What makes you a naturalized citizen

Some changes may affect your eligibility:. In these situations, we highly recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer before attending the naturalization interview. During your interview, a USCIS officer will test your ability to read, write, and speak English unless you are exempt from the English requirements. Your English skills will be tested in the following ways:. You will also take a civics test to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of U. Even if you're exempt from the English test, you will need to take the civics test in the language of your choice or qualify for an N waiver.

This is true, but the Biden administration reversed this decision. There will be a brief period that applicants can choose from either test, however anyone can take the older version of the test. The permanent version of the civics test has possible questions. During your test, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of questions in English. You must answer correctly six of the 10 questions to pass the civics test in English.

All questions on the test are asked orally. Are you anxious to learn about U. Start with Learn About the United States , a comprehensive booklet full of quick civics lessons. There are exemptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to certain individuals who qualify. When preparing Form N, Application for Naturalization, you have the opportunity to select certain exemptions.

You are exempt from the English language requirement if you are:. If you qualify for the exemptions listed above, you will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.

To use an interpreter during the civics test, you will also need to:. 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 also be given a simplified version of the civics test.

You qualify to take the civics test in the language of your choice. USCIS will only require you to study 20 of the civics test questions for the naturalization test. The Form N must have been prepared by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist less than six months prior to filing Form N After you file Form N, Application for Naturalization , begin keeping a file that includes a copy of the application, originals of the supporting documentation that was submitted with your application, and any letters you receive from USCIS.

This will make it easier to find and review the information before your interview. The naturalization interview is the final hurdle in becoming a U. If all goes well, you could have a decision after the interview.

Learn more about what happens at the naturalization interview. Designed by lawyers, our platform will help you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials.

The low-cost service also provides alerts if you answer a question in a way that might be a problem. We'll make sure you meet all the citizenship requirements before applying. Most people can prepare the naturalization package within a couple of hours. The online service is a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. In addition to it being an unfamiliar location, there will be a security checkpoint at the USCIS building that you attend for the naturalization interview.

Give yourself some extra time, but there's no need to arrive more than 15 to 20 minutes early to the appointment.

Upon checking in for your naturalization interview, you'll probably have a wait. USCIS offices generally schedule people in blocks of time. You may be called at the beginning or the end of the block of time. Nonetheless, don't show up at the last minute. Get there early. You may need the time to find parking, navigate a new building and get through security. It's not necessary to dress formally for your U. You may dress comfortably but look professional.

Avoid wearing jeans, shorts and t-shirts. A nice collar shirt or blouse for women is sufficient. Of course, you are welcome to wear a suit and tie if that's what makes you comfortable. If you are unable to answer six of 10 questions correctly, the interview will stop, and you will be rescheduled for another day within the next 90 days. You will have one additional chance to pass the citizenship test.

If all goes well at the U. If USCIS is not able to immediately schedule you for the ceremony, they will mail you another notice with the place and time of the oath ceremony. The process can be complicated, and the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer can make sure the application is submitted correctly and documentation is provided in the right format.

Applications may be completed either online or by mail. Candidates who fit the following categories may not complete the application online. These categories are:. After the application and appropriate fees have been received, the USCIS will notify you that you must attend a biometrics appointment.

You will need to appear on time at the designated location for your appointment. Bring your Form, Permanent Resident Card, to the appointment. Filing online may be an option for you.

If you do file online rather than by mail or on paper, you can create an account that allows you or your attorney to:. At any time after your application to become a naturalized citizen has been received, you may check the status of your case online.

You do need to know that the process could take months. After you have received confirmation of your naturalized citizen application, you will receive a unique, character identifier that allows you to track the progress of your case. Also, you may update any information such as change of address, email or other pertinent personal data.

When you create an account, you can see the last action taken on your file. You can also see a list of the remaining things you must do to become a naturalized citizen. The site will also allow you to submit inquiries. Your attorney can access the site to check your case status on your behalf, too, as long as you provide him or her with your character identifier and login information.

After you have submitted the application and fees, you will be contacted for an interview and schedule testing for your proficiency in English and government affairs. USCIS provides a video to view an example of the interview process and information to help prepare for the tests. Arrive on time with the following documents:. Be prepared to give honest and straightforward answers to questions asked by the interviewer.

Your certified immigration lawyer can assist by explaining the potential traps and pitfalls of the process. You must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the U. Note: Civics studies teach the naturalization candidate how the government works, representation and voting, as well as the responsibilities of local, state, and national government leaders.

The USCIS Citizenship Resource Cente r website provides information to help study for the tests, information sessions that you may attend, information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and naturalization resources for Spanish language speakers. You can lose your U. Pursuant to the a 6 C i of the immigration and naturalization act , if you are believed to have committed fraud, you could be permanently banned from the U.

Using immigration application software from FileRight to complete your immigration paperwork can help you avoid mistakes. USCIS officials may interpret your errors as fraudulent misrepresentations or omissions of the truth. Disclaimer: FileRight. We are not a law firm, do not provide legal advice, and are not a substitute for an attorney. All forms that can be completed online using our service are available as blank forms with written instructions for free from the USCIS.

Access to and use of the FileRight. Select filing packages include an Immigration Lawyer Review conducted by an independent, licensed immigration attorney. All Rights Reserved.

Before you continue, please understand that: This website is run by a private company. We have no connection to U. We don't do that for you. Skip to content Fileright Immigration Blog. What Is a Naturalized Citizen? By Fileright Last Updated: June 3, A happy immigrant woman holds up her US passport. She is a naturalized citizen because she went through the naturalization process. Share on facebook. Share on twitter.