Your Path to U.S. Citizenship: Navigating the Naturalization Journey

Who Qualifies for Naturalization?

• Individuals who have been permanent residents for the past five years
• Individuals currently married to and living with a U.S. citizen and have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for the past three years
• Individuals currently serving in the U.S. armed forces (or will be filing you application within 6 months of an honorable discharge) and have served for at least 1 year

If you are applying based on five years as a permanent resident or based on three years as a permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may file the application up to 90 days before you meet the “continuous residence” requirement. You must meet all the other requirements at the time that you file your application with USCIS.

How to Prepare Form N-400: Application for Naturalization

• USCIS has online versions of Form N-400 for your convenience
• Get two passport-style photos taken if you reside outside of the U.S.
• Collect the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for naturalization

Requirements when submitting Form N-400

• Form N-400 and biometric service fees, if applicable
• Form N-468, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, if applicable
• Form N-648 and required evidence listed in Form N-400, Exception to English and/or civils requirement for naturalization because of a physical or developmental disability

What happens after filing Form N-400?

Required Biometrics Appointment

USCIS requires that applicants be fingerprinted and photographed for the purposes of conducting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal background checks. In some cases, USCIS may be able to re-use fingerprints and photographs that were previously taken to conduct the required background checks. You will either receive a notice that your biometrics have been re-used, or, if new biometrics are required, you will receive a notice of a biometrics appointment. All applicants must have a background check before USCIS will schedule a naturalization interview.

What to Expect: Biometrics Appointment

• You will receive an appointment notice that will include your biometrics appointment date, time, and location
• You will arrive at the designated location and the scheduled time and submit their biometrics
• At a later date, you will receive an appointment notice for your naturalization interview

Required Naturalization Interview

Once all the preliminary process on your case is complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. Applicants must report to the USCIS office on the date and time on the appointment notice. It is very important not to miss your interview. If you must miss your interview, there are instructions on the appointment notice. Follow these instructions as soon as possible and contact the office to reschedule your interview

What to Expect: Naturalization Interview

• At the interview, you will meet with a USCIS officer and answer questions about your Form N-400
• If you are requesting a medical exception to the English and civics testing requirements, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions if you did not submit it at the time that you filed your N-400
• In some cases, the USCIS officer that interviewed you will not be able to make a decision on your Form N-400 on the day of the Naturalization. USCIS will provide you with a notice of interview results following your interview
  • You will be required to take the English and civics test, unless exempt

English and Civics Test

As part of the U.S. naturalization process, you must pass an English test, which assesses your ability to read, write, and speak in English. You must also pass a civics test that evaluates your knowledge of U.S. history and government. The English exam is divided into three sections: speaking, reading, and writing. For the reading and writing portions you will use a digital tablet provided to you by USCIS. While it’s helpful to have perfect pronunciation, spelling, and grammar, common mistakes are expected. If you’re unsure about any questions during the test, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Immigration officers are instructed to repeat certain words or rephrase questions upon request to make sure you fully understand.

What to Expect: English Test

English Speaking Test

• During this part of the English test, the immigration officer will ask you questions related to your citizenship application and eligibility to assess your speaking and comprehension skills. You won’t be expected to understand every word or phrase from your application. However, it’s a good idea to review your answers before your exam appointment to feel more prepared.

English Reading Test

• The reading test consists of up to three sentences, and you must read one correctly to pass. The content focuses on civics and history topics, and the sentences will appear on a digital tablet for you to read aloud.
• To help you prepare, USCIS provides word strips and copy sheets containing all the words found in the reading portion of the naturalization test, which focuses on civics and history topics.
• When reading aloud, try to avoid long pauses. You are allowed to mispronounce some words, leave out small words, or use non-standard intonation, but you cannot replace a word with another word you’re familiar with. The key is to show the immigration officer that you understand the meaning of the sentence.

English Writing Test

• You must write one out of three sentences correctly as the immigration officer reads them aloud. You will be instructed to use a stylus on a digital tablet. You can misspell some words or make minor grammar and punctuation errors, but you must not abbreviate words and must write clearly. The officer will move on to the next sentence until you write one successfully.
• USCIS provides a vocabulary list for the writing test, which overlaps with the reading test, including names of presidents and months.

What to Expect: Civics Test

• The civics test is an oral test. The USCIS Officer will ask you up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. You must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.
• On the naturalization test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. As you study for the test, make sure that you know the most current answers to these questions. Be sure to update the answers to these questions based on the time of your naturalization interview.
• More than half of the questions are about the U.S. government and the rest are about American history

English Language Exemptions

You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are:

• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception. OR
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception)

Keep in Mind:

• Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
• You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview. Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

List of Helpful Resources to Prepare for Naturalization

1. Components of the Naturalization Test (USCIS)
2. Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide (uscis.gov)
3. List of USCIS Civics Exam Questions
4. 10 Steps to Naturalization (uscis.gov)

Good Moral Character Evaluation:

USCIS requires applicants for naturalization to show evidence of “good moral character” (GMC) during a specific timeframe prior to their application or oath of allegiance. This timeframe is usually five years but can be shortened to three years for applicants who are married to U.S. citizens. For the timeframe required, individuals must demonstrate consistent adherence to ethical and legal standards. To prove GMC, applicants typically need to submit various documents, including tax records that reflect their financial responsibility, statements from community members, and criminal background checks confirming they have no serious offenses.

Many factors can impact the evaluation of good moral character. For instance, USCIS considers any criminal convictions such as fraud, theft, violent crimes, or offenses involving moral turpitude as evidence against good moral character. Additionally, behaviors like failing to pay child support or failing to file taxes can also raise concerns about an applicant’s moral character. It’s essential to be honest throughout the application process, as any form of dishonesty can seriously jeopardize your credibility with USCIS.

Conclusion

Any journey to U.S. citizenship through naturalization can be both challenging and rewarding. It’s important to familiarize yourself with each step, from determining your eligibility to preparing for your interview and tests. It is essential to stay organized and informed so you can navigate this process with greater confidence. Your goal of becoming a U.S. citizen is within reach and Berardi Immigration Law is happy to guide you along your journey!