# USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 8: Educational Requirements

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C8

## Section

- **Citation:** USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 8
- **Heading:** Educational Requirements
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USCIS Policy Manual / Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization / Part D - General Naturalization Requirements / USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 8

## Text

In general, applicants for naturalization must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage. Applicants must also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and principles and form of government of the United States (civics). These are the English and civics requirements for naturalization.

An applicant may be eligible for an exception to the English requirements if he or she is a certain age and has been an LPR for a certain period of time. In addition, an applicant who has a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may be eligible for a medical exception of both the English and civics requirements. [1]

Footnote

[1] See INA 312 and 8 CFR 312 . See Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions [ 12 USCIS-PM E ].

## Nearby sections

- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 1 Purpose and Background](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C1.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 2 Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C2.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 3 Continuous Residence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C3.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 4 Physical Presence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C4.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 5 Modifications and Exceptions to Continuous Residence and Physical Presence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C5.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 6 Jurisdiction, Place of Residence, and Early Filing](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C6.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 7 Attachment to the Constitution](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C7.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 8 Educational Requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C8.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 9 Good Moral Character](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C8. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.