If you want to start a new life in America by becoming a U.S. citizen, you have to satisfy different specific requirements. On top of that, you also have to pass a few tests to prove your understanding and knowledge of the history, form of government, values and main principles of the U.S.

Getting Ready for the Most Prominent Exam in Your Life

This may be one of the biggest exams in your entire life, as your whole future depends upon it. Taking into consideration its importance, you have to do your homework properly.  But how could you assimilate all the info that you need to know over a short period of time and who could offer you a well-structured cheat sheet  enabling you to pass all exams without any difficulties? An immigration attorney could guide you towards the most adequate resources and simplify your learning process.

The U.S. Civics Exam

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will offer all candidates the opportunity to check out 100 questions (as well as their answers) for the government and history exam.  Ideally, you should memorize all these answers. However, in order to pass the test you only have to provide correct answers to six out of ten questions. The problem is that the ten questions will be selected by the USCIS representative assigned to interview you, so you won’t get to choose.

On the other side of the coin, USCIS offers you free, unlimited access to study materials that you should consult to get prepared for the exam. You should also know that candidates older than 65 who have been American residents for the past two decades can take a much easier version of the civics exam. Disabled applicants are eligible for a waiver. If your mental or physical disabilities stop you from taking the test, you should get checked out by a doctor who should fill out a form (N-648) to indicate and explain your condition.

The English Exam

Naturally, in order to become a U.S. citizenship, you have to display great English skills. Your ability to write and speak in English will also be tested by USCIS officials. You will have to read aloud a text fragment and write a sentence dictated by USCIS representatives, who will analyze your responses to their instructions and questions.

Any immigration lawyer will tell you that there are 2 ways in which the English requirement can be avoided by elderly people: the 50/20 waiver and the 55/15 waiver. If you are over 50 and have lived on U.S. territory as a green card holder for the last two decades, the test can be conducted in your own native language. Candidates over 55 who have lived on American territory for the past 15 years can also profit from the same advantage. People with different kinds of disabilities (deafness, certain illnesses that may make you drowsy, mental or physical impairments) can also take the citizenship test in their own native language. To obtain a waiver, they have to see a doctor who could certify their disability and fill out the N-684 form. In order to get all the expert guidance that you may need to pass the test with minimal effort, contact the best immigration lawyer in your area.