documents. If USCIS needs
English (to test your knowledge
more information from you, we
and understanding of U.S. history
After your interview, we will give
will give you a Form N-14. This
and government) unless you are
you a Form N-652 that gives you
form explains what information
exempt. Even if exempt from the
information about the results of
or documents you must provide
English test, you will need to take
your interview. based on all the
us, and tells you when and how
the civics test in the language of
information you have given us, we you should return the information
your choice or qualify for a waiver. will either grant, continue, or deny to us. If you do not follow the your naturalization application
instructions, we may deny your
English. Study materials have
after your interview.
application.
been publicly released by USCIS
and are available at www.uscis.gov Granted. Sometimes USCIS can Denied. USCIS may also deny
under Education and Resources.
tell you if you will be granted
your application for naturalization.
Your English skills will be tested
citizenship at the end of your
If USCIS denies your application
in the following ways:
interview. In some cases, you may for naturalization, you will receive
be able to attend an oath ceremony a written notice telling you why.
(1) Reading. To test your ability
the same day as your interview
to read in English, you must
(where available). Otherwise,
What can I do if USCIS denies
read one sentence, out of
you will receive a notice telling
my application? If you feel that
three sentences, in a manner
you when and where your oath
USCIS was wrong to deny you
suggesting to the USCIS
ceremony will be.
citizenship, you may request a
officer that you understand the
hearing with a USCIS officer. Your
meaning of the sentence.
Continued. The USCIS officer
denial letter will explain how to
may also “continue” your case.
request a hearing and will include
(2) Writing. To test your ability
This means your case is put on
the form you need. The form for
to write in English, you must
hold. If your case is continued, it
filing an appeal is the “Request
write one sentence, out of three will add time to your naturalization for Hearing on a Decision in sentences, in a manner that
process. The most common reasons Naturalization Proceedings under
would be understandable as
for continuation are (a) failing the
Section 336 of the INA” (Form N-
written to the USCIS officer.
English and civics tests, and (b)
336). You must file the form with
(3) Speaking. Your ability to speak failing to give USCIS the correct USCIS, including the correct fee,
English is determined by your
documents.
within 30 days after you receive a
answers to questions normally
denial letter.
asked by USCIS officers during When your case is continued, you
the naturalization eligibility
will be asked to do one of two
If, after an appeal hearing with
interview on Form N-400.
things:
USCIS, you still believe USCIS
was wrong to deny you citizenship,
Civics. During your interview,
(1) Come back for a second
you may file a petition for a new
the USCIS officer will ask you
interview. If you fail one or both
review of your application in U.S.
to orally answer a set of civics
of the tests, we will reschedule you District Court.
A Guide to Naturalization
37
Taking the Oath