Get to know the law that allows you to do the citizenship exam in spanish

It is one of the most frequent questions immigrants ask during their naturalization process. At Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, we will tell you what you need to know about it.

We know that becoming a citizen is one of the most important goals for any immigrant. After lots of efforts and sacrifices, you are only a few steps away from becoming an American citizen.

The U.S citizenship test

The test is one of the last requirements to become a citizen. Once passed, the resident obtains all the rights and privileges provided by citizenship, including the right to vote.

During the naturalization interview, an officer from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will ask about your application and your background.

One of the sections assesses basic English skills (reading, writing, and speaking) and the other, civics knowledge (history and government of the United States). For you to become a citizen, it is necessary to approve both sections.

Commonly, many people abstain from taking the exam because they fear to fail in the English section, which delays their naturalization process.

Also read: What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

What some residents may not know is that by fulfilling certain requirements there is a chance of taking the exam in Spanish.

How to take the citizenship test in Spanish?

Immigration laws consider some exceptions for certain residents when taking the citizenship test. The most important of these is the exemption from the requirement of basic English language skills, one of the sections of the citizenship test.

This means that the eligible resident does not have to take that part of the exam.

The so-called “rule of 70” in immigration applies to permanent residents who are 50 years of age or older and have been legal residents for 20 years, and to residents 55 or older and have at least 15 years of lawful residency.

Formally known as the “50/20” exception and the “55/15” exception, it makes it easier for eligible residents to become citizens.

Even if residents qualify for either of those two exceptions, they must still take the civics section of the exam. However, they will be able to take that part of the exam in Spanish. If you choose to take it in a different language, you will need to bring an interpreter.

If you meet these requirements, start your naturalization process as soon as possible. Become a citizen!

How many questions does the citizenship test have?

Not so long ago, the old version of the citizenship test had a base of 100 civics questions to memorize. The immigration officer selected 10, and the applicant had to correctly answer 6 questions to pass.

However, a few weeks ago, USCIS announced a revised version of the civics section, increasing the questions to study to 128. Of these, 20 are asked, and the applicant must answer 12 correctly to pass.

This new version of the exam comes into effect for applications submitted after December 1, 2020.

Find out about all the changes and updates on the civics test here.

At Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, we are willing to help. We can advise you about the immigration procedures that you and your family need.

Do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of lawyers will take care of your case and will be with you throughout the process.

Request a consultation or call us, (509) 498-3485.