English and Civics Requirements for Naturalization Text Size:

Generally, there are two ways to become a US citizen. First, if you were born in the US or if your parents are US citizens and you were born outside the US, then you're automatically a US citizen. The second way is called "naturalization." It's a special process that allows immigrants or foreign nationals to become US citizens if they satisfy certain requirements.

Naturalization requires that you have a:

• Basic understanding of the English language, including the ability to speak, read, and write simple common words and phrases, and
• Basic knowledge and understanding of US history, and the US form of government, which is known as "civics"

English

To become a US citizen, you have to show the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you can read, speak, and write basic English. You'll do this during the review of your application for naturalization . You'll have to read one to three English sentences to a USCIS agent. You'll also have to write one to three sentences that the USCIS officer will read aloud to you.

Some applicants don't have to satisfy the English requirement, that is, they are exempt from showing they can read, speak, and write English. You don't have to take the English test if you're:

• 50 years old or older and you've lived in the US as permanent resident for at least 20 years
• 55 years old or older and you've lived in the US as permanent resident for at least 15 years
• 65 years old or older and you've lived in the US as permanent resident at least 10 years

History and Civics

You need to have a basic understanding of US history and the form of the US government. For this test, the USCIS has a list of 100 questions about US history and government, and the questions you'll be asked come directly from this list. The USCIS officer will ask you several questions, but no more than 10, such as:

• What's the supreme law of the US?
• Name one branch of the US government
• Why did the American colonists fight the British government?

To pass the test, you need to answer at least six questions correctly.

Generally, you have to take the history and civics test even if you're not required to take the English test. There are some special rules, though. If you're:

• 50 years old or older and you've lived in the US as permanent resident for at least 20 years, you can take the civics and history test in your language
• 55 years old or older and you've lived in the US as permanent resident for at least 15 years, you can take the test in your language
• 65 years old or older and you've lived in the US as permanent resident at least 10 years, you don't have to study all 100 questions. Rather, there are 20 questions from the list of 100 that you need to be able to answer

Special Exemption

An applicant may be able to skip the English test and take the history and civic test in her native language if she has a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment that makes it impossible for her to learn, or to show that she knows, the required English. Or, the applicant's disability may exempt her from both tests. For example, an applicant with Alzheimer's may not have to take either test if the disease makes her unable to learn and remember a new language and facts about US civics.

To qualify for this exemption, your disability or impairment:

• Must be at least one year old, or is expected to last for at least one year, and
• Can't be the result of your use of illegal drugs

Also, a doctor or psychologist must explain and prove your disability or impairment and how it makes you unable to learn or take a test on English and civics. The doctor or psychologist needs to do this on a special USCIS form.

The impairment or disability has to make it impossible for you to learn English or to take the tests for naturalization. If there's some reasonable way in which you can learn English or take both tests, then you don't qualify for the exemption. For example, you will not qualify for a special exemption if you can take the tests with the help of a sign language interpreter or by using Braille testing materials.

The USCIS will make every reasonable effort to help you take the tests. If you think you need special help, like a sign language interpreter or Braille materials, there's a place on the naturalization application for you to tell the USCIS about your needs.

Preparing for the Tests

If you've never attended school in the US, then you may want to consider taking a class or school course on English and US history and civics. These courses are sometimes called "citizenship classes." Sometimes they're offered at a local school or a cultural center. You can also find materials in a local library. Additionally, online computer classes are another option.

The USCIS Web site has a lot of study materials that you can use at your convenience and that are free. You can find things like quick civics lessons and vocabulary sheets on the web site.

Questions for Your Attorney

• How long will it be between the time I file my application for naturalization and taking the tests on English and history and civics?
• If I fail either the English or history and civics, can I take it again? How long do I have to wait between the tests?
• My father suffers from dementia, which has gotten worse since he filed his application for naturalization. I have his medical records from his doctor in Mexico. Will that be good enough to get him an exemption from the English and history and civics tests?

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