The Community Education Center

The Santa Barbara City College Continuing Education Division Citizenship Center has a new name: Community Education Center.

Citizenship services and education will continue to be provided under the umbrella of the new Community Education Center. Some of the services include visa petitions, work authorization permits for those who qualify, passport pictures, notary public services, adjustment of status, green card replacement services, and the entire citizenship process. More than 40,000 people have benefitted from these services since 1990.

The mission of the new Community Education Center is to promote and provide educational opportunities and citizenship services to the immigrant community in our district.

Some of its new responsibilities include citizenship services and education, Spanish literacy, bilingual programs, the Professional Immigrant Academy, and partnering with the Mexican Consulate in bringing information and services to the community.

If you are interested in becoming a United States citizen here are some of the basic requirements to consider before applying:

Applicant must be 18 years or older.
Applicant must be a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) for 5 years (exception: if applicant is married to U.S. Citizen the application can be filed after 3 years as an LPR).
Applicant must pass a civics/history test.
Applicant must have “Good Moral Character.” If the person has ever been arrested/cited/convicted of anything, that must be reviewed before applying.
English Language Requirement: applicant must demonstrate knowledge of basic English (write/read/understand English). Exception (for older immigrants): if the person has been an LPR for 15+ years and is 55 years old - OR - if the person has been an LPR for 20+ years and is 50 years old, he or she may have the interview in their own language. (It may require the applicant to bring a non-relative translator to the interview.)

It is important that the Community Education Center reviews each applicant's case for eligibility factors before submission. Call us if you need additional information or to make an appointment.

THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER IS LOCATED AT THE WAKE CENTER:
300 N. Turnpike Road, Room 22
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

PHONE: 805-683-8270
FAX: 805-683-8279