Requirements for Skipping the English Test During Naturalization

- dimartinolaw
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- September 2, 2022
Requirements for Skipping the English Test During Naturalization
The process of receiving U.S. citizenship through naturalization typically requires taking and passing a series of tests, though an English test may be waived under certain circumstances for those seeking naturalization. In this entire process, a Naturalization Lawyer in Los Angeles can turn out to be a great help for you.
You may be exempt from taking the English test if you meet certain standards. These requirements vary depending on your age and how long you stayed in America. Nevertheless, an expert Naturalization Lawyer in Los Angeles explains that even if you don’t have to take the English exam, chances are that you still need to complete the civics section of the examination.
Why Is the English Test Required for U.S. Citizenship?
Both an English and a civics test are necessary for all individuals seeking to become United States citizens. The official language of the United States is English. All government documents, as well as all commercial transactions, are conducted in English. As a result, United States officials want to see if you can read, write, and understand English to function in the country as a full citizen and fulfil obligations such as jury duty. Certain exemptions, on the other hand, may allow you to bypass the English test while naturalizing.
The Requirements for Skipping the English Test
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are exceptions and accommodations available for naturalization requirements. The English section of the test may be skipped if:
- You must be at least 50 years old when applying for naturalization and have lived in the United States as a green card holder for at least 20 years. This exception, often known as the 50/20 exemption, is available to most individuals.
- If you have been a green card holder in the United States for at least 15 years and are age 55 or older when you apply, you are eligible for the 55/15 exemption.
If you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from taking the English test, you may be eligible for an exemption. To verify your condition, however, your doctor will need to complete Form N-648.
Accommodations for Disabilities
The Form N-648 has design for individuals who are physically or mentally unable to take the English test due to a disability. You may, however, be able to complete the test with appropriate modifications for your needs, which you can detail on Form N-400 in a special area.
USCIS offers several testing accommodations for applicants with disabilities, which include:
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, and wish to interpret sign language or provide other assistance, feel free to contact us.
- Increasing the amount of time you have to complete the test or allowing for additional rest periods during the exam
- Permitting family members in the examination room to provide emotional support and signature assistance.
- If you are unable to appear at the local field office because of your disability, the examination may administer at a different site.
- If you do not communicate speaking, accept nonverbal answers.
Will I Still Need to Take the Civics Test?
You must still take the citizenship test’s civics component unless your disability prevents you from doing so, regardless of whether or not you are eligible for the English examination.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may accept an oral or written examination in your native language for the civics portion of the test. However, you will require to bring an interpreter with you who is fluent in both English and your native language if you choose this option. Unfortunately, the USCIS will not provide an interpreter for you. If you are 65 years old or older, have held a green card for 20 years and have lived in the United States during that time, you can choose to take your civics test from a list of only 20 questions.
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Di Martino Law Group is a full-service immigration law firm that can help you with every step of your naturalization process. From guiding you through the application and collecting the required documents to representing you during your interview, they will be there every step of the way. They have a team of Naturalization Lawyers in Los Angeles who have expertise in handling the process and have thousands of satisfied clients. For more information on how they can help you obtain U.S. citizenship, contact them today!