Thousands of people choose to become U.S. citizens every year. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the United States welcomes about 680,000 individuals in Naturalization Ceremonies across the country. Becoming a U.S. Citizen is a big decision that requires preparation and commitment.

It is largely understood that qualified applicants must pass an interview and civics exam in English. During the civics exam the officer will ask the applicant 10 of the 100 possible questions of which the applicant must correctly answer 6 to pass. The applicant also must write the answer to three questions in English, and must write a sentence that the officer will provide. The rest of the interview generally revolves around the content of the N-400 application. All of this can be a daunting task, as English is not the native language of many applicants, however there are exceptions.  

First of all, there are exceptions to completing the civics exam and interview in English. An individual can present the civics exam and interview in their native language if they are over 50 and have been a Permanent Resident, residing in the United States for at least 20 years or if they are over 55 and have been a Permanent Resident, residing in the United States for at least 15 years. If the individual is over 65 and has been a Permanent Resident for at least 20 years they can do the interview and a simplified civics exam (with only 20 possible questions rather than 100) in their native language.  

If the applicant has a mental impairment or developmental disability that will last 12 months or more they may present the interview in their native language and are not required to pass a civics exam and can do the interview in their native language. In order to qualify for this exception they must submit a completed a Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (N-648) when they file the N-400.  

Here, at Grzeca Law Group, we understand the requirements and exceptions of the Naturalization process and have assisted many individuals complete their journey to citizenship. In many cases, applicants are not aware that they are eligible for certain exceptions. Therefore, if you or someone you know is pursuing a path to citizenship please contact Grzeca Law Group at (414) 342-3000 or visit our website at www.grzecalaw.com.