US Citizenship Test In A State Not My Primary Residence

[PokesFan4Life 0]

My wife will be eligible for applying for citizenship in a year. Her primary residence is Oklahoma. Can she travel to Minnesota and take the test there? Reason is in Minnesota they allow the test to be taken in our native language. I search the internet but can't find any information on this subject or maybe I'm just missing it. Thanks in advance!

[aleful 1,905]

hi

no, it's where you reside

she will have the test in English anyway, she has to learn the 100 questions in English and be able to write a sentence in English

she will also review the N400 to check if the answers are correct

[JimmyHou 611]

1- The only way she can take the test in MN is if she moves there.

2- The test is set by federal regulations. It is identical from state to state. Minnesota is no different from Maine.

Below are the rules for a language waiver. There are two ways to take the test, at least partially, in your native language. The first is based on age and how long you've been a permanent resident. The second requires a medical waiver, which is an entirely different process.

If your wife qualifies but the local office doesn't have someone who can speak her language, then they have to allow her to bring in a translator.

Here are the rules (for all field offices regardless of location):

https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-naturalization/exceptions-accommodations

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 will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.

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.

Edited February 13, 2016 by JimmyHou

[PokesFan4Life 0]

Thanks for the info! Well, she's still a year to prepare.