Those who secure work visas or a green card through a family member may want to stay in the United States forever. If those individuals currently living in the United States meet certain standards, they may qualify to become naturalized citizens rather than remaining permanent residents.
Compliance with the criminal code and financial self-sufficiency are often important considerations during the naturalization process. Applicants who meet the standards established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will need to attend an interview with USCIS workers where they answer questions about their application and intentions.
They will also need to pass two tests administered by USCIS workers during that interview. How hard are those tests?
The Civics test
To become a full citizen of the United States, you need to have an understanding of the country, its history and its government. The USCIS administers a Civics test that involves the applicant answering 20 questions. The USCIS actually provides a list of all 128 potential questions that they might ask during the interview. As long as someone knows the answers to 12 of those questions, they will successfully pass the test.
The English language test
For many aspiring United States citizens, it is not the Civics test that is of concern but rather the English language test. English is a language that is notoriously difficult for people to learn, and you may worry about whether you are proficient enough to pass a test.
The USCIS does provide vocabulary resources much like they provide questions for the Civics test. Studying the vocabulary lists provided by the USCIS will make it easier for you to effectively complete the language portion of the test. You will need to speak in English and also demonstrate comprehension of English spoken by someone else. You will also need to read and write out full sentences.
Some individuals, including older adults who have been in the country for many years, may qualify for an exemption so that they don’t have to take the English language test. Most applicants are capable of passing the necessary naturalization tests with careful preparation. Even if someone fails the first time, the USCIS does allow applicants to retake the test once.
Learning more about the naturalization process might help you better prepare to become a United States citizen.
