N-400 Interview Discrepancies: Why Consistency Matters

A common scenario: You filed your N-400 months ago, marked "YES" to a question about citations, then at interview you say "NO" when asked if you've ever been arrested. The officer notices the discrepancy. Now you're facing a "decision cannot be made" notice instead of an approval.

This guide explains why consistency between your N-400 form and interview answers is crucial, what happens when discrepancies arise, and how to prepare so you don't become another denial statistic.

Why Consistency Matters

During your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer's primary job is to verify that your N-400 answers match reality. They have your form in front of them and will ask you the same questions—sometimes worded differently—to check for consistency.

USCIS Cross-References Everything

The officer doesn't just rely on your verbal answers. They cross-reference your responses with:

• IRS records - Tax filing history and compliance
• CBP entry/exit data - Every trip outside the U.S.
• FBI background check - Arrests, charges, and dispositions
• DMV records - Address history and license status
• Social Security Administration - Employment and residency
• Previous immigration applications - Any form you've filed with USCIS

If your N-400 says one thing and government records say another, you have a problem. If your interview answers contradict your N-400, you have an even bigger problem.

Common Discrepancies That Cause Problems

1. Arrest and Citation Questions

The Problem: The N-400 asks "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained?" Many applicants mark "YES" on the form thinking of a traffic ticket, then say "NO" at interview when asked about "arrests" because they don't consider a traffic stop an arrest.

Why It Happens: The wording changes slightly. At interview, officers might ask "Have you ever been arrested?" or "detained by police?"—which sounds different from "cited."

The Consequence: The officer sees you answered "YES" on the form but "NO" verbally. They must now determine if you're lying, confused, or hiding something. Result: "A decision cannot be made on your application yet."

2. Travel History Discrepancies

The Problem: You listed 5 trips on your N-400, but at interview you can only remember 4. Or you gave approximate dates that don't match your I-94 records.

The Consequence: Officers suspect you're hiding a trip over 6 months (which breaks continuous residence). This triggers RFEs or additional investigation.

3. Address History Gaps

The Problem: Your N-400 shows you lived at Address A until March 2022, then Address B starting June 2022. Where were you April-May?

The Consequence: Officers wonder if you were living outside your claimed state of residence, or possibly outside the U.S.

4. Employment and Tax Questions

The Problem: Your N-400 lists employment at Company X for 3 years, but IRS records show you filed as self-employed, or didn't report that income.

The Consequence: Tax compliance issues affect "good moral character" determination. Inconsistencies suggest potential tax fraud.

5. Marital Status and Previous Marriages

The Problem: You forgot to list a previous marriage that ended before your current one, or dates of separation don't match divorce records.

The Consequence: This can affect eligibility if you're applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen (3-year rule), and raises questions about whether your current marriage is legitimate.

What Happens When Officers Find Discrepancies

When an officer notices your interview answers don't match your N-400 or government records, several things can happen:

Scenario 1: Minor, Clearly Unintentional Error

If the discrepancy is minor (e.g., you said "February" instead of "March" for a move date), the officer may correct it on the spot and proceed with approval. You'll initial the correction on your form.

Scenario 2: Request for Evidence (RFE)

For more significant discrepancies, the officer issues an RFE asking you to provide documentation that clarifies the inconsistency. You typically have 87 days to respond. Your case remains pending until you respond.

Scenario 3: "Decision Cannot Be Made"

If the officer can't resolve the discrepancy at interview, you receive a notice that a decision cannot yet be made. You'll receive a letter explaining what's needed or informing you of the final decision after further review.

Scenario 4: Denial for Misrepresentation

If USCIS believes you knowingly and intentionally provided false information—either on the form or at interview—your application will be denied. This is the worst outcome and can bar future citizenship applications.

How to Prevent Interview Discrepancies

Step 1: Keep a Copy of Your Submitted N-400

This is the most important step. Before submitting your N-400, make a complete photocopy (or save the PDF if filing online). Review this copy before your interview so your answers match exactly.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents Now

Don't wait until the interview to collect evidence. Get these documents while preparing your N-400:

• I-94 travel history - Download from CBP website (free)
• Tax transcripts - Request from IRS for all years in statutory period
• Court records - Certified dispositions for ANY arrest or citation
• Lease agreements/utility bills - Verify all addresses
• Employment records - W-2s, pay stubs, or business records

Step 3: Double-Check Dates and Numbers

Most discrepancies involve incorrect dates. Use official documents—not memory—for:

1. Move-in and move-out dates for all addresses
2. Departure and return dates for all international trips
3. Employment start and end dates
4. Marriage and divorce dates
5. Dates of any arrests, citations, or court appearances

Step 4: Understand What Questions Actually Ask

Read each N-400 question carefully. For example:

• "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained?" means your entire life, not just the last 5 years
• "Cited" includes traffic tickets (unless under $500 with no drugs/alcohol)
• "Outside the United States" includes day trips to Canada or Mexico

Step 5: Practice Interview Questions

Have someone quiz you using your N-400 copy. They should ask questions in different ways:

• "Have you ever been arrested?" (instead of "cited")
• "Have you traveled outside the country?" (instead of "outside the United States")
• "Where did you live before this address?" (testing address history)

Your answer should be the same regardless of how the question is phrased.

Correcting Mistakes Before and During Interview

If You Discover an Error Before Interview

Send a letter to USCIS with corrections:

1. Reference your receipt number at the top
2. Clearly identify what needs correction (question number, original answer, correct answer)
3. Include supporting evidence (court records, travel documents, etc.)
4. Send via certified mail with tracking
5. Bring a copy of this letter and all evidence to your interview

If You Realize an Error at Interview

Tell the officer immediately when the question comes up. Say something like: "I need to correct my form. I wrote [X] but the accurate answer is [Y]. Here's the documentation."

Proactively correcting errors shows good faith. Waiting for the officer to catch the error looks like you were hoping it would be missed.

If You Receive an RFE

• Respond promptly - Don't wait until the deadline. Aim for 2-3 weeks.
• Provide exactly what's requested - No more, no less
• Use certified mail - You need proof of delivery
• Include a cover letter - Explain what you're providing and why
• Keep copies of everything - You may need them for an appeal

Final Thoughts

The key to avoiding interview discrepancies is preparation. Your interview answers must match your N-400 form, and both must match government records. Any inconsistency—even an innocent one—creates doubt about your credibility.

Remember these principles:

• Keep a copy of your submitted N-400 and review it before interview
• Use official documents for all dates—never rely on memory
• Disclose everything—over-disclosure is always safer
• Understand question wording—"cited" and "arrested" are related
• Correct errors proactively—don't wait for the officer to find them
• Bring documentation—court records, travel history, tax transcripts

If your case is complex (multiple arrests, extensive travel, tax issues), consider having an immigration attorney review your N-400 before filing and prepare you for interview. The $500-1000 fee is worth avoiding denial.

Official Resources

For authoritative guidance on the naturalization process:

• USCIS - The Naturalization Interview and Test
• USCIS - Form N-400 Application for Naturalization
• CBP I-94 Travel History