USCIS New Naturalization Test and Eligibility for Waivers
Posted Oct 05, 2007
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a press release on September 27, 2007, announcing the new naturalization test that it will start administering in October 2008. In this press release, the USCIS provides a link to the 100 questions and answers that comprise the civics component of the new test. As reported to MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers on December 08, 2007, a pilot program was announced. Thousands of naturalization applicants volunteered earlier this year to take the new test at ten USCIS pilot sites over the course of four months. [Changes to Naturalization Test for U.S. Citizenship Expected is available on MurthyDotCom.]
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According to the USCIS, the new test should "help strengthen assimilation efforts by emphasizing fundamental concepts of American democracy, basic U.S. history, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship." Just nine days before this announcement, the USCIS also issued an updated guidance, outlining the eligibility criteria for medical waivers from the English language and U.S. history and government knowledge requirements. Because the new test is commonly regarded as more difficult to pass than the earlier version of the test, it is expected that some applicants may need to utilize the opportunity for a waiver, if they meet strict waiver eligibility requirements.
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When Will the New Test Go Into Effect?
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All who will file their naturalization applications on or after October 1, 2008, will be required to take the new test. Those who will file their applications before this date, but will be interviewed after October 1, 2008, will be given an option of taking either the new or the old test.
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Major Differences between the Two Versions of the Test
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A naturalization applicant will be required to answer correctly 6 out of 10 questions from the list of 100 questions in both tests, but the major difference is that the new questions will now focus on civics and history topics, rather than the general range of topics in the current test. In addition, the reading and writing portions of the test will contain more civics-based vocabulary.
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Eligibility for a Medical Waiver of the Naturalization Test
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A medical waiver is available to the applicant who has an anatomical, physiological, or psychological impairment, diagnosed by a medical professional, that makes it impossible for the applicant to learn English and/or American history and the political structure. The standard for the medical waiver eligibility is quite high and it requires careful preparation of the documentation submitted with the waiver application. The waiver application (Form N-648) is filed concurrently with the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). Once the USCIS receives both applications, a thorough review of the waiver application will be conducted and the applicant may be asked for additional data, if the information already provided is found to be insufficient.
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Conclusion
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The new naturalization test, which will be administered starting October 1, 2008, requires preparation. It also requires a command of the English language and civics knowledge. Individuals are often prompted to attain U.S. citizenship for reasons of pride in their adopted homeland, and the desire to vote. In some instances qualification for certain other benefits, available under law only to U.S. citizens, is also an underlying reason to seek U.S. citizenship. As the legal criteria for the waiver eligibility based on medical disability is somewhat stringent, one should consider seeking assistance from an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney and a medical professional before filing the waiver on behalf of a family member or other individual.