Naturalization is the legal process of becoming a citizen of the United States. Immigrants who have lived in the country for years as permanent residents may be eligible for naturalization. They pay a fee and submit an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The USCIS conducts a background check and validates that the applicant meets the baseline requirements for naturalization. If they do, then the USCIS may schedule a naturalization interview. During that interview, the applicant may need to answer personal questions. They typically also need to submit to specialized testing.
Applicants must pass tests during the interview process if they want to complete the naturalization process and take the oath of citizenship. What types of tests does the USCIS administer during the naturalization interview?
An English test
Immigrants hoping to become citizens usually need to prove their proficiency in the English language. They must submit to an English test. This test is partially verbal. The immigrant must prove that they can comprehend spoken English and communicate effectively by speaking in English as well. There are also test components that involve reading and writing. The USCIS does provide study materials, including vocabulary guides, to help immigrants prepare for the English language test.
A Civics test
Those hoping to become United States citizens generally need to understand how the government operates. They also need to understand United States history. The Civics test looks into both of these important areas of knowledge. The USCIS interviewer asks up to 10 questions. The immigrant must answer at least six of those questions correctly to pass. The Civics test is an oral test conducted in English in most cases. The USCIS does provide a comprehensive list of all 100 potential questions that the Civics test could include. Immigrants who study that list improve their chances of passing.
If immigrants fail a test during the interview, they have the option of retaking the test. If they pass the second time, then they can proceed with the naturalization process. If they fail a second time, then the naturalization process ends. Failing does not result in the loss of a green card or removal from the country. The immigrant can apply for naturalization as many times as they must in order to pass.
Having support while preparing for the naturalization process may increase an immigrant’s chances of success. Proper testing preparation is an important component of preparing for naturalization.