Form N-652 Interview Result Decoder

Tick the boxes on the paper you got after your citizenship interview. We explain each one and tell you what comes next.

Form N-652 Interview Result Decoder
Look at your Form N-652, the page the officer gave you after your interview. Tick every box that has a mark next to it.
The tests
Papers and next step
The decision (A or B)
General information, not legal advice. The words on Form N-652 come from a copy of the form (edition 08/20/07) and from recent applicants who report the same wording. USCIS has not published the form for download, so your copy may look a little different. Your own notice and the officer are always the final word.

What Form N-652 is

Form N-652 is called "Naturalization Interview Results." The officer must give you a notice of results at the end of the interview, whatever the outcome. The form is a short list of boxes. The officer marks the ones that fit your case. It is not the final decision letter unless it says so.

Three kinds of result

After the interview the officer can approve your N-400, deny it, or continue it. "Continue" means the case is not finished yet. That happens when the officer needs more papers, when you must be tested again, or when something else must be checked first. Most of the boxes on the form are different ways of saying one of these three things.

If you need to call or visit USCIS

Check Case Status Online first. If you need a person, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. The old InfoPass system is gone, so ask about appointments through your USCIS online account or the Contact Center. Our guide to USCIS field offices shows your local office.

Questions

What does "A decision cannot yet be made about your application" mean on Form N-652?
It means the officer could not finish your case at the interview. The form does not say why. Common reasons are a background check that is still open, papers that are missing, or a review by a supervisor. It is not a denial. If your form also points you to Form N-14, answer it by the date on it. Otherwise wait for USCIS to write to you.
When is my retest if I did not pass a test?
USCIS must give you a second try between 60 and 90 days after your first interview. You are tested again only on the part you did not pass, English or civics. The date comes in a notice by mail. If you miss it without a good reason and without telling USCIS first, it counts as failing.
How long does USCIS have to decide after my interview?
USCIS may decide the same day or within 120 days after your first interview. If 120 days pass with no decision, the law lets you ask a federal district court to decide your case or send it back to USCIS with orders. This is a real court case, so speak with an immigration lawyer first.
What is Form N-14?
Form N-14 is a request for evidence. It lists what the officer still needs from you, how to send it, and the last day to answer. USCIS usually gives 30 days, plus 3 days if the request was mailed. The date on your N-14 is the one that counts. If you do not answer, USCIS can decide with what it already has.
I lost my Form N-652. What can I do?
USCIS gives you the form at the end of the interview, and you cannot download a blank one. Check your USCIS online account and Case Status Online with your receipt number for updates. You can also call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. To get a copy of the record of your interview, file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with USCIS.
What if my N-400 is denied?
The denial letter must say why. You can ask for a review hearing on Form N-336 within 30 days after you receive the decision (USCIS adds 3 days if the letter was mailed). You can also file a new N-400 when you qualify. Which road is better depends on the reason for the denial, so ask a lawyer or an accredited representative.

Sources

Checked October 20, 2026.