• Distance Learning Citizenship

    Prepare for the Citizenship Interview with El Monte-Rosemead Adult School

    El Monte-Rosemead Adult School offers free citizenship courses in our community at various locations and times. Lessons offered on DVDs and CDs with worksheets.

    Materials in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese for those who are eligible to take the interview in their own language.*

    Young children are welcome with their parents.

    How does the Distance Learning citizenship program work?

    After students are enrolled in Distance Learning citizenship, they receive a DVD and/or CD and worksheets. They work on the lessons at their own pace in their homes. The next week, they meet with a teacher to assess progress, and practice for the citizenship interview. They then receive the next DVD and/or CD lesson(s) in the sequence.

    When can I start citizenship classes?

    Anyone who has submitted the N-400, Application for Naturalization, and received the 1-787C receipt in the mail may start the citizenship courses.

    Those who did not pass the citizenship interview the first time, and are scheduled for a second interview, may start classes immediately.

    What do I need to start citizenship classes?

    When you come to enroll in Distance Learning citizenship, please bring these items with you:

    • Your alien registration card (green card) and
    • I-787C receipt from USCIS showing that your N-400 application has been received , OR
    • If you did not pass your first interview and are scheduled for a second interview, bring the denial letter from USCIS telling you what parts of the interview you passed, and which parts you did not pass.

    Who may apply for citizenship?

    • If you are a green card holder of at least 5 years, you must meet the following requirements in order to apply for naturalization:
    • Be 18 or older
    • Be a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
    • Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application
    • Have continuous residence in the United States as a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application
    • Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
    • Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization
    • Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
    • Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during  all relevant periods under the law

    Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

    • In general, you may qualify for naturalization under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if you:
    • Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years
    • Have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time
    • Meet all other eligibility requirements under this section

    English Language Exemptions

    • You are exempt from the English Language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test (in your own language) if you are:
    • Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception)., OR
    • >Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

    Note:

    • Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
    • You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.
    • If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
    • Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
    • If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

    For more complete information, go to uscis.gov

    Hours of Operation

    Ramona Center - Room 105
    10807 Ramona Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.