Where do you take the US citizenship test?
You take the U.S. citizenship test at your local USCIS field office, during your naturalization interview. You do not choose the location — USCIS assigns it based on your home ZIP code and mails you an appointment notice.
Can I choose where to take the test?
No — USCIS assigns your interview location based on your home ZIP code. If you move before the interview, update your address with USCIS (Form AR-11 or your online account) so your file transfers to the correct field office. Choosing a different office yourself is not an option.
How do I find my USCIS field office?
Use the official USCIS field office locator at uscis.gov/field-offices and enter your ZIP code. The tool returns the office that will handle your naturalization interview along with its address, hours, and contact page.
When will my interview be scheduled?
Wait times vary widely by field office — from a few months to over a year. Check the current estimate for your office and Form N-400 at uscis.gov/processing-times. USCIS mails an appointment notice (Form I-797C) once your interview is scheduled.
What should I bring to the interview?
Bring your appointment notice, Green Card, a government-issued photo ID, and every passport you've held since becoming a permanent resident, plus any documents USCIS requested in the notice. See our full N-400 interview checklist for details.
What happens at the appointment?
A USCIS officer takes you back for a one-on-one interview: you take an oath to tell the truth, the officer tests your English through conversation plus a short reading and writing sentence, and then asks the civics questions. The whole appointment usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Field offices by state
Your governor and U.S. senator answers depend on the state you live in. Pick your state to see those answers and the USCIS field-office cities that serve residents there.