Ready for the US naturalization test and interview? This is what you should know

Ready for the US naturalization test and interview? This is what you should know

If you need help with your immigration status, call us today at (619) 746-8879

The United States is one of the most common destinations for people who emigrate from different parts of the world. And it is not for less considering its international influence, the opportunities, and the high quality of life it offers. In addition, its policies for receiving foreigners are friendly, as are the naturalization procedures.

Because yes, it is possible to obtain US citizenship by remaining a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. Those who have reached this time have the right to opt for it, but first, they have to comply with an important protocol; this is the presentation of the test and the naturalization interview.

Both constitute a great challenge, but it deserves to be addressed after so much time in the country. If you are in this process and want to prepare yourself as much as possible to pass both the test and the interview, at Kannan Law, as always, we can help you. This is everything you should know about these steps prior to naturalization as an American.

What is the naturalization test?

The naturalization test is an exam that emigrants must apply to opt for naturalization in the US, that is, to obtain citizenship. This test is presented by those who have remained legally in the US for at least five continuous years. The office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is in charge of carrying it out.

Its objective is for the authorities to evaluate how much these residents have integrated into the country’s culture. To this end, the test addresses aspects such as language management, civics, immigration laws, and even American history. Answering the questions satisfactorily attests to knowledge and integration into American society and allows you to continue with the naturalization interview.

Parts of the naturalization test

It should come as no surprise that, as such an important step for someone wishing to become a naturalized American, it is necessary to prepare beforehand. That said, we first need to learn about the parts of the test, which is divided into two: the English and the civics tests.

English exam

The purpose of the English portion of the naturalization test is for the permanent resident to demonstrate to the immigration officer that they understand the English language, recognized as the nation’s official language. That is, they can read, write and speak at a basic level or in everyday use.

It is worth noting that everyday use refers to the ability to make understandable and pertinent communication by applying simple vocabulary and grammar. This means that the pronunciation or the formulation of the sentences should not be perfect and impeccable; instead, egregious errors in the pronunciation, as well as the formulation, spelling, and complete understanding of certain words, phrases, and sentences in the English language are valid.

The reading test consists of reading aloud one of every three sentences correctly. For its part, the writing test consists of writing one of three proposed sentences correctly. While the ability to speak and understand it will be tested during the naturalization interview.

Civics test

The second part of the test focuses on civics, covering topics such as law, government, and American history. It is done orally and consists of the officer asking the applicant up to 10 questions, of which six must be answered correctly to obtain a passing grade.

What does the naturalization interview consist of?

Once the applicant for naturalization has completed the English and civics tests, the USCIS will proceed with the corresponding interview. This is the last step to finally becoming a US citizen and beginning to carry all the benefits and duties that this implies.

The naturalization interview consists of verbally verifying the information provided by the applicant on their Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The USCIS officer in charge will pose some questions to the resident, which must be answered in English. And as we indicated in the previous paragraphs, this interview also aims to assess the level of English spoken.

For this reason, it is essential to pay attention and understand each question the officer poses, think carefully about the answer, and respond accordingly. You may be motivated by the fact that the questions in this interview are designed to be easy to answer. In addition, this makes it easier to assess the consistency of responses with available information about the country’s government and history.

Documents to present for the naturalization interview

As is common in this procedure, applicants for naturalization must bring several original documents with their certified copies on the day of the interview. These are the Green Card; an official photo ID, which can be a driver’s license or identity document; and the original letter with the appointment granted by the USCIS. If the naturalization derives from a marriage, it is also necessary to bring documents that validate it. For more information, you can refer to Form N-400.

How to prepare for the naturalization test and interview?

The naturalization test and interview can seem very demanding, but USCIS does not leave applicants alone in this arduous process. To begin with, on its official website, there is a tool to determine the eligibility of each person for this process. It also provides the educational resources necessary to prepare to present both.

By this, we refer to lists of possible questions related to civic education provided by the same institution on its website; among them, we highlight “100 civics questions available in the naturalization test”. And it is worth noting that, although the document offers 100 items, only ten questions are generally asked in the interview. Of course, they can include any of those embodied in it.

As if that were not enough, the USCIS site contains interactive practice exercises and self-tests. Using them, applicants can measure their level of preparation, identify knowledge or language weaknesses and thus work on improving them to give their best in the interview.

The best part is that these resources are free and available in other languages, so there is no need to pay for a course or tutoring during the study period. In addition, the answers remain over time because they are historical and government issues and only some may vary depending on recent changes, for example, after elections or appointments.

What happens if you don’t pass the interview?

Each Green Card holder eligible for the naturalization test will have two opportunities to answer the English and civics sections. If you do not pass, the institution allows you to take the exam again, but at a later opportunity.

When this occurs, the USCIS schedules a new interview based on the part of the exam that was failed. This will be stipulated for between 60 and 90 days from the first date.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for the US naturalization test and interview?

The application for US citizenship can be made by any person who meets its requirements; this can be confirmed through the previously mentioned tool. For this, a lawyer is not mandatory or necessary; it will suffice to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, even online.

Applicants can seek legal advice, but the USCIS is very clear about this option. And it is that only attorneys accredited by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) are allowed.

If you are in the phases before naturalization and need advice for other procedures related to your permanence in the US, know that we are here to serve you. By clicking here, you can contact our team and confidently present your case.