Naturalization interview - what happens to GC?

[vishwaskaroo]

Hello,

Does the INS officer take away the Green Card during the N400 interview? If the interview is successful do we get the GC back? If the interview is not successful do they give it back?
People with experience please respond.

Thanks

 

[rogerkint]

no

they take it back at the naturalization ceremony. until then you need the GC as proof of your US residence status

 

[vishwaskaroo]

When you say Naturalization Ceremony - are you refering to the Oath Ceremony?

 

[boatbod]

The IO will want to examine your GC at the start of the interview, but it is returned (unless I suppose it turns out to be fake). When you attend the oath ceremony, you will surrender it during registration, and leave the room with the natz certificate at the end of the event.