Citizenship and Naturalization

A foreign national alien acquires United States citizenship through the process of naturalization.

Who qualifies for Naturalization in the United States?

• Lawful Permanent Residents who have held residency for at least five years and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Lawful Permanent Residents who have been married to a United States Citizen for three years and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Qualifying members of the armed forces who meet all other eligibility requirements may apply for expedited naturalization.

Note: If your parent  claims the United States as his or her birthplace, or if he/she acquired citizenship prior to you turning 18 years of age, you may have a claim. Speak to an attorney about applying for proof of citizenship.

Prepare for your naturalization interview!

After you submit your application for citizenship with all required documents, the government will schedule a fingerprint appointment. Then, USCIS will schedule a naturalization interview. At this interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions about your background. The government requires you to take an English and a Civics test, (unless you qualify for an exemption or a waiver on the basis of a qualifying disability, impairment, or age). If you fail any portion of the interview, you may take the test again within 90 days.

The English Test

The English Test covers reading, writing, and speaking mastery of English. The USCIS officer will assess your speaking ability during your interview for citizenship. The reading portion of the interview requires that you read aloud one of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your ability to read English. The writing portion of the interview requires that you correctly write one of three sentences to demonstrate your ability to write in English.

Study this reading vocabulary:

Study this writing vocabulary:

The Civics Test

The Civics Test covers important aspects of United States government and history. During your interview, you could answer up to ten questions from a list of 100 possible questions. You must answer six of ten questions correctly to pass. Anyone 50 years of age or older and has been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years may qualify to take the exam in their native language. Moreover, this applies if to those 55 years of age or more and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years.

Study now for the 100 Question Civics Portion of the Naturalization Test!

If you are 65 years old or older and have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 20 years, the civics test may consist of only 20 possible questions.

» Quiz yourself on US Civics now!

For more information on citizenship and naturalization, call us today for a free consultation.

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(512) 900-9999

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