Citizenship Inspired - Classes and Programs | Orange County Library System

The Orange County Library System has a great new service for the pre-naturalized residents of Orange County. With this program, OCLS plans to empower immigrants who have settled in Central Florida to be fully prepared to pass the U.S. Naturalization Test and thereby become full participants of our citizenry.

Check out our list of program dates below that will help prepare you in the process of becoming a citizen. These programs provide help with citizenship questions, practicing the citizenship interview, and offer information about the citizenship process. Please note these programs will serve you best if taken as part of a series; registration for participation is for the entire 4 week series. However, you may attend any or all of the program sessions as your schedule allows.

Becoming An American Citizen at the Orlando Public Library

Fifty immigrants from countries around the world become American citizens at a naturalization ceremony held at the Orlando Public Library on April 16, 2013. Library director Mary Anne Hodel served as the keynote speaker. (4:30)

Programs

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Citizenship Inspired Programs

Students will learn by instruction, practice, and in class discussions. To be eligible for U.S. Naturalization, you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

Students in this program will meet once weekly for 4 weeks (check location schedules for details). Each program day, they will participate in a three to four hour session to review the various sections of the Interview and Test:

Speaking
Reading
Writing
U.S. Government and History

The course will also include Civics questions as well as an opportunity to improve English skills.

*To review a list of program times for a specific location click on one of the links listed below:

4 Week Course Programs

*During this four week program, students will meet once each week to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. To be eligible for U.S. Naturalization, you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Registration is required. To register, you can do so online, call 407-835-7323 or stop by any of our locations. This program is for adult learners, and is available for free to Orange County district resident cardholders, Fee cardholders, and Orange County Property Owner cardholders. If you do not have a card or have a different type of card, please call 407-835-7323 or stop by any of our locations for more information. Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in a class or program due to a disability may arrange for reasonable accommodations by contacting the location at which the event is held at least seven days prior to the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about the Citizenship Inspired Program? Listed below are some common questions and answers. If have a question that is not listed please fill out our "Get Connected" form on the left and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q: How can I become a United States citizen?

A: A person may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.

Q: How much does it cost to apply for Naturalization?

A: The fee to file the N-400 application for citizenship is $680.

Q: How can I contact someone about my application?

A: You can contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Office at 1.800.375.5283 (TTY 1.800.767.1833)

Q: How much does the Citizenship Inspired program cost?

A: This program is for adult learners, and is available for free to Orange County district resident cardholders, Fee cardholders, and Orange County Property Owner cardholders. If you do not have a card or have a different type of card, please call 407.835.7323 or stop by any of our locations for more information.

Q: How long does the program last?

A: Each program is a 4 week series (check location schedules for details). Each program participant attends once a week for 4 weeks. Each program lasts for approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Q: What will I learn?

A: Citizenship Inspired helps students to practice their English skills, learn the actual Civics questions and answers that may be asked as well as Vocabulary keywords for the Reading and Writing portions of the Naturalization Test.

Q: Does the Library offer classes to learn English?

A: The Library offers language learning resources for Library patrons. Citizenship Inspired also offers students an opportunity to practice their English skills as well.

Q: Where is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Office in Orlando?

A: The local USCIS office is located at 6680 Corporate Centre Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32822.

Q: The program I want to attend is already full. How often is it offered?

A: We offer Citizenship Inspired at different locations at different dates. Please contact us at 407.835.7323 so we can help you to register.

Q: The program I wanted to attend is already full. Is there any way I can attend this program?

A: If you want to get into a particular Citizenship Inspired program, you can be placed on the waiting list. You may then be able to attend if space becomes available.

Slideshow

While this is an especially important day for these new citizens, coming from a variety of nations and cultures, it also serves to reaffirm the deeper meaning of being a citizen of the United States of America.

Naturalization ceremony with new citizens
being sworn in.

Get Connected

If you have a question regarding the Citizenship Inspired Program, the Orange County Library System will be more than delighted to assist you. Simply fill in the following form and click the "Submit Information" button.

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