If you are interested in taking the naturalization test, connect with a New York immigration attorney at Pozo Goldstein, LLP for professional guidance.

A critical component to the process of becoming a citizen of the United States (a process known as naturalization) is the completion and passing of the naturalization test. This test is administered during an immigrant’s naturalization interview, at which time the foreign national who is seeking U.S. citizenship will be asked a series of questions about their application and background. In addition to the answers provided to these questions, an applicant will also be expected to take the English and Civics test.

English and Civics Test

The purpose behind the requirement of passing the English and Civics test before citizenship is awarded rests in the general assumption that an applicant should be able to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the English language. Among the abilities that will be tested at this time are the ability to read, the ability to write, and the ability to use English words in the proper context when speaking verbally.

The same theory is applied to the Civics portion of the test, which calls for an applicant to demonstrate a general knowledge and understanding of the history of the U.S. Included in the materials that can be tested are concepts related to the fundamentals of U.S. history and the principles of U.S. government.

Failing the English and Civics Test: Re-examination Standards

If an applicant fails any portion of the English and Civics Test, or any other facet of the naturalization examination, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can schedule the applicant for a second attempt at the examination. Round two of testing must be completed sometime between the 60-day and 90-day mark from when the initial examination was taken.

Re-examinations must always be administered in a different test form from that of the original examination. Furthermore, an applicant should only be retested on those portions of the test in which he or she failed the first time. The re-examining officer who is administering the test to an applicant is expected to administer the appropriate test(s). Any applicant who refuses to participate in a particular portion of the test will be considered to have automatically failed the test.

Applicants who fail the naturalization test for a second time will have their applications denied. This denial is based solely upon the applicant’s inability to meet the educational requirements that have been established for naturalization. Upon a second failure, the re-examination officer will send a denial notice to the respective applicant, identifying any other areas of ineligibility as well.

Testing Exemptions

Certain applicants for naturalization will qualify for exemption or modification of the testing requirements otherwise instated. The USCIS makes exemptions for persons with disabilities, as well as persons engaged in certain types of overseas employment (this would be an exception to the continuous residence requirement).

There are also instances in which an applicant can be exempt from one portion of the test, and still be required to complete and pass the other portion. Therefore, it is important that you understand the requirements being asked of you before committing or refusing to take any part of the English and Civics test necessary to achieve naturalization in the U.S.

Work with a New York Immigration Lawyer

The naturalization process is complex, and applicants who wish to obtain citizenship in the United States have no choice but to complete it. Therefore, we encourage interested parties to connect with a New York immigration attorney at Pozo Goldstein, LLP for the professional legal help that you will need during this process. Our team of attorneys is well-equipped and highly experienced in all matters of immigration law, particularly as they apply to the naturalization process and obtaining citizenship. For more information and guidance, you can contact a lawyer at our office today.