The process of becoming a naturalized citizen can be exhausting. There’s plenty of paperwork to fill out and interview questions to answer. You also need to provide necessary documentation which can range from birth certificates to marriage licenses.
Just when you think you’re almost at the end of the immigration process, you need to display another skill. You also need to be able to write, read, speak, and understand English.
If the immigration applicant lacks English language skills, you may need legal help for naturalization exemptions. A lack of English may qualify as an immigration exemption but it doesn’t apply to everyone.
Components of the Naturalization English Exam
The path to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen can be complicated. Even if you’re fluent in English, it’s still a good idea to retain legal counsel.
Yes, part of the path toward U.S. citizenship is demonstrating your ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. At face value, this can sound relatively simple. After all, how hard can it be to learn a new language?
Unfortunately, American English is one of the harder languages to learn. The reason for the difficulty is that American English is a representation of the country. The English language is kind of a melting pot, it uses words from other languages.
So, in a sense, learning English is kind of like memorizing speech patterns from around the globe. To pass the English test, a requirement for becoming a naturalized citizen, you need to be able to understand and communicate these differences.
The English language part of the immigration test is divided into three parts and each must be taken in front of a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. There aren’t any exceptions, regardless of your command of the English language.So, what are the components of the English exam?
The speaking or oral part of the exam consists of questions posed by the USCIS officer regarding your eligibility to become a naturalized citizen. The questions will vary depending on your application.
For example, if you’re in the United States on a work visa, your questions will pertain to your job and why your skills are vital. Questions for applicants on a marriage visa will also differ from those in the country for education or relief from abuse.
The interviewer will grade your responses on your ability to speak and understand the English language. The second and third part of the test is reading and writing. The interviewer will give you a sentence you must both read out loud and then write correctly.
If you fail any of the three parts of the English exam, don’t panic. Your visa isn’t in immediate jeopardy. In other words, your current visa doesn’t automatically expire simply because you failed part of the naturalization exam.
You should be able to reschedule your English exam. However, if you fail the English portion of your second exam, your application for naturalization will be automatically denied.
Exemptions for the English Naturalization Test
The government recognizes English isn’t the easiest language to learn so there are some exemptions to this part of the naturalization process. In other words, not everyone has to pass or even take this portion of the exam.
The U.S. government recognizes three criteria for a possible exemption. However, it’s important to note that any of the following three exemptions don’t apply in all cases.
- Age Exemption: You may qualify for an exemption if you meet one of the following:
- You are 50 years or older and a permanent resident for at least 20 years.
- You are 55 years or older and a permanent resident for at least 15 years.
- You are 65 years or older and a permanent resident for at least 20 years.
- Medical Exemption: If you have a medical condition that prevents you from learning or demonstrating English proficiency, you may qualify for an exemption from the English language requirement. You’ll need to provide documentation of your condition when you submit your naturalization application. This evidence is usually in the form of your medical records. Testimony from a medical expert may also be a requirement.
- Disability Exemption: If you have a physical or developmental disability, or a mental impairment that prevents you from learning or demonstrating English proficiency, you may qualify for an exemption from the English language requirement. You will need to provide medical evidence supporting your disability, Usually, in the form of medical records and witness testimony by healthcare experts.
Components of the Civic Test
The naturalization process also includes a civics test and this is separate from the English exam. The civics test requires applicants to answer questions about the history of the United States and its government.
The test consists of 100 questions and the USCIS officer can ask ten of the 100 questions. Yes, it’s up to the interviewer to choose which questions are part of the exam. The applicant can’t submit a list of their preferences.
To pass this portion of the naturalization process, you must answer at least six of the ten questions correctly. If you fail to correctly answer at least six questions, you can reschedule the exam. However, if you fail the civics part of the naturalization exam, your application will be denied.
The exemptions for the civics part of the exam are the same for the English language part. Age can be an exemption, along with a medical condition or another type of disability.
Simplifying Your Path To U.S. Citizenship
The path to becoming a U.S. citizen can be rocky; there are procedures you need to follow, and these usually include answering questions and taking exams.
If you believe you’re exempt from any part of the process or a failing grade has led to the denial of your request for citizenship, an immigration attorney may be able to help. Your attorney can help you navigate the complex process and help ensure you achieve your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.