How to Prepare for the Citizenship Test: Helpful Resources in New York

Every year, thousands of people go through the naturalization process to become citizens of the United States. Journalists DocumentedNY told where and how to prepare for the naturalization test in New York.

The process of obtaining US citizenship is called naturalization. American citizenship can be obtained by people who have been in the United States as a permanent resident for at least five years and paid taxes. For those who received a green card through marriage, the minimum period of residence in the United States to apply for naturalization is three years.

The process of obtaining US citizenship begins with filing Form N-400 “Application for Naturalization” and submission of biometric data. And then comes the most difficult stage - two tests.

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The first one is called civic test and checks whether the applicant knows, for example, who the current President of the United States is; what wars the States went through and when the next congressional elections are. An immigration officer asks an immigrant 10 questions about US politics and history. To pass this stage successfully, you need to answer at least 6 of them correctly. The officer can only choose from 100 questions published on the Immigration Service website. An applicant for citizenship just needs to learn the answers to these questions and you can be sure that he will successfully pass the civic test.

The second test checks whether the future US citizen knows English. This test consists of three parts. The officer will talk to you a little about life to check if you understand spoken language and can speak English. You will then be asked to read one sentence to see if you can read it. The last task is to write one sentence under dictation (to choose from three voiced).

If you fail any of the tests, you can retake the exam in 60 to 90 days. You will not need to go through all the stages of testing again - you will need to retake the specific part that you screwed up the first time.

It sounds easy, but it’s still better not to approach the naturalization test without preparation. We offer a list of sites and places where you can help you prepare for the citizenship exam.

New York Public Library

You can rent naturalization books and study materials here, as well as view online resources. You will have the opportunity to join full-time English courses, naturalization classes, and study groups for immigrants of varying English proficiency levels. Library resources on naturalization are listed here. A on this page There is a schedule of classes in English and civil law.

United States Immigration Service (USCIS)

USCIS funds community organizations that provide citizenship and naturalization preparation classes. Enter your postcode at this page – and the site will provide the names and contact information of organizations closest to you that offer relevant services and resources.

Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)

The course will teach you how to read, write and speak English. In addition, students will learn about the rights and responsibilities of US citizens, the history and government of the country. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 12:00. For these classes you will need a computer, smartphone or tablet with Internet access.

You can find out more details and register for the course by email. [email protected] or on this page.

Free ESOL classes from the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association

The association serves immigrants living in Sunset Park, Borough Park and surrounding areas. You will be provided with various free educational courses and services. Classes include English for Speakers of Other Languages ​​(ESOL) and test preparation on US politics and history.

• Address: 5000 8th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11220
• Phone: 718-438-0008
• Email: [email protected]

Chinese Progressive Association

This non-profit organization provides a number of free resources and services to immigrants, including:

• consultations on naturalization;
• citizenship test preparation courses;
• filling out an application for green card renewal;
• obtaining an exemption from the naturalization fee.

Each year, the Association conducts several online and in-person naturalization preparation classes for immigrants with varying levels of English proficiency.

• Address: 230 Grand St., Ste. 504, New York, NY 10013
• Phone: 212-274-1891
• Email: [email protected]