The immigration process into the United States can be lengthy and overwhelming. Officially becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone for many individuals. It can take years, hard work, and serious dedication to even get to the interview. A crucial step in the immigration journey is passing the citizenship test. The U.S. citizenship test assesses applicants’ knowledge regarding certain aspects of the country’s history and culture. Passing the citizenship test is important so you must understand how to best prepare. Work with a naturalization lawyer in New York City to learn more about how to best prepare for your test and obtain legal advice during your immigration journey.
What is the Citizenship Test?
Before becoming a naturalized citizen, individuals must first pass a two-part test. The test is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of United States history, geography, and government. It is conducted as a verbal exam during the citizenship interview and is divided into an English section and a civics section.
The English test evaluates the applicant’s proficiency in English. They will be required to read, write, and speak in English to demonstrate their ability. The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Servies) officer administering the test will not expect perfection so it is okay if the applicant doesn’t have flawless pronunciation or stumbles a bit over their words.
The civics test is an oral exam. The officer will ask the applicant questions related to various topics like American democracy, the Constitution, citizen’s rights, and historical facts. There is a list of 100 questions that the officer can choose from and 10 will be asked during the test. To pass this portion the applicant must answer at least 6 out of 10 correctly.
What Are the Best Ways to Prepare for the Citizenship Test?
Adequately preparing for the citizenship test is crucial in ensuring that you can successfully become a U.S. citizen. Consider the following tips when preparing for your interview.
- Study: Begin preparing for the test as soon as possible. Familiarize yourself with the potential 100 questions you will be asked. The USCIS provides applicants with study materials which include the list of civics questions and their corresponding answers. These tools can be found on the USCIS website.
- Take practice tests: The USCIS also provides practice exams that applicants can take to prepare. It is important to simulate the real test to help you feel more confident when taking the real thing.
- Join study groups: Having group support can be a significant help. It is comforting to know that others are going through the same thing you are and it can prove beneficial to study together. You can bounce ideas off of each other, practice with one another, and share tips and tricks.
- Practice regularly: In addition to knowing the questions that will be asked it is important to practice your English. Unless you are fluent it can be daunting going into this exam. Practice speaking the language with friends and family, read books that are within your proficiency level, and follow workbooks for writing in English.
For additional information regarding your citizenship test reach out to an experienced immigration attorney today.
