If you are planning on becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, you will be required to meet certain requirements. “But what if it’s difficult or impossible for me to meet these requirements?” According to the USCIS, “There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify.”
In addition to the above, the USCIS also understand that some immigrants are disabled and because of that, they are physically or mentally incapable of meeting the requirements to obtain citizenship. In order to help individual with disabilities, the USCIS has provided certain accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Exceptions for Naturalization
What are these exceptions that we mention? They include English languageexemptions, medical disability exceptions for the English and civics tests, continuous residence exceptions, and disability accommodations. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptions or modifications provided by the USCIS:
1. English language exemptions.
You may be exempt from the English language requirement if at the time of filing for naturalization, you are at least 50-years-of-age and you’ve been a Green Card holder in the United States for 20 years. Or, you’re at least 55 years-old at the time of filing for naturalization, and you’ve had a Green Card for 15 years. If you qualify, you will still need to take the Civics Test.
2. Medical disability exceptions for English & Civics.
Do you have a physical or mental disability that makes it impossible for you to complete the English and civics requirements? If so, you may be eligible for an exception.
3. Exceptions for continuous residence.
If you are working overseas, it is possible that you may qualify for a continuous residence exception. For more information, contact our firm today.
4. Accommodations for disabilities.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has provisions which provide accommodations and modifications for applicants who have mental or physical conditions, which make it hard or impossible for them to finish the naturalization process. If you wish to learn more about the disability accommodations, don’t hesitate to ask us.
To learn more about the exceptions and modifications provided by the USCIS, contact our Plano immigration firm today.