The IAC is offering virtual English classes for those interested in learning and improving their English!

Our Semester System:

• 3 semesters each year: Fall, Spring, and Summer
• We currently offer 3 levels and plan to introduce more this summer
• Eventually, we plan to have 8 levels of English classes
• Each level takes 1 semester to complete
• Each semester is about 14 weeks, including a week for vacation
• After completing a semester, students who are able to demonstrate proficiency in what they learned will move up to the next level
• If a student cannot demonstrate they have learned the materials of the level they are in, it may be recommended that the student retake the level they are in
• Students who start from the most basic level will likely finish the program in just under 3 years
• Students starting from a higher level will finish the program in less time
• Participating in the program is free
• All the classes are on Zoom for now

Expectations:

• Students attend all or most classes
• Students participate in class
• Students practice outside of class
• Students will not officially be graded, but grades will be given so that students can track their progress if they would like to

Year 2021-2022

Semester dates to be determined
Vacation weeks to be determined
Levels offered to be determined

For those who are preparing for their interview for citizenship:

• We teach the history and government of the United States
• We cover the civics questions that will be asked during the interview
• Open enrollment: join as soon as you have applied. Stay in the classes for as long as you would like
• Review Day at the end of every session to review and practice all the civics questions for the interview. All current and past students are welcome to attend any Review Day to continue to stay ready for their test
• Classes are offered in 4 week sessions with a 2 week break in between sessions
• All citizenship classes are free
• All citizenship classes are currently offered in English only
• All citizenship classes are currently offered online via Zoom only

Update about the Civics Test as of 02/22/2021:

Look at the received date on the notices you received from USCIS after you applied for citizenship.

Two Versions of the Civics Test:

2008 Version:

• There are 100 questions to study.
• The officer will ask you 10 of those 100 questions and you have to answer 6 questions correctly to pass.
• Are you 65 or older and have you had your green card for at least 20 years? There are 20 questions to study. The officer will ask you 10 questions and you have to answer at least 6 questions correctly to pass.

2020 Version:

• There are 128 questions to study.
• The officer will ask you 20 of those 128 questions and you have to answer 12 questions correctly to pass.
• Are you 65 or older and have you had your green card for at least 20 years? There are 20 questions to study. The officer will ask you 10 questions and you have to answer at least 6 questions correctly to pass.

Both versions:

• The officer will stop asking you questions as soon as you answer enough questions correctly to pass, even if there are more questions left. If you do not answer enough questions correctly, the officer will not ask you more than the allotted amount of questions.

Which version will I need to take at my interview?

Is your received date before December 1st, 2020?

• You will have to take the 2008 version of the civics test regardless of when your interview is scheduled. If you need to retake the civics test, you will still have to take the 2008 version of the civics test.

Is your received date between December 1st, 2020 and March 1st, 2021?

• You can choose to take the 2008 version or the 2020 version if your interview is before April 19th, 2021. If you need to retake the test, you will still have a choice between the 2008 version and the 2020 version. You do not have to choose the same version you took at the first interview when you retake the test.
• If your interview is on or after April 19th, 2021, you will have to take the 2008 version at your interview. If you need to retake the test, you will have to take the 2008 version.

Is your received date on or after March 1st? Or have you not applied yet?

• You will have to take the 2008 version of the test regardless of when your interview is scheduled. If you need to retake the civics test, you will have to take the 2008 version of the test.

For more information, this link will bring you to the USCIS webpage: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/2020test