Is There A Language Requirement For US Citizenship?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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One of the most important requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen is that you are able to show U.S. and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you can

read, speak, and write basic English

. … You will have to read one to three English sentences out loud to a USCIS examiner.

Are you eligible for citizenship if you don't know English?

You don't need to have perfect English. However,

you must have a decent-enough knowledge to function as a citizen

. The English test for U.S. citizenship may be retaken a second time in the event that you do not pass it the first time.

Is there a language test for U.S. citizenship?

The test consists of two components:

English language proficiency

, which is determined by the applicant's ability to read, write, speak and understand English; and. Knowledge of U.S. history and government, which is determined by a civics test.

What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

  • Age. …
  • Residency. …
  • Residence and Physical Presence. …
  • Good Moral Character. …
  • Attachment to the Constitution. …
  • Language. …
  • U.S. Government and History Knowledge. …
  • Oath of Allegiance.

How many languages is the U.S. citizenship test in?

US questions and answers translated to

9 languages

| Miami Herald.

How long does it take to become a US citizen in 2021?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is

14.5 months

, as of June, 2021.

Is the US citizenship test written or oral?

The 2020 version of the

civics test is an oral test

, and the USCIS officer will ask you 20 questions from the list of 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. Applicants who filed their naturalization applications on or after Dec.

Can you become a citizen without taking the test?

The USCIS states you may skip the English portion of the test if: You are

at least 50 years old at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a green card holder in the United States for at least 20 years

. This exception is commonly known as the 50/20 exemption.

How do I waive my citizenship test?

To claim a waiver to the tests,

file Form N-648

along with your completed citizenship form, N-400. You will be eligible only if the medical condition(s) is long-term (lasting 12 months or longer) and the condition affects you so badly that you will not be able to take the English or civics tests.

How long do I have to live in the US to become a citizen?

In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for

at least 5 years

(or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is

$725

. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

Is it hard to become a US citizen?

The chances to become a United States citizen depend mainly on how tricky it is for you to first become a

permanent resident

and get a green card. If you're extremely educated and can find work, you can expect to get citizenship in just over 5 years after becoming a green card owner.

What are the four ways to become a US citizen?

In all, there are four fundamental ways to become a U.S. citizen:

citizenship by birth in the U.S., citizenship through derivation, citizenship through acquisition, and citizenship through naturalization

. Most immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process.

Do seniors have to take citizenship test?

Green card holders who are age 65 or older and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years (not necessarily continuously) can take

an easier version of the history and government (civics) exam

that is required of naturalization applicants. This is commonly referred to as the “65/20 exception.”

How many times can you take the citizenship test?


There is no limit to the number of times you can apply

for naturalization, but you must pay the filing fee for each Form N-400 you submit to the agency.

Can a green card holder apply for citizenship before 5 years?

The basic rule is that you cannot submit your Form N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship (or apply to naturalize) until

you have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years

. That means exactly five years, to the day.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.