You are not a citizen until you are sworn in. If you are denied because of failure to pass the English or the civics test, you will be automatically rescheduled within 90 days. If you are not approved for some other reason, you may be given time to overcome the problem.
For 2009, the American Opportunity Credit--which is a variation of the Hope Credit--will be allowed for 4 years. For years before and after the new credit is allowed, the Hope credit is supposed to be for 2 years.
In 2009, Congress replaced the well-known Hope Scholarship credit with the more generous American Opportunity credit. The American Opportunity credit equals 100% of the first $2,000 of a studentâs qualified education expenses plus 25% of the next $2,000. The maximum annual credit is $2,500.