About the Citizenship Classes

Classes meet on Monday nights for a six week session.

Our purpose is to prepare participants to take the examinations, both oral and written, for U.S. Citizenship. Each class, ranging from 6-10 students, typically is a mini-United Nations. Students follow a workbook with lessons in American History, Geography and Civics. In addition, students have to be prepared to answer questions about their own backgrounds, their families and travel over the past five years.

There are various exercises simulating their official interview and we offer a filmed interview so that the students know what to expect .

Over the course of each two hour lesson, students assist each other in learning the answers to 100 key questions. For those who prefer to learn in an auditory manner, we have provided cassette tapes with both the questions and answers to "The Hundred Questions."

FALL 2009 CITIZENSHIP CLASS SCHEDULE

Preparatory classes for U.S. Citizenship will start on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 and finish on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Care on the Corner, 333 Franklin Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights.

Registration and Testing, Parish Hall Classes start on Monday, October 5 and continue for six (6) weeks ending November 9.

Registration Form

Students must bring their green card at the time of registration.

Steps in applying for U.S. Citizenship are:

1. Learn to speak, read, and write English
2. Fill out the N-400 application and send in with fee of $675.
3. Wait to be called to Newark for fingerprinting appointment – usually 8 months.
4. Wait after fingerprinting from 6 – 12 months
5. Go for oral exam to INS office

Recently the Newark office has slowed down processing with only one Oath Ceremony daily; preceded by very detailed background checks.

Those who pass the exam and have all of their background checks completed will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive citizenship the same day.

Those with incomplete background checks have to return at a later date for Oath and citizenship.

Those who fail the exam have another chance to pass – usually within 3-6 months you will receive another appointment.

Anyone who fails twice must begin the process again and pay the fee again.

For more information about the Citizenship Classes, call the Care on the Corner office at 201-288-9460 ext 5. A Registration Form must be completed for each student.

The requirements for the class include: Green Card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. Citizen),ability to speak, read, and write English, good moral character, knowledge of U.S. history and government. The best preparation is studying English as you will need an ESL Level 2 ability to pass the INS test.