Have you been to school in the United States?

When the USCIS officer asks whether the applicant has been to school in the United States, the applicant should respond truthfully and disclose any educational institutions attended in the past 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of U.S. citizens), including elementary, secondary, post-secondary, vocational, English-language, or any other formal training. The N-400 application requires this information in Part 8, alongside employment history.

USCIS asks about U.S. schooling for several reasons. First, school enrollment during the residency period contributes to the physical presence picture. Second, school provides documentation of presence in the United States for periods when the applicant may not have been working. Third, attending an English-language program or earning an American degree may contribute to the applicant's English ability, which is tested at the interview. Fourth, the question tests basic English comprehension.

Applicants should be prepared to provide the school name, address, dates of attendance, type of program (high school, college, English as a Second Language, vocational training, etc.), and any degree or certificate earned. Applicants who attended college in the United States and earned a degree should mention it, especially if the degree is in a field requiring strong English skills (English literature, journalism, education, etc.). The civics test exemption sometimes available for those who completed certain U.S. educational programs is limited, but USCIS may consider an applicant's American education in evaluating overall English ability.

Applicants who attended K-12 schools in the United States have generally demonstrated English ability through that experience. Applicants who came to the United States as adults for college or graduate school typically demonstrate English ability as well. Applicants who attended ESL classes through community programs, religious organizations, or community colleges should mention these. Applicants who took online courses (with U.S.-based institutions) should mention the institution and the type of program.

Applicants whose only education was in another country, in another language, will need to demonstrate English ability through the standard interview process. Documentation can include diplomas, transcripts, certificates, or letters from the institution. Applicants who have not attended any school in the United States can simply say so; this is not a problem for naturalization, although applicants whose English is limited may want to take ESL classes before the interview to increase confidence. Applicants in this category may also want to consider whether they qualify for English-language testing accommodations under the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 rules based on age and length of residence.