Free U.S. Citizenship Classes offered by Partners

Partners HealthCare System (PHS) Human Resources Department, in partnership with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), is pleased to introduce a free eight-week program to assist employees and their families to attain U.S. citizenship. The classes, facilitated by JVS staff, will run for two-hours, once per week, and will be held at convenient locations throughout the Partners network.

Start dates and locations will be determined based on employee interest and availability. The first course will run at MGH from January through March 2010, and will be open to all PHS employees. There will also be an opportunity for individualized support including home study guides, interview practice and legal referrals where applicable for those who would prefer a less structured approach to prepare for the citizenship process.

Instruction will be offered on an employee’s own time. Although there is no cost for the class, participants must be able to pay the $675 required to submit their final citizenship application.

Interested employees must attend a prerequisite "drop-in" information session which will include an on-the-spot assessment. The assessment is generally an informal conversation with a JVS staff member and takes approximately 30 minutes. Individuals may come to any of the locations listed below at any time within the hours listed.

Eligibility requirements: 

• Must have a green card or equivalent Must be a permanent resident for at least five years
• Must attend an information session to assess moderate English proficiency Must be able to pay $675 to submit their N-400 application

Services Include: 

• U.S. History and Civics lessons Assistance completing the N-400 application
• Preparation for interview with a USCIS official Referral to support services if needed
• Follow up sessions and tutorials

Please contact Adam Cutler (JVS) at 617-399-3260 or MJ Ryan (PHS Human Resources) at 617-724-1269 (or email:  mjryan@partners.org) for more information.