As part of the American citizenship process, most applicants are required to demonstrate an understanding of the English language that includes the ability to read, write, and speak ordinary English. Applicants should also have a basic knowledge of U.S. government and history (civics). This understanding of basic English and civics is done by taking the US citizen test.
After you submit the citizenship application to the USCIS, you will be informed to get your fingerprints taken and subsequently, you will be called for an interview.You need to be well prepared to take the US citizen test during the interview process.
In the US citizen test, you will be asked 10 out of the given 100 questions to check your knowledge of civics. To pass the US citizen test, you should correctly answer at least 6 of the 10 questions. Your English knowledge will be evaluated throughout the interview process.
The English Test
Test of your ability to speak in English
Your verbal skills will be determined by your answers to the questions asked by the USCIS interviewing officials. If you are able to understand and respond meaningfully to these questions, it will prove that you have demonstrated the ability to speak English.
Test of your ability to read English
In this section, you have to read one sentence out of three sentences correctly, in a manner suggesting to the USCIS official that you are able to understand the meaning of the sentence. You will not be failed because of your accent when speaking English.
Test of your ability to write in English
To prove that you can write in English, you should be able to write one sentence correctly out of three sentences. Make sure you do not abbreviate any dictated word in the written sentence. After you have written one of three sentences correctly, the USCIS Official will stop the writing test. You will not be failed because of spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors unless those errors change the meaning of the sentence.
The Civics Test
To prove that you have basic knowledge of U.S. government and history (civics), you have to answer six out of ten questions correctly. This test will be an oral examination.
You will be considered to have passed the US citizen test, if you are able to provide a correct answer or if you provide an alternative phrasing of the correct answer. If you provide an incorrect answer or fail to respond to the questions, you will be considered as having failed the test.
Considering your age and medically determinable physical or mental impairment, there are certain exceptions for the US citizenship test.
What If I Fail the US Citizen Test?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a denial letter that will have the date when you can re apply. If your application was rejected because your failed the English and/or civics test, you will be asked to appear for another test, usually within 60-90 days. If you fail the second time too, then your application will be denied.
You can then apply as soon as you feel you have learned enough English or civics to pass the tests. While re applying, you have to submit a new application (Form N-400) and have pay the appropriate fee again. In addition to this, you have to get your fingerprints and photographs taken again.
If you think the USCIS made a mistake in rejecting/denying your application, you can request a hearing with an immigration official. The denial letter that the USCIS sent will have all the details about how to request a hearing. You will be required to file Form N-336,”Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings under Section 336 of the INA” with the submission fee within 30 days of having received the USCIS denial letter.
If you still feel you have been wrongly denied even after the appeal hearing, you can file a petition for a new review of your citizenship application in a US district court.