News Update - October 10, 2009
By Alan Lee, Esq.†‡
New Naturalization Test Now Mandatory for all Applicants
On October 1, 2009, the USCIS made its new citizenship test mandatory
for all applicants for naturalization (N-400), regardless of when
the N-400 was filed. The new test requires that you be able to read
and write one out of three sentences in English and answer at least
6 of 10 U.S. Civics (Government/History) questions correctly. The
new test currently has a pass rate of 91%. A practice test is available
at uscis.gov/citizenship
under the link “Study Materials for the Naturalization Test”
to help you prepare.
There are certain exceptions and modifications to the test requirements.
If you have a physical or developmental disability, you may be eligible
for an exception to the English language and civics tests. In order
to qualify, you must submit a properly documented Form N-648 Medical
Certification for Disability Exceptions. Applicants for naturalization
who meet certain age requirements such as being over age 50 and
living in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 20 years or over
age 55 and living in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 15 years
are eligible for an exception to the English language portion of
the test. These applicants can take the Civics portion of the exam
in their native language. For more on these exceptions, visit uscic.gov/citizenship.
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