Who Is Exempt From The English Naturalization Test?

Right before an immigrant can become a naturalized United States citizen, they must take an English naturalization test.

Even though this test is a requirement for all immigrants, some immigrants may meet certain criteria that allows them to be exempt from this test.

What Is The English Naturalization Test? 

The English naturalization test is a test that an immigrant must take, prior to becoming a naturalized citizen. By taking the English naturalization test, an immigrant can demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.

For an immigrant to pass their English naturalization test, they will need to demonstrate that they can:

• Read words that serve as the ordinary usage of the English language.
• Speak words that serve as the ordinary usage of the English language.
• Understand words that serve as the ordinary usage of the English language.

Regarding the term “ordinary usage,” this refers to the following: comprehensible and pertinent communication through simple vocabulary and grammar.

Given the topics that the English naturalization test covers, there are three sections within the test. The three sections that comprise the test are as follows:

• A speaking test.
• A reading test.
• A writing test.

To become a naturalized citizen, an immigrant must pass each section of the test. But, of course, if an immigrant meets certain criteria, they won’t need to go through any one of those sections or take the test at all.

Who Is Exempt From The English Naturalization Test? 

A variety of criteria exist to determine who is exempt from the English naturalization test. If an immigrant meets this criteria, then they can be exempt from the English naturalization test.

The first type of criteria, that determines whether or not an immigrant can be exempt from the English naturalization test, is age. And, with that in mind, here is the age-related exemption criteria:

• Every immigrant, who is over 50 years-old and has lived in the United States as a permanent resident for a period of at least 20-years, is exempt from the English naturalization test.
• Every immigrant, who is over 55-years old and has lived in the United States as a permanent resident for a period of at least 15-years, is exempt from the English naturalization test.

Regarding the civics test, this can be taken in an immigrant’s native language, as opposed to English.

The second type of criteria, that determines whether or not an immigrant can be exempt from the English naturalization test, is disability. If an immigrant meets the criteria below, they are exempt from the English naturalization test:

• The immigrant has a physical disability that will impair their ability to take the English naturalization test.
• The immigrant has a developmental disability that will impair their ability to take the English naturalization test.
• The immigrant has a mental disability that will impair their ability to take the English naturalization test.

If an immigrant meets one of those criteria, they can file a Form N-648. By doing so, they can become exempt from the English naturalization test and, depending on the disability, the civics test.

Speak With A Houston Immigration Lawyer 

You may be exempt from the English naturalization test if you meet the criteria outlined in this article. But, if you still aren’t sure, or would like to find other exemptions, speak with a Houston immigration lawyer today and we will assist you in doing so.

Sources: 

uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-e-chapter-2

uscis.gov/n-648