HUF Citizenship Podcast

N-400 Mock Interview. 

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Part 9. Time Outside the United States

You will need to prove that you spent the required minimum amount of time in the U.S. in the years leading up to filing your N-400 and that your visits outside the United States (including to Canada and Mexico as well as any other countries) did not last too long.

Physical Presence
Certain applicants must meet physical presence requirements in the United States. Physical presence refers to the number of days you must be physically present in the United States during the required statutory period before you file Form N-400. 

In general, you must have been physically present in the United States for a period or periods totaling at least half of the required continuous residence period. We will count the day that you depart from the United States and the day you return as days of physical presence within the United States for naturalization purposes. 

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Naturalization is the process to become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the United States. If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at birth or after birth. 

Eligibility

To apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
• Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English;
• Demonstrate good moral character;
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

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The 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers for the 2008 version of the civics portion of the naturalization test are listed below. The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.

On the naturalization test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. As you study for the test, make sure that you know the most current answers to these questions. Answer these questions with the name of the official who is serving at the time of your eligibility interview with USCIS. 

Original Source: USCIS webpage
 https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test/100-civics-questions-and-answers-with-mp3-audio-english-version

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What is an N-648 and why do I have to do it?

The N-648 is the disability waiver that exempts applicants for U.S. citizenship from (1) demonstrating they can speak, read, and write English, and/or (2) passing a test of U.S. history and civics. With a waiver, the applicant can have the interview in his/her native language and will not have to answer questions about U.S. history and government. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) relies on the medical opinion of the applicant’s doctor in deciding whether to grant the waiver. CIS generally makes a decision as to whether to grant or deny citizenship at the naturalization interview. Under current law, the N-648 must be submitted at the same time as the N-400 application for citizenship.

Note: The doctor completing the N-648 must have the appropriate expertise to diagnose the named disability/ies. If you are not a specialist in the field of the patient’s disability, you should have training, experience or other qualifications to assess such disability. Sometimes, because the regular treating physician has no such training or qualification, a specialist may complete the form. Then, he will need to briefly explain the reason and the plan of treatment.

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During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemtion, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.

• During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. 
• During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history.

Support the show

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemtion, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.

• During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. 
• During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history.

Support the show

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemtion, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.

• During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. 
• During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history.

Support the show