US Citizenship Tutorial

1) Introduction to Citizenship

Welcome to the United States: A guide for new immigrants containing basic civics information, and information to help new immigrants to settle. Available in many languages.

Becoming a US Citizen: A 10-minute presentation by the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Service (USCIS) that will help to answer the following questions:

What are the benefits of citizenship?
What are the requirements of becoming a citizen?
What is the naturalization process?
What can I do to prepare for the naturalization process?

Complete a Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet to learn if you are eligible to become a US Citizen.

The best online source of information: www.uscis.gov

There are many poor sources of information on the Internet. Do not trust websites that give citizenship services for a high fee or ask you to pay for information.

What are the steps in the naturalization process?

The Application
Fill out and submit the N-400 Application for Naturalization along with the required documents, photographs and fees.
Fingerprints & Other Documents
USCIS will send you a fingerprint appointment date and may request other documents to complete your application.
The Interview
Go to your interview at your scheduled appointment. Answer questions about your application and background. Take the English and Civics tests.
The Oath
Go to your scheduled ceremony date. Take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Read The Guide to Naturalization, by the USCIS for more details.

Tips for Success in the Naturalization process

Be completely honest on your Application for Naturalization (N-400).
Fill out the application yourself, know your own answers.
Notify the USCIS if you move or change address.
Follow all directions given by USCIS.
Keep a copy of all your documents for your own records.
Become proficient in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
Study for the Civics test.

2) Studying for the Test

Which test should I study for?

The English and Civics tests are changing. How do you know which test you will take?

Old Test
You take the interview BEFORE Oct 1, 2008.
New Test
--You submit your application AFTER Oct 1, 2008.

--Your interview is scheduled AFTER Oct 1, 2009.
You Choose which test
You applied BEFORE Oct 1, 2008, your interview is scheduled AFTER Oct 1, 2008 but BEFORE Oct 1, 2009.

Resources to help you study

Promise of Freedom: a 12-minute presentation from USCIS on US civic history.

The Citizen's Almanac: A handbook on US civic history, and the rights and responsibilities of US Citizens.

A Pocket Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States: The 2 most important documents in American Government.

Welcome to US Citizenship Civics and Citizenship Online: Resources for tutors teaching civics and preparing students for Naturalization, lesson planning tools, curriculum, and supporting resources.

Resources for the "New Test"

Sample Civics Questions and answers from the "New Test"

Quick Civics Lessons: Lessons to help you study for the "New Test."

Writing Vocabulary: The words you will need to know how to write and spell on the "New Test."

Reading Vocabulary: The words you will need to know how to read and understand on the "New Test."

Resources for the "Old Test"

Sample Civics Questions from the "Old Test"

Civics Flash Cards: Flash cards to help you study for the "Old Test."

Online Naturalization Self-Test: An online test.