naturalization / US citizenship question

[rh71]

Asking for someone... how do you specify you want to take the test in a language of your choice ? He's filled out form N-400 which is an application for citizenship but there's nowhere on there that allows him to specify what language, only says that he can take it in a language of his choice. Is it on the form, another form ? Have to request it while at the exam, etc ?

 

[shuan24]

thats a pretty specific question... have you searched the naturalization website?

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: shuan24
thats a pretty specific question... have you searched the naturalization website?

yes, all the faqs, and including a 60-page document. Doesn't specify.

 

[shuan24]

maybe you should help him fill it out if thats the case

 

[dabuddha]

Call the 1-800 help line.

1-800-375-5283

 

[JulesMaximus]

I was born here...sorry, I can't help you.

 

[SuperTool]

I thought English is a requirement for naturalization, unless you have a note from a doctor. I remember my grandfather got naturalized and he is pretty old, and he had a note from a doctor that he brought to the INS. I remember they even had to reschedule the interview because the first time they wouldn't accept the note since it wasn't on the right form.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: SuperTool
I thought English is a requirement for naturalization, unless you have a note from a doctor. I remember my grandfather got naturalized and he is pretty old, and he had a note from a doctor that he brought to the INS. I remember they even had to reschedule the interview because the first time they wouldn't accept the note since it wasn't on the right form.

it's interesting - don't see the correlation between being disabled and being unable to take an English test (vs. another language)... but I do know that's one of the qualifications. Another, that I've read, is that you are at least 50 years old or something to that effect... I remember reading and made sure he qualified. I did help him fill the entire form out. Just don't know where to go ahead with this. We'll call the number, just thought some of you may have had experience.

 

[gleong]

Page 26-27 of the <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/English.pdf">Naturalization guide book
</a>

Exemptions to the English or civics requirements:

1) Applicants over 50 and have lived in US as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years do not have to take the English test, but can take the civics test in the language of their choice.

2) Applicants over 55 and have lived in the US as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 15 do not have to take the English test, but must take the civics test in the language of their choice.

3) Applicants over 65 and have lived in the US as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years do not have to take the English test, but can take a simpler version of the civics test in the language of their choice.

The first 3, you can just write a letter to include with the form (edit: to clarify, send letter with N-400 when he is first applying), or send one to the district office after receiving your interview appointment notice. You'll also want to bring an interpreter to the interview.

4) Exemption based on a physical or developmental disability. Must apply for Form N-648 with the N-400 application.

 

[dabuddha]

Oh and make sure you call twice. When I was doing my wife's forms, I called them frequently to ask them questions and I would always get different answers. So I would call at least 3 times with the same questions and take the "average" answer.