How to Prepare For Your Citizenship Civics Test

Who is eligible for United States citizenship?

The requirements for United States citizenship may differ depending on your situation. However, here are the general requirements.

• Be at least 18 years old at the time you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

• Have had a permanent resident with a green card for at least five years.

• Lived for a least three months in the state where you applied for citizenship.

• Have been a continuous resident in the United States for at least five years before filing Form N-400.

• Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years before filing Form N-400.

• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.

• Be a person of good moral character.

• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

Who can be exempt from the citizenship test

Certain applicants qualify for exemptions from the English and civics test. Here are the requirements for exemption.

• Must be age 50 or older when filing Form N-400 and lived as a permanent resident or green card holder in the United States for 20 years or more

• Or age 55 or older when filing Form N-400 and living as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years or more.

Otherwise, you may qualify for an exemption if you have a disability that impedes your ability to understand English or civics. You must submit Form N-648, “Medical Certification for Disability Exemptions,” when you file Form N-400. A licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist must prepare this form in less than six months before you file it.

Tips on how to prepare for your Citizenship Civics Test

Below are some great resources and helpful guidance tips to prepare you for your citizenship test.

If you need help applying for your United States citizenship, our immigration attorneys are here to guide you through the entire process. We work with clients throughout all 50 United States. Contact our office to set up an appointment.

• Give yourself plenty of time to practice and study for the civics test.

• Make sure you have the most recent civics test study guide. USCIS is currently working with the 2020 and 2008 civics test study guide depending on when you filed your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

• Practicing for both the English portion of the test and knowing all the civics questions is not about just memorizing the questions and answers. You must fully understand what the question and answer mean because you could be asked in various ways.

• You will need to research to see who are the most recent members of these government positions, including;

• Your current State’s U.S. Senators

• Your U.S. Representative

• The current Chief Justice of the United States

• Your current State Governor

• The current Speaker of the House

• The current President and Vice President of the United States

• Use the free online available resources to your advantage to help you study. Be sure to make sure these are the most recent and up-to-date versions. These include;

• The current official civics test questions and answers

• Take the online practice test.

• Download the free USCIS pocket guide

• Print out and use the free USCIS flashcards

• Print out and use the free USCIS reading and writing flashcards to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary words used during your interview.

• Find someone who can assist you in practicing and will take the time to ensure you understand the questions and answers.