after filing Form N-400. The applicant must attend the interview at the scheduled office unless USCIS approves a transfer request. Transfer requests can be submitted if the applicant moves to a different USCIS jurisdiction during the pendency of the case; the request is made through the applicant's my.uscis.gov online account or by filing Form AR-11 (Change of Address) and contacting the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS will transfer the case to the new office of jurisdiction, which may delay the interview by several months as the new office schedules it.
Applicants should plan to arrive at the field office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to allow for security screening (similar to TSA airport screening) and check-in at the front desk. The applicant brings the interview appointment notice, original identity and immigration documents, supporting evidence specific to their case, and any documents previously requested by USCIS through Form N-14.
Family members are generally not allowed in the interview room except for one approved interpreter (if needed), legal representation by a licensed attorney or accredited representative (Form G-28 must be on file), or in special circumstances such as accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and to bring all original documents organized in a folder for easy access. Interviews are conducted in English unless the applicant qualifies for a language exception.
Why this matters for your test
Knowing where the interview happens helps applicants plan travel, parking, and timing on the day of the appointment. Field offices vary widely in size and security procedures, so arriving early and prepared with documents organized prevents delays and shows the officer the applicant is serious about the process.
Source: USCIS Application Guide (2025)
