Your Immigration Link to the World

Applicants for naturalization must be able to speak, read, write, and understand simple English (unless the applicant suffers from a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment). This is the literacy requirement. Additionally, applicants must pass an oral civics exam which is comprised of up to ten questions from a bank of one hundred questions. The civics exam tests upon the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of history, and the form of government of the United States.

Certain exceptions apply to applicants who are: over 50 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years, over 55 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least 15 years, and are over 65 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years.

To read more about the statute click here.