What Form N-652 is
The USCIS Policy Manual says the officer must give you a notice of results at the end of the interview, whatever the outcome. That notice is Form N-652. It shows the date of your interview and the name of the officer who interviewed you, then has three groups of checkboxes:
- Your test results (English and civics)
- What happens next (a retest, a request for documents, or a written decision)
- The overall result: box A, "recommended for approval," or box B, "a decision cannot yet be made"
The wording below comes from a copy of the form that USCIS has released. The exact layout can differ a little between editions, but the boxes work the same way. Read every box the officer checked, not just the one at the bottom.
Your test results
"You passed the tests of English and U.S. history and government."
You passed both parts of the naturalization test: English (speaking, reading and writing) and civics. This is the result most applicants are hoping to see.
"You passed the tests of U.S. history and government and the English language requirement was waived."
You qualified for an age-and-residence exception to the English test (for example, the 50/20, 55/15 or 65/20 rule), took the civics test, and passed it.
"USCIS has accepted your request for a Disability Exception."
USCIS accepted your Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. You don't have to show English ability, civics knowledge or both, depending on what the exception covers.
"You will be given another opportunity to be tested on your ability to speak / read / write English."
You didn't pass one or more parts of the English test. The officer marks which ones: speaking, reading or writing. You get a second chance.
"You will be given another opportunity to be tested on your knowledge of U.S. history and government."
You didn't pass the civics test this time. You get a second chance.
How the retest works: by regulation, USCIS must give you the second test 60 to 90 days after your first interview, and you only retake the part you failed. If you passed civics but failed writing, for example, you only retake writing. Go to the retest: if you don't show up and don't ask in time to reschedule, the Policy Manual says the officer should deny your application. Use the time to practice: civics practice test, English reading and writing practice.
What happens next
"Please follow the instructions on Form N-14."
The officer needs more information or documents before deciding. You'll get Form N-14, Request for Additional Information, which lists exactly what to send, how to send it and the deadline. USCIS generally gives 30 days to respond (plus 3 days if the request was mailed to you). If you don't respond, the officer may decide your case with only the evidence USCIS already has, which can lead to a denial. Send everything on the list, keep copies, and include a copy of the N-14 if it says to.
"USCIS will send you a written decision about your application."
The officer didn't make the final decision at the interview. Your decision will come by mail (and show up in your USCIS online account if you have one). This box is often checked together with box B below.
"You did not pass the second and final test of your English ability / knowledge of U.S. history and government."
This means you failed the same part of the test at your second interview. The form says you won't be scheduled for another interview for this N-400 and that USCIS will send a written decision. In practice, failing the retest means the application will be denied. You can apply again with a new Form N-400 and fee. If you believe there was a mistake, see "If your application is denied" below.
The overall result: box A or box B
A) "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval."
The form goes on: at this time, it appears you have established your eligibility for naturalization, and if final approval is granted, you'll be told when and where to go for the Oath Ceremony.
- You are not a citizen yet. You become a citizen only when you take the Oath of Allegiance at the ceremony.
- "Recommended" means one more review. The Policy Manual says all approved applications are reviewed for quality by a different officer. If new information comes up that could disqualify you, USCIS won't schedule your ceremony until it's resolved.
- Next, watch your mail for Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. In some offices you may be able to take the oath on the same day as your interview.
B) "A decision cannot yet be made about your application."
This box is common and, by itself, isn't a denial. It means the officer couldn't approve your case at the end of the interview. Look at the other boxes the officer checked to see why:
- With a retest box: you need to pass the part you failed first.
- With the Form N-14 box: USCIS is waiting for your documents.
- With only "USCIS will send you a written decision": USCIS still has to finish reviewing your case. The form doesn't say why. If you're unsure, the officer's name is on the form, and you can ask in writing (see below).
"It is very important that you…"
The bottom of the form lists what USCIS expects from you while your case is open:
- Tell USCIS if you change your address. Notices for your retest, your N-14 or your oath ceremony go to the address USCIS has.
- Come to any scheduled interview and go to any oath ceremony you're scheduled for.
- Send all the documents USCIS asks for.
- Send questions in writing to the officer named on the form. Include your full name, your A-Number and a copy of the N-652.
- If you can't attend an interview or ceremony, tell USCIS in writing as soon as possible, with a copy of the N-652 and of the appointment notice.
Keep your N-652. You'll need a copy if you write to USCIS, reschedule, or have to show when your interview took place.
If more than 120 days pass without a decision
By law, USCIS has 120 days from your first interview to decide your application. The N-652 itself notes that, under section 336 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you have the right to ask a U.S. district court for a hearing if USCIS hasn't made a decision within 120 days of your examination. This is a court process, so talk to an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative before you take this step.
If your application is denied
A denial comes as a written notice that explains the reasons and the eligibility requirements you didn't meet. If you think the decision is wrong, you can ask for a hearing with an immigration officer by filing Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, with the fee, generally within 30 days of the decision (33 days if it was mailed to you). Read the deadline on your denial notice and on the N-336 page. Depending on the reason, you may also be able to apply again with a new N-400. An immigration attorney can help you choose.
After box A: the oath ceremony
Once your case is approved, the last step is the oath ceremony, where you turn in your green card, take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Our guide What Happens After Your Citizenship Interview covers the ceremony, Form N-445 and what to do once you're a citizen.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part B, Chapter 4 (results of the naturalization examination, Form N-652, Form N-14, reexamination, 120-day rule); Form N-652, Naturalization Interview Results, as released by USCIS (USCIS FOIA reading room); 8 CFR 312.5 and 335.3 (retesting); 8 CFR 335.7 and 103.8(b) (requests for evidence); 8 CFR 336.1 (denials); INA 336; USCIS: Form N-336. The form's wording can vary slightly between editions. This is general information, not legal advice.