You may apply for American citizenship through naturalization, if you are a foreign national and have been a lawful permanent resident in the United States for 5 years and more.
You may apply for naturalization by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Once you send your completely filled application to the USCIS, you will be called for a naturalization test and interview after your application is processed.
Your naturalization interview will be scheduled at the local USCIS office. The interview consists of certain components like English reading and writing tests, civics test, and personal interview. To become a naturalized citizen of the United States, you must pass all the components of the naturalization test.
The USCIS will send an appointment notice through mail, notifying you about the interview schedule with the date, time, and place for your interview. You must also bring certain documents such as your Green Card or permanent residence card and passport along with your appointment notice.
The USCIS recommends you to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled time of interview. As you arrive for your interview, you must go through a security checkpoint where you will show your appointment notice and other documents to the security officer. You will then be called by the immigration officer for your interview.
During the interview, you will be asked questions about your N-400 application. You must answer without any falsity. If any discrepancy is found, your application will be rejected. You are always recommended to provide true information about yourself and your background in your application.
You must pass and English and Civic tests in order to be eligible for US citizenship through naturalization.
English Test
The English test consists of 3 components – speaking, reading, and writing.
Speaking
During your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will speak to you and ask questions about your N-400 application in English and your English-speaking ability will be analyzed through your answers.
Reading
Three sentences in English will be given and you must read at least one out of the three questions correctly. Through this you can demonstrate your reading ability in English.
Writing
To pass the writing test, you must write one out of the given three sentences correctly. The USCIS officer will read out the sentences which you are required to write.
As it is enough if you read one out of three given sentences correctly, you will not be required to read the other two sentences, if you read the first question correctly. This also applies to the writing test, you need not write the last two sentences, if you write the first one correctly.
Civics Test
The civics test consists of questions related to the American law, government and history. The naturalization test includes 100 civics questions. 10 questions from the list of 100 civics questions will be asked. It is mandatory to answer at least six out of the 10 questions correctly, to complete the civics test.
English and civics tests are considered important as it is obvious that a US citizen must be aware of the laws, history and government of the United States. It is mandatory to take the English and civics tests unless you are qualified for an exemption.