Becoming a United States citizen is often a lengthy process. Gaining legal entry into the United States is only the first step. Once you have a visa, you still have to meet more criteria. You have to live here for years before you apply for a green card and then later for naturalization.
Naturalization is the process by which you become a citizen after legally entering the country. Many people find the idea of naturalization intimidating and delay becoming citizens when they would benefit from being able to vote or having fewer restrictions on their travel and employment activities.
The two mandatory tests administered during the immigration interview are frequently among the reasons people give for wanting to delay naturalization. People worry that they will not pass. What they don’t realize is that the government actually provides support for those preparing for those tests.
There are guides for the English test and the Civics test
Immigrants will need to pass an oral exam in Civics by correctly answering questions asked by their interviewer. They will also have to prove their proficiency in the English language by reading, speaking, listening and writing.
Workers for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will administer these tests during the naturalization interview. The USCIS actually provides support to help people improve their chances of passing the tests. They provide a comprehensive list of all of the Civics questions that an interviewer might ask.
There is also a vocabulary guide to help those preparing for the English language test ensure they know the right words to pass with flying colors.
You have the option of retaking the test
Even if your nerves get the better of you and you don’t meet the necessary standard to pass the naturalization tests, you have another chance. Applicants have one opportunity to retake the test if they fail the first time.
Between the option of retaking the test if you fail and the availability of study resources while you prepare, there is no reason for you to avoid naturalization just because of the testing requirements. Learning more about what it takes to become a citizen may help you take the next step on your immigration journey.
