The immigration and naturalization process is a complex one. It is not restricted to the completion and filing of the application. It also requires that you have basic knowledge of English and US history. It is usually perceived that becoming a US citizen is a difficult task but it is not so difficult if you have a general understanding about the complete naturalization process.
It is very important to keep in mind while moving ahead in the immigration and naturalization process, the application needs to be completed with information proving your permanent residency, moral character and attachment to the US constitution. This will be followed by a naturalization test which is conducted as part of the interview during the naturalization process.
The immigration and naturalization test is conducted to test your English language proficiency; and the civics test to check your knowledge about the history and constitution of the United States. In short, these tests are to evaluate your English language skills and social knowledge about the history and customs of the US.
In order to pass the test, you need to be well prepared and have knowledge of basic English vocabulary. Your grasp of English grammar and basic sentence structuring is also evaluated in this test. You can get the study material from USCIS; they provide vocabulary flash cards and samples questions.
The English proficiency will be tested on one’s ability to read, write and speak the English language. For the reading test you will have to read one from the three given sentences. Also, you may be required to read certain parts of Form N 400, Application for Naturalization.
In order to test your writing skills, you will have to write one out of three sentences correctly.
Speaking ability will be assessed by the interviewer through your conversation with him. To pass the test you do not have to be very proficient in English; basic knowledge of the language would be enough.
In the civics test you will be asked 10 questions about the history and government of US and you can pass it if you give six correct answers.
Exemptions from the immigration and naturalization test process are available to people who are medically impaired and to those who have maintained permanent residency for a certain period of time. You can request an exemption from the language test and will only have to take civics test if you fulfill any of the following conditions.
- You are aged above 50 years and have been a permanent resident for 20 years.
- You are aged above 55 years and have been a permanent resident for 15 years.
- You are aged above 65 years and have been a permanent resident for 15 years.
If you are eligible for an exemption under one of the first two cases, you need not do the English test. You will have to do the civics test in a language of your choice. You should take an interpreter along with you to your citizenship test and interview.
If you are eligible for an exemption under the third case, you need not take do the English test. You will have to undergo the civics test which will be a simpler version. You can take this test in a language of your choice and you need to take an interpreter with you to the citizenship test and interview.
An applicant is exempted from the both the English and civics test if he/she has a medical disability which prevents them from preparing for the test. An approved doctor’s certification would be required, which has to be sent along with the application form.
If you fail any part or both parts of the test, you can always take the test a second time. This is usually within 90 days of the first test.
The main aim of taking the citizenship test is to make sure the applicant is aware of American history and government, especially since they are looking to belong to this country as citizens. The best way to avail this knowledge of American history and government are the internet and newspapers.