What happens after green card interview approval?

Naturalization is a way for a person to become a U.S. citizen. Below is a general overview of what to expect during the naturalization process. To learn more, read the Guide to Naturalization.

Complete your application

You have decided to apply for U.S. citizenship. Here is what to do next:

2Appear for your biometrics appointment

After we accept your application, we will notify you if we need to take your biometrics: fingerprints, photo, and signature.

• We will send you an appointment notice if we need biometrics. The notice will provide you the date, time, and location of the appointment.

• Appear at the location at the scheduled date and time on the appointment notice

• Bring the following documents to the appointment:

  • Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card;

  • Appointment notice; and

  • A second form of identification (driver’s license, passport, or state identification card). Your second form of identification must have your photograph on it.

• We will send your fingerprints to the FBI to conduct a background check

• At your appointment, we will give you a study booklet to help you prepare for the English and civics tests

3Prepare for your Naturalization Interview

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics. See below to learn more about the test and the free study tools available to help you prepare.

4Attend your naturalization interview

• Appear at the USCIS office at the scheduled date and time on your interview notice

• Bring the following documentation to your naturalization 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.

  • For a list of other documents that you may need to bring with you, read Form M-477, Document Checklist.

• Take the English and civics tests

• We will inform you of the results

• If requested, submit additional information to USCIS

Once you have successfully completed your interview and your application has been approved, we will schedule you to take the Oath of Allegiance. You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

• Receive a notice for the oath ceremony

• Arrive at the ceremony and check in with USCIS

• We will collect your Permanent Resident Card

• A USCIS officer will review your responses to the questionnaire on Form N-445 when you arrive at the ceremony.

  After you become a permanent resident, we mail you a welcome notice. Then we mail your new Permanent Resident Card(Green Card). If you move before you get your card, change your address online or call the USCIS Contact Center.

  You should also call the USCIS Contact Center if any of the following occur:

  • You received your welcome notice or card, but you believe there is an error.
  • It has been more than 30 days since you became a permanent resident, and you have not received your welcome notice.
  • It has been more than 30 days since you received your welcome notice but you have not received your new card.
  • You have questions about your new status as a permanent resident.

  Applying for Other Documents from Other Agencies (Driver's License, Social Security Card) as a Permanent Resident

  Permanent residents can work in the U.S. When you were granted permanent residence, we may have placed a special stamp in your passport or given you a temporary status document. Until you receive your new Permanent Resident Card, use this stamp or document if:

  • You apply for an unrestricted social security card
  • You apply for a driver's license
  • You need to travel abroad for less than one year

  If you did not receive your notice or document, you can submit a case inquiry online. 

  When you are hired for a new job, you must prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. to your employer.  You may show your new Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or your unrestricted social security card as acceptable evidence of your employment eligibility and an acceptable identity document, such as your driver's license. For questions specific to employment eligibility, please see I-9 Central. 

  For information about how to apply for a social security card, please see the Social Security Administration website. If you were already in the U.S. when you became a permanent resident, and have not yet received temporary evidence of your new status, please follow the instructions on your approval notice.

  If You Have Moved Since Your Case Was Approved

  If you have moved since your case was approved, change your address online or call the USCIS Contact Center.

  You should also call the USCIS Contact Center if any of the following occur:

  • If you believe there's an error on our approval notice or document we mailed you.
  • If our case status online tool says we mailed you an approval notice or document more than 30 days ago but you have not received it/them.
  • If we approved your I-129 nonimmigrant worker petition, but the consulate or port of entry hasn't yet received notification.

  If you filed a petition for a relative when you were a permanent resident, and want to upgrade it because you have now become a U.S. citizen, please contact the National Visa Center (NVC) with the U.S. Department of State. The contact information for the NVC can be found on your approval notice.

  If you want to request that we return original documents that you may have sent us with your application or petition, please file a Form G-884.

  If you want to check current immigrant visa priority dates, please check the Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State.

  If Your Case Was Denied

  If an unfavorable decision is made (your case is denied and/or you are ordered removed), you will receive a notice explaining why the decision in your case was unfavorable.

  This notice will also explain if you can file an appeal. With certain exceptions, you may file motions to reopen or reconsider decisions made in your case.

  Administrative appeals are only available on certain kinds of cases. If an appeal or motion is available to you, how to file one is explained in the decision we mailed to you.