Do They Take Your Green Card at the Citizenship Interview?
Quick answer: Usually no. USCIS reviews your green card at the interview, but it is typically collected later—at the oath ceremony—when you become a U.S. citizen.
If you’re preparing for your citizenship interview, it’s normal to wonder when you’ll be asked to turn in your card.
Because the interview is such a key step, many people assume USCIS takes it then.
In most cases, they don’t.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your green card to the interview —USCIS will review it.
- You usually keep it after the interview; it’s surrendered at the oath ceremony.
- Exceptions exist (e.g., same-day oath or missing/expired card).
- After the oath , your Certificate of Naturalization replaces your card.
Why People Ask This Question
The citizenship process can feel overwhelming, and much of the confusion comes from not knowing when you’ll be asked to give up your green card.
Because the interview is one of the most important steps in naturalization, many assume that’s when USCIS collects the card.
In reality, it’s a little different.
What USCIS Says About Bringing Your Green Card
You must bring your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) to your naturalization interview.
The officer will review it—along with your other documents—to confirm your identity and eligibility. Bringing it does not mean you will surrender it at that time.
In typical cases, cards are collected at the oath ceremony, when you finalize your naturalization.
What Usually Happens at the Interview
- Your card is inspected for identity and residency verification.
- The officer may compare it with your application and ask follow-up questions.
- You take the card home afterward. It remains valid until you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
When Could USCIS Take Your Green Card at the Interview?
Most applicants keep their card until the oath.
Limited exceptions include:
- Same-day oath: Some field offices hold the interview and oath on the same day. In those cases, your card may be collected right after the interview.
- Lost or expired card: You may need to explain, show replacement proof (such as a Form I‑90 receipt), or present other evidence of status.
- Unusual circumstances: Rarely, an officer may retain the card due to errors, fraud concerns, or local procedures.
These exceptions are uncommon but helpful to know.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONWhat Happens at the Oath Ceremony
At ceremony check-in, USCIS collects your Permanent Resident Card.
After you take the Oath of Allegiance, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and your card is no longer valid.
From that point forward, you use your new documents as proof of citizenship.
This is the moment you officially naturalize.
Special Situations to Consider
- Lost your card before the interview? USCIS expects you to bring it. If it’s missing, you may need to file Form I‑90 or provide other proof of status.
- Traveling before the oath ceremony? You can continue to use your permanent resident card to re‑enter the U.S. until you officially become a citizen at the oath.
- Conditional vs. 10‑year cards: Both are reviewed the same way and surrendered at the oath ceremony.
Why Legal Guidance Can Help
Every case is unique.
Questions about missing documents, travel plans, or unusual interview outcomes can add stress.
Speaking with an immigration attorney can help you prepare for each step with confidence.
At Quijano Law in Atlanta, we assist clients through the naturalization process and answer questions about interviews, documents, and ceremonies.
Schedule a consultation with our citizenship and naturalization lawyers today.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONFAQs
Do they take your green card at the citizenship interview?
No. USCIS reviews your card at the interview but does not usually take it at that stage. It is normally surrendered later at the oath ceremony.
When do you surrender your green card during naturalization?
You surrender your card at the oath ceremony check-in. Once you take the oath, the Certificate of Naturalization replaces your green card.
What if I lost my green card before the citizenship interview?
If your card is lost, USCIS may ask for proof of status, such as a Form I‑90 receipt or another government‑issued document.
Can USCIS take your green card at the interview in some cases?
Yes, in limited situations. For example, if your interview and oath ceremony are scheduled the same day, USCIS may collect the card immediately after the interview.
Can I travel with my green card after the citizenship interview?
Yes. You can continue to use it for travel and re‑entry to the U.S. until you take the oath and become a citizen.
Do conditional green cards and 10‑year green cards follow the same process?
Yes. Both types are reviewed at the interview and surrendered at the oath ceremony.
What happens at the USCIS citizenship interview?
A USCIS officer reviews your application, asks questions about your background, tests your English and civics knowledge, and checks your documents.
Do you have to turn in your green card when you apply for citizenship?
No. You keep your card while your application is pending. It is turned in when you naturalize at the oath ceremony.
What happens to a green card if citizenship is denied?
If your application is denied, you keep your card and remain a lawful permanent resident, provided it is still valid.
