When marrying a citizen, is the immigrant required to take the English and civics test to gain citizenship?

Question

Or...does the immigrant gain automatic citizenship (after filling out the application) without taking the English and civics test?

My friend is betting that the tests are not necessary, and I have a quarter riding on this bet. Please help us by giving us an answer.

Answer 1

It depends on the circumstances, such as the applicants age, but the english test and a few oral questions concerning civics is the least one can expect. A lot also depends on the examiner, if they suspect the validity of the marrage they will be more likely to scrutinize the candiate. They get permanent residency fairly easily, but they don't get citizenship without some questions, and the entire interview is conducted in English.

Answer 2

The first thing to note here is that marriage does not equal citizenship by default. Marriage allows the person to stay in the country legally with the understanding they are filing for an adjustment of Status. (Think of this as phase 1). The Adjustment is usually granted after about 2 years of processing time. No tests or English requirements just verifying your identity and status of being married etc etc.
The second phase where you want the condition of being married removed, so you can become a citizen on your own is where things become more demanding. It is not a requirement, a person can marry an American and be a legal resident their whole life based on the marriage. But if they want to become a Citizen then they have to complete the stated requirements at that time.

Answer 3

all the above answers are correct!
I used to work at an immigration office and they are very strict when it comes to people trying to become citizens by marrying a U.S. citizen. Your friend will still have to file for permanent resident status if s/he hasn't already done so, but they will also have to file for Naturalization, just like everyone else. There are no free rides just because someone married a citizen. And your friend can expect to provide joint bank statements, joint utility bills, wedding photos, or other things that prove the marriage is real and not just for the purpose of circumventing the system to get that Naturalization Certificate. There is an english language test, written english test, history/civics test. If they fail twice, their application will be denied and they'll have to pay the application fee all over again. So study up.

Answer 4

First of all, marrying a citizen does not entitle one to U.S. citizenship. It only allows someone to petition for lawful permanent residency (assuming they entered legally and/or qualify under Section 245i of the Immigration Act). If the foreign national is granted unconditional residency and remains married, they can then petition for citizenship three years after the date they obtained residency.

As for the English/civics portion of the naturalization application, ALL applicants must take the test unless excused by infirmity (i.e. mental retardation, severe learning disability, etc.). There is an abbreviated form of the exam for elderly applicants with substantial time in the U.S. as a resident, but they too must take the test unless a handicap exception applies to them.

So....you win.....collect your quarter!

Answer 5

Your friend loses! EVERYBODY has to take the civics and English tests, unless for some reason due to mental difficulties etc. they are unable to do so. Being married to a citizen doesn't mean you don't have to take the test!

Answer 6

You dont get automatic citizenship if you marry an American. You apply for residency. Then you have to wait sometime to apply for citizenship.

Answer 7

he can get residency, but citizenship has to b done on his own. no pas GO and collect 200 dolares. he has to pass civil test & english test solo on his own. so good luck w/the quarter!!

Answer 8

No free ride. Marrying a US citizen does not give you citizenship...nor does it guarantee you'll ever get it.