For many newcomers to the United States, learning English is more than just a skill; it’s the key to opportunity, security, and belonging. Whether applying for a job, consulting a doctor, helping a child go to school, or preparing to apply for U.S. citizenship, the ability to communicate in English shapes every immigrant family’s future.

To support this journey, the U.S. Department of Education supports a powerful, user-friendly tool: USA Learns. It provides English classes, citizenship preparation, and life skills training to adults who are new to the United States and eager to create a better future.

What is USA Learns?

USA Learns is an online learning site created by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its mission is to provide easy access to English learning for immigrant adults, including those without formal education or with limited English proficiency.

USA Learns has been online since 2008 and has been continuously updated to help millions of learners from more than 200 countries. There is no additional cost, and learners do not need any special software or advanced computer skills, just an internet connection and a desire to learn.

USA Learns offers a variety of structured courses, each tailored to different levels and goals:

1. Beginner English Course

Level: Beginner

Focus: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing

Features: 20 units with video stories, practice activities, and vocabulary building

Topics: Everyday situations such as shopping, family, school, and emergencies

2. Secondary English Course

Level: Intermediate

Focus: Expanding vocabulary, grammar, and fluency

Features: 20 multimedia units, reading comprehension, and interactive exercises

Topics: Health, work, culture, and personal finance

3. Practice English and Reading

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Focus: Real-life reading and listening exercises

Features: 42 real-life stories (e.g., getting a driver's license, visiting a doctor)

Benefits: Learners learn about the U.S. system while practicing reading

4. US Citizenship Course

Level: All levels (for green card holders preparing for naturalization)

Focus: Civics education, US history, and naturalization interview preparation

Features: Detailed course with 100 USCIS questions, N-400 form guidance, and mock interviews

Support: Interview videos and simple English vocabulary explanations included

5. Nursing Assistant Skills

Focus: For learners interested in healthcare jobs

Features: Language, medical terminology, and nursing skills

Why USA Learns is a great choice for new immigrants

Why USA Learns is a great choice for new immigrants

Unlike many online courses that charge fees or require advanced skills, USA Learns is designed for adult immigrants who:

No U.S. classroom experience

Unfamiliar with U.S. technology

Need to balance learning with work and family responsibilities

Here’s why USA Learns is a game changer:

✅ No extra costs

No extra costs. All courses are available thanks to public funding from the Department of Education.

✅ Self-paced, flexible and convenient

Study anytime, anywhere. You can pause and return to courses on your own schedule.

✅ Easy to use

The platform is simple and intuitive. It uses videos, recordings, and interactive exercises to make it easy for even beginners to get started.

✅ Culturally relevant

Topics are rooted in real American life. Courses cover public transportation, workplace rights, apartment rentals, and more.

✅ Build confidence

Many learners say they feel more confident using English in public, when talking to their child’s teacher, or attending a job interview.

Example Success Story

María, a mother from Honduras, arrived in the U.S. with basic English skills. She found USA Learns through a friend at her church. By using the 1st and 2nd English courses, she learned to read prescriptions, fill out school forms, and eventually passed her naturalization test.

“USA Learns changed my life,” she said. “Now I help my children with homework, and I just became a citizen. It made me believe I can do more.”

How to Start Learning with USA Learns

Getting started is easy:

Go to www.usalearns.org

Click on “Start Now” or “Register”

Create a account with a username and password

Choose a course (e.g., 1st English Course or U.S. Citizenship)

Begin learning at your own pace. The system remembers where you left off.

Conclusion

In 2025, as immigrants continue to shape American communities, tools like USA Learns are more important than ever. Powered by the U.S. Department of Education, USA Learns is more than a website; it’s a lifeline to opportunity, empowerment, and full participation in American life.

Whether you’re a new immigrant starting from scratch or a permanent resident preparing to apply for U.S. citizenship, USA Learns is ready to guide you—step by step, word by word—toward your goals.

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