Citizenship Support Volunteer

ReEstablish Richmond connects newcomers to resources they need to establish roots, build community, and become self-sufficient. Obtaining citizenship is a true marker of establishing roots in a place. This role will provide educational and navigation support to those who have applied for citizenship and are ready to study for and take the citizenship test. 

ReEstablish Richmond staff and volunteer at the naturalization ceremony of Dari interpreter, Hameeda Noory.

ReEstablish Richmond staff and volunteer at the naturalization ceremony of Dari interpreter, Hameeda Noory.

Becoming Citizens Class: Virginia Museum of History and Culture | Oct. 26- Dec. 14, 2022.

In this 8–session course, museum staff will prepare students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test. Like other citizenship courses, students will learn the civics and history lessons necessary to pass the citizenship examination. *Pre-registration recommended.

USCIS RESOURCES

Register for Teacher Training | USCIS offers free training seminars designed to enhance the skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students. These skills will help educators, volunteers, and organizations offer a comprehensive adult citizenship program.

Naturalization Interview and Test Video | A 16-minute video by USCIS that provides an overview of the naturalization process and testing requirements.

  • Guide to the USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test Video | Classroom activities highlighting the five dialogues. Intended for high beginning and low intermediate level classes, these activities focus on the four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They allow students to practice specific language from a dialogue in a meaningful way. Each activity includes: 1) suggested teaching instructions, 2) student handouts or classroom materials, 3) an answer key and transcript, and 4) one 8.5” x 11” visual of the scene.

10 Steps to Naturalization | Step-by-step instructions by USCIS to understand the naturalization process. Includes eligibility worksheet, application (and instructions), and document checklist.

Download USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools on USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools is an official application of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), designed to help with studying for the civics test portion of the naturalization interview.

Prepare Students for the Interview and Test | This set of resources can help you prepare students for the interview and test.

Preparing for the Naturalization Test A Pocket Study Guide | This 44-page study guide contains the list of civics questions and answers for the naturalization test as well as the English reading and writing vocabulary.

Basic Strategies for Teaching Reading Skills for the Naturalization Interview and Test | This document provides teachers with strategies for teaching reading skills in the adult citizenship education classroom.

Basic Strategies for Teaching Writing Skills for the Naturalization Interview and Test | This document provides teachers with strategies for teaching reading skills in the adult citizenship education classroom.

The Civics Test | Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS will only offer the 2008 civics test at the initial interview appointment regardless of filing date.

U.S. Citizenship Test | Practice questions and answers

Free US citizenship test class

Tips for Teaching Vocabulary in the Adult Citizenship Classroom: Spotlight on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization | This document provides teachers with tips to identify potentially challenging words and phrases that students may encounter during the naturalization process, as well as strategies for teaching vocabulary in the adult citizenship classroom.

Citizenship Multilingual Resources | This section centralizes USCIS citizenship publications and resources available in other languages.

Exceptions and Accommodations | There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.   

Citizenship Application Worksheet | Information and questions that mirror the citizenship application (Form N-400).

Educator Resource Hub | Immigrant Learning Center collection of resources for supporting clients with citizenship test materials, understanding the citizenship process, and practice exercises. Includes a variety of other resources on English tutoring, mental health, diversity and equity, teaching students with limited formal education, and resources for clients without documentation.

Teaching Citizenship | Session by Laura Wilkinson at the 2022 Refugee and Immigrant Volunteer Summit. Laura is a faculty member of the English Language Program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia with over 20 years of instructional experience.

USA Hello | Free, online, self-paced class to help immigrants prepare for the US citizenship test.

USA Learns | Online course with videos to prepare for the citizenship or naturalization interview. In each lesson, students will practice pronunciation, take practice quizzes to check understanding. and practice reading aloud and writing.

 

IMMIGRATION

Case Status Information | Dial 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to access case information about:

  • Next hearing date, time, and location;

  • Case processing information;

  • Immigration judge decision outcome and date;

  • Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) case appeal information, including appeal due date, brief due date, decision outcome and date; and

  • Filing information.

To access case information, callers must use the alien egistration number, which begins with the letter A and is followed by an 8- or 9-digit number. This number is printed on all Department of Homeland Security and EOIR correspondence. After entering the automated phone system, when directed by the voice prompt, enter the 9 digits (but not the letter A) to retrieve case information. If the A number has 8 digits, please enter zero (0) followed by the 8 digits.

How to Bring a Family Member to the U.S. | Guidance for clients who want to apply for an immediate family member to resettle here.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center | Helpful explanations and policy updates to expand the immigration expertise of attorneys, nonprofit staff, criminal defenders, and others assisting immigrant clients.

Scams Against Immigrants | Resource to help immigrants understand and avoid scams, especially related to immigration.

FAQ: IMMIGRATION QUESTION - 3/7/17

QUESTION: What do you do if the refugee you are working with asks you to help them with their green card? Or if they ask you for help getting a relative a visa?  

If the client has been in the country for less than 6 months, then you should tell them to contact their caseworker from the resettlement agency.  If the client has been here longer than 6 months, you should contact Eleanor Sullivan. She is the BIA representative at Commonwealth Catholic Charities. BIA representatives can offer immigration law advice at little or no cost, and Eleanor is the best place to start.  For more information: http://cccofva.org/services/resettlement-services/immigration-services/.  Unless you have immigration law experience, it is not safe for you (or the client) to provide immigration advice.