A foreign immigrant can become an official U.S. citizen through a process called naturalization. In order to qualify for naturalization, immigrants must meet a number of requirements, including having a green card for at least five years, residing in the U.S. for at least 30 months, and being of good moral character. The final step in the naturalization process is the U.S. naturalization test, which is conducted in an eligibility interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer. Immigrants must pass this test in order to be granted citizenship.
Are you going through the naturalization process and need help ensuring your success on the U.S. naturalization test? Check out our guide below.
What’s on the U.S. Naturalization Test?
The U.S. naturalization test is divided into two main parts: English and Civics. During the English portion of the test, applicants will be required to demonstrate their English skills through speaking, reading aloud, and writing. They will be asked to read one of three sentences aloud, as well as write out a sentence correctly in English. Throughout the interview, they will be judged by the USCIS officer on their ability to speak and understand the language.
After the English portion has concluded, the applicant will be require to take the Civics portion, during which they will be tested orally on their knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic principles. They will be asked 10 civics questions total. At least six of these must be answered correctly in order to pass.
Applicants have two opportunities to pass the U.S. naturalization test. If they do not pass all sections during the first initial interview, they may retake the sections they failed. This is usually done between 60 and 90 days after the interview.
Preparing for the U.S. Naturalization Test
For the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test, there is a list of 100 approved questions that may be asked of applicants. Although only 10 in total will be used, they will always come from this approved list. In order to allow applicants to adequately prepare for their test, these questions have been published on the USCIS website for public viewing. Additionally, applicants can choose to take the Naturalization Self Test, also housed on the USCIS website.
For the English portion, the USCIS offers a variety of study materials to help applicants prepare. The USCIS website has flash cards, vocabulary lists, interactive practice tests, and more, all designed to help applicants better learn to read, write, and understand the English language.
Overview of the U.S. Naturalization Test
In October of 2008, the USCIS introduced a new naturalization test. After a one-year period of using both the old and new tests in tandem, the USCIS officially made the new test mandatory for all applicants. Since then, more than 2.5 million of these tests have been administered.
According to statistics, as of February 2013, the national pass rate for the U.S. nationalization test is 92 percent. Once applicants pass the test, the average processing time for the naturalization process to complete is just under six months.
More Information on the U.S. Naturalization Test
To learn more about the U.S. naturalization test or for help in navigating the naturalization process, immigrants should consider speaking to a qualified attorney. An attorney can ensure all the appropriate paperwork has been filed and that applicants are fully prepared and ready before going into their USCIS interview for testing.
If you’re currently going through the naturalization process or are preparing to take the U.S. naturalization test, call 800-770-0127 to speak to an attorney at the Davis Law Firm today.