[angkor]

They'd have to learn English and American civics.

It's in S.AMDT.1150 as part of first and second Z visa renewal.

I'm using the Republican version, can't find the "official" version of 1150 on thomas.loc.gov.

"Renewal. Z visa holders must prove continuing employment (if older than 16) (Section 601(m)), and if older than 18, take the naturalization exam (civics and English) at the first renewal. Before the second renewal, the Z visa holder must pass the exam."

However you are correct that anyone applying for N-400 naturalized citizenship must take and pass an English test (except those over 60 IIRC).

[philman_36]

I'm using the Republican version, can't find the "official" version of 1150 on thomas.loc.gov.
Would you be so kind and post a link?

[philman_36]

To get to it in Thomas submit search for S.1348.
When the bill comes up pick "Link to the Bill Summary & Status file."
Once there pick "Amendments"...result...Items 1 through 150 of 350 4. S.AMDT.1150 to S.1348 In the nature of a substitute.

The Senate is making it hard for the public to follow it so there's no telling what the end result will be.

[philman_36]

The text in question...

(k) PERIOD OF AUTHORIZED ADMISSION.--

(1) INITIAL PERIOD.--The initial period of authorized admission as a Z nonimmigrant shall be four years.
(2) EXTENSIONS.--
(A) IN GENERAL.--Z nonimmigrant may seek an indefinite number of four-year extensions of the initial period of authorized admission.
(B) REQUIREMENTS.--In order to be eligible for an extension of the initial or any subsequent period of authorized admission under this paragraph, an alien must satisfy the following requirements:
(i) ELIGIBILITY.--The alien must demonstrate continuing eligibility for nonimmigrant status;
(ii) ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CIVICS.--
(I) REQUIREMENT AT FIRST RENEWAL.--At or before the time of application for the first extension of nonimmigrant status, an alien who is 18 years of age or older must demonstrate an attempt to gain an understanding of the English language and knowledge of United States civics by taking the naturalization test described in sections 312(a)(1) and (2) by demonstrating enrollment in or placement on a waiting list for English classes.
(II) REQUIREMENT AT SECOND RENEWAL.--At or before the time of application for the second extension of Z nonimmigrant status, an alien who is 18 years of age or older must pass the naturalization test described in sections 312(a)(1) and (2). The alien may make up to three attempts to demonstrate such understanding and knowledge but must satisfy this requirement prior to the expiration of the second extension of Z nonimmigrant status.

So as I'm reading it they have up to the end of their second extension, just short of eight years, to pass the test.
If it passes as amended.