An Overview of the Citizenship Test to Become an American Citizen
Becoming a US citizen is a significant milestone that requires fulfilling several statutory requirements and successfully passing the US citizenship test. At Cheves Briceno, our immigration attorneys are here to guide you through the process of passing the US citizenship test as well as meeting the other citizenship requirements.. This blog provides an overview of the citizenship test, its components, and what to expect throughout your journey to US citizenship.
Statutory Requirements for US Citizenship
To become a US citizen, you must meet certain statutory requirements as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These include:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Permanent Resident Status: You must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years, or three years if you are married to a US citizen.
- Continuous Residence: You must have continuously resided in the US for at least five years (or three years if married to a US citizen).
- Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months within the five-year period (or 18 months within the three-year period if married to a US citizen).
- Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character for the statutory period.
- English Language Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Civics Knowledge: You must have a basic understanding of US history and government.
- Oath of Allegiance: You must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
What is the Test to Become an American Citizen?
The US citizenship test, administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is a key component of the naturalization process. The test to become an American citizen assesses your knowledge of the English language and US civics.
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Components of the Citizenship Test
- English Language Test:
- Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your ability to write in English.
- Reading: You must read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your ability to read in English.
- Speaking: Your ability to speak English will be determined by your answers to questions asked by the USCIS officer during your interview.
- Civics Test:
- You will be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 questions covering US history, government, and civic principles. You must answer at least six questions correctly to pass the civics test.
Details About the American Citizenship Test
- Length: The entire naturalization interview, including the citizenship test, typically lasts about 20-30 minutes.
- Format: The test is conducted orally during your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer.
- Preparation: USCIS provides study materials, including the 100 civics questions, reading and writing vocabulary lists, and sample sentences.
What Happens if You Pass or Don’t Pass the Citizenship Test?
- Passing the Test: If you pass the test to become an American citizen and meet all other requirements, you will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
- Failing the Test: If you do not pass either the English or civics test, you will be given a second opportunity to take the portion of the test that you failed. This retest is usually scheduled within 60-90 days of your initial interview.
Why Choose Cheves Briceno for Your US Citizenship Application?
Navigating the citizenship process, including the test for citizenship, can be complex, but with the right legal assistance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a US citizen. At Cheves Briceno, our immigration attorneys have extensive experience in handling citizenship applications. We offer personalized guidance, ensuring that you are well-prepared for your US citizenship test and interview.
Our offices in Braselton, Peachtree Corners, and Columbus, GA, are conveniently located to serve you. We provide legal services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and can arrange assistance in other languages to meet your needs.
Contact Cheves Briceno for a free, confidential consultation about your citizenship application. Let us help you achieve your dream of becoming a US citizen.
