1. What are the exemptions from the English language and civics tests for naturalization?
The English language and civics tests for naturalization may be waived in certain cases. Exemptions from these tests are available to applicants who demonstrate that they have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, are elderly (over the age of 50 and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years) or can demonstrate their lack of understanding due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
2. Who is eligible for an exemption from the English language test for naturalization?
Certain individuals may be eligible for an exemption from the English language test for naturalization. These include individuals who are 50 years of age or older and have been a permanent resident of the United States for at least 20 years, or who are 55 years of age or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years. Additionally, individuals who demonstrate a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment which prevents them from learning English may also be eligible for an exemption.
3. Is there a minimum age requirement for applicants to be exempt from the civics test?
No, there is not a minimum age requirement for applicants to be exempt from the civics test. However, applicants 65 years of age or older who have been living in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 20 years are not required to take the civics test.
4. How does a person prove an exemption from the English language and civics tests for naturalization?
A person can prove an exemption from the English language and civics tests for naturalization by submitting evidence to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that they have a physical or developmental disability, or a mental impairment that prevents them from learning or understanding English or U.S. history and government. This evidence must be from a licensed medical doctor, licensed clinical psychologist, or other qualified medical professional. In addition, documentation of any previous attempts at English language or civics instruction must also be submitted.
5. Are medical conditions an acceptable reason for a person to be exempted from the English language and civics tests?
Yes, medical conditions may be an acceptable reason for a person to be exempted from the English language and civics tests. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can grant reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities that may prevent them from taking the tests due to medical conditions. People can request these accommodations by submitting USCIS Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
6. What conditions must be met in order for an individual to qualify for a waiver of the English language test?
A waiver of the English language test may be granted if the applicant meets at least one of the following requirements:
1. The applicant has successfully completed an academic degree in a U.S. college or university that required at least two years of study and was taught in English,
2. The applicant is a citizen of a designated “English speaking” country,
3. The applicant has passed a recognized English language proficiency test, or
4. The applicant is a native speaker of English or has a parent that is a native speaker of English.
7. How does an applicant demonstrate their ability to read, write, and speak English if they are exempted from the English language test?
An applicant may demonstrate their ability to read, write, and speak English if they are exempted from the English language test by providing documentation of their educational qualifications, such as a diploma or certificate. If the applicant does not have any educational documentation, they may provide evidence of their ability to read, write, and speak English by providing a letter from an employer or school, or having a language expert certify that they are proficient in English.
8. Are there any special considerations given to elderly applicants who wish to be exempted from the English language and civics tests?
Yes. The USCIS provides special considerations for elderly applicants who wish to be exempted from the English language and civics tests. The applicants must be age 65 or older and must have been a legal permanent resident of the US for at least 20 years. These applicants will be required to submit evidence that they meet the eligibility requirements for an exemption.
9. What happens if an applicant fails the English language or civics tests after being granted an exemption?
If an applicant fails the English language or civics tests after being granted an exemption, they may be asked to take the test again at a later date. If they fail the test a second time, they will not be eligible for naturalization.
10. Does a person have to take both the English language and civics tests if they are exempted from one of them?
No, a person only has to take the test(s) for which they are not exempted.
11. How many questions must a person answer correctly in order to pass the civics test after being granted an exemption?
For applicants who are granted an exemption, they are not required to answer any questions correctly in order to pass the civics test.
12. How does a person demonstrate their knowledge of U.S. history and government if they are exempted from the civics test?
A person can demonstrate their knowledge of U.S. history and government if they are exempted from the civics test by providing documentation from a recognized educational institution demonstrating their knowledge of the material. This documentation could include a high school diploma, college transcript, or other proof of completion of a civics or history course. Additionally, applicants may demonstrate their knowledge of U.S. history and government by passing an alternate test, such as the U.S. Citizenship Test or the American Civics Test, or by providing an officer of the immigration court with an alternative demonstration of their knowledge through oral testimony and written responses to questions about U.S. history and government.
13. What is required in order for an applicant to obtain an exemption from the English language test due to a disability or impairment?
In order to obtain an exemption from the English language test due to a disability or impairment, an applicant must provide medical evidence to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This evidence must show that they are unable to take the test due to their condition. They must also show that their disability or impairment affects their ability to communicate in English. The medical evidence must be from a qualified medical professional, such as a GP or consultant.
14. Are veterans automatically exempted from taking either the English language or civics tests?
No, veterans are not automatically exempted from taking either the English language or civics tests. However, certain veterans are eligible for certain exemptions from the naturalization process.
15. Are there any special considerations given to applicants who have been in the United States for over 20 years but are still unable to pass either the English or civics tests?
Unfortunately, there are no special considerations given to applicants who have been in the United States for over 20 years but are still unable to pass either the English or civics tests. Applicants must still pass all required tests to become U.S. citizens. There are some accommodations available for applicants who cannot take the tests due to a physical or mental impairment, but they must still demonstrate that they understand U.S. history and government and can read, write and speak basic English.
16. Can a person be exempt from taking both the English language and civics tests if they are below a certain age limit?
Yes, a person may be exempt from taking the English language and civics tests if they are below a certain age limit. Specifically, applicants who are over 50 years old and have been lawful permanent residents for more than 20 years, or applicants who are over 55 years old and have been lawful permanent residents for more than 15 years, are exempt from these tests.
17. Are there any other reasons why an applicant may be able to prove an exemption from taking either the English language or civics tests for naturalization?
Yes. An applicant may be able to prove an exemption from taking either the English language or civics tests if they are currently 55 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years, or if they are currently 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years. Additionally, applicants who have qualifying disabilities, or who are unable to learn due to a physical or mental impairment, may also be exempt from taking the tests.
18. Are there any other forms of documentation that can be used in order to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government if one is exempt from taking the civics test?
Yes, other forms of documentation can be used to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government if one is exempt from taking the civics test. Examples include a college or university transcript, a high school diploma, an official testing score such as the SAT or GED, military service records, or passage of a state-specific civics test.
19. Can a person who is exempt from taking either the English language or civics tests still become naturalized without having to take them?
No, a person who is exempt from taking the English language or civics tests must still take them in order to become naturalized.
20. Is it possible for someone who is exempt from taking either or both of the English language and civics tests to become naturalized by studying on their own without taking a formal course or class?
No, it is not possible for someone who is exempt from taking either or both of the English language and civics tests to become naturalized by studying on their own without taking a formal course or class. In order to become naturalized, an applicant must pass the required English and civics tests or else demonstrate that they meet one of the exceptions or waivers to the testing requirements.