Libraries
Important Updates to the Naturalization Test
USCIS has revised the civics portion of the naturalization test. All applicants for naturalization with a filing date on or after Dec. 1, 2020, will be required to take the 2020 version of the civics test. For more information, visit The 2020 Version of the Civics Test page. Applicants for naturalization with a filing date before Dec. 1, 2020, are required to take the 2008 version of the civics test.
Libraries play a critical role in serving immigrant communities. Through our joint effort with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), we plan to educate librarians, and in turn their immigrant customers, on topics ranging from naturalization, the unauthorized practice of immigration law, and the importance of digital literacy.
USCIS and IMLS Partnership Goals
-
Provide citizenship and other immigration-related educational materials to libraries.
-
Offer training opportunities for librarians on a variety of immigration topics.
-
Participate in free informational webinars and in-person USCIS training to enhance and expand adult citizenship education services within your communities.
-
Order a Civics and Citizenship Toolkit for your library’s collection and consider establishing a Citizenship Corner.
-
Explore the list of available resources on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
-
Hold USCIS naturalization information sessions and administrative naturalization ceremonies in libraries
-
Visit the Citizenship Public Education and Awareness page to print and distribute outreach materials and posters. You will also fine promotional radio and television PSAs that can be added to your webpage.
-
Contact your local USCIS community relations officer (PDF, 112.72 KB) or IMLS for more information on the support and opportunities available for libraries.
-
Sign up for free email alerts with important information from USCIS.
-
Add the USCIS Employee Rights Toolkit to your website and inform workers about their rights and responsibilities during the employment eligibility verification process.
- Library and Adult Education Citizenship Activities (PDF, 410.16 KB)
Citizenship-related activities for libraries, such as welcoming and encouragement activities, community-outreach activities, and education-oriented activities. -
Assisting English Language Learners in Your Library (PDF, 138.69 KB)
Suggestions for helping your English language learning patrons. -
Library Tours with ESL Classes (PDF, 189.56 KB)
Tips for working with English as a second language (ESL) teachers and inviting new patrons to your library to help them explore the vast range of services and resources you provide. -
Creating a Citizenship Review Class in a Public Library (PDF, 498.91 KB)
This tip sheet will give an overview of citizenship review classes and provide a sample model.
- E-Verify - Join nearly half a million other employers using this free service to quickly check the employment eligibility of your new employees today. Learn more by joining our free live webinars.
- I-9 Central - All U.S. employers must use Form I-9 to verify the employment eligibility of those they hire. I-9 Central has the answers to your questions about this process.
- Avoid Scams - USCIS partnered with several government agencies to identify resources that can help you avoid immigration services scams.
- SAVE - The SAVE Program is an inter-governmental information service that verifies the immigration status of benefit applicants. SAVE helps authorized agencies ensure that only entitled applicants receive federal, state, or local public benefits and licenses.
- Self-Check - Before you apply for a new job, you can use Self-Check to check your employment eligibility any time and at no cost to you.
- Training on the Naturalization Process - USCIS offers free online tools and materials for educators and volunteers. These resources are designed to help instructors better prepare students for citizenship and the naturalization process.
- Citizenship Educational Materials - USCIS has developed a variety of materials to help instructors supplement classroom instruction. Be sure to also explore the contents of the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, a collection of educational materials for permanent residents. One free copy is available to all immigrant-serving organizations. Note: At this time, we are making updates to the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit and its contents. Until the toolkit is updated, we will halt distribution. Please check back regularly.