You have followed all the rules. You have fulfilled your permanent residency requirements, filed form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and your paperwork has been received and is being processed by USCIS. Now, the only thing standing between you and your United States citizenship is your naturalization interview.
The first thing to note is that the naturalization interview is not designed to be an exclusionary measure. It is really meant as an incentive to get those eligible for citizenship to know some of the basics of the English language, American history, and government.
How should you start preparing for your naturalization interview?
- Start Early
Even though the test is not designed to be difficult, the kind of information that is on the test is best absorbed over time rather than by cramming. So, as you see your eligibility for citizenship approaching, you are best off starting to study several months before your interview.
- Work On Your English
Showing proficiency in English is a key part of passing the test. And, while you may be able to skate by with just a bit of English, you will be much more comfortable if you have a more sound understanding of the language.
- Study Each of the Four Components
The naturalization interview has four parts:
Speaking: There are no formal requirements or resources for this portion of the test. Your interviewer will try to get a good sense of your knowledge of English.
Reading: You will have to read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate you can read in English. The content usually focuses on history, government, or civics.
Resource: Reading Test Vocabulary List
Writing: You will have to write one a short sentence correctly to demonstrate you can write in English. Like the reading portion, the content focuses on history, government, or civics.
Resource: Writing Test Vocabulary List
Civics: You will will be asked up to ten questions from a list of 100 potential questions. You have to get six of the ten questions right to pass the civics test.
Resource: 100 Civics Questions and Answers
- Remember: You Get A Second Chance
You have two opportunities per application to take the English and civics tests. If you fail any part of the test during your interview, you will have the opportunity to retake the section of the test that you failed.
Ready to study up? This page has a variety of study materials for the English language portion of the test, and this page has study materials for the civics portion.
Need help with your naturalization application? We are here to help. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.