USCIS began implementing a new civics test for naturalization on December 1st
USCIS began implementing a new civics test for naturalization on December 1st
Do you need help with your immigration process? Call us today at (619) 746-8879
One of the requirements to become a US citizen is to take an English and a civics test, and the USCIS has just updated it.
USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) announced that the new test is being implemented as of December 1st for anyone who applied for naturalization on or before this date. The 2008 version will still be available for those who filed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, before December 1st.
The English portion of the test has not changed, only the civics portion of it. Remember that this is one of the requirements for obtaining citizenship. However, there are some exceptions.
What are the changes in the naturalization interview?
Part of the naturalization process is being interviewed by a USCIS officer who will ask you 20 of the 128 civics test questions. To pass, you must answer at least 12 of them correctly, orally.
As for the English portion of the test, you must demonstrate that you can understand the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking basic English. Some people can take the test in their native language if:
- They are 50 years or older when filing for naturalization and have lived as Permanent Residents in the United States for 20 years.
- If they are 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a Green Card holder for 15 years.
However, they must bring an interpreter to the interview who must be fluent in English and your native language. He or she will verify your answers.
What does the English test consist of?
The test will evaluate the following aspects:
- Speaking: A USCIS officer will determine your ability to speak and understand English during your eligibility interview.
- Reading: You must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
- Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
What happens if I fail the naturalization test?
You have two opportunities to pass the naturalization test. If you fail any part of the test at your first interview, you will be retested only on the portion that you failed, between 60 and 90 days from the initial interview date.
If you failed the 2008 version of the test, you would retake the same version, not the updated 2020 version. However, we advise you to take your time to study for the civics test and check the questions and answers on the USCIS webpage. There are also flashcards and a pocket study guide that you can download to help you study.
What happens if I pass the civics test?
If you passed your civics test, congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a US citizen. However, you may be wondering now, what happens next?
You will be called to take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which is the end of the process. But, how long does the entire process take?
The national average processing time for naturalization applications takes a little over eight months. A summary of the process goes as follows:
- Processing your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400 processing time): 8 months on average.
- Attending your biometrics appointment: less than a month.
- Attending your citizenship interview and exam: 4 months on average.
- Receiving a decision on your application: From 0 to 4 months.
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving your Certificate of Naturalization: 0 to 1.5 months.
Therefore, the total time to naturalize is from 12 months to 17.5 months. However, there are possible delays to consider that could affect one or more of the process’s steps, and everything could end up taking longer.
The naturalization process leaves very little room for error, which is why it is advisable to have the help of an immigration attorney that has done this many times before. You ensure not to be wasting time (and money), filing everything correctly, and being on the road to becoming a US citizen sooner rather than later.
Contact Kannan Law today for more information on how we can help with your application for naturalization!