USCIS Revises the Civics Test for Naturalization Applicants
USCIS Revises the Civics Test for Naturalization Applicants
Naturalization applicants prepare for their interviews by studying for the civics test for knowledge of U.S. history and government, and the English requirements to determine their ability to read, write, speak and understand English. This week, USCIS announced plans that revise the civics portion of the two-part tests. Below are the highlights of the changes.
All applicants for naturalization who file on or after December 1, 2020 must take the 2020 version of the civics test. Applicants who filed before December 1, 2020 will take the 2008 version of the civics test. USCIS has increased the civics test questions from 100 to 128, the number of test questions for the exam from 10 to 20 questions, and the number of correct answers needed, from 6 out of 10 to 12 out of 20. The test score required to pass the civics test (60%) remains the same.
Applicants who are age 65 or older and who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years are given special consideration for the English requirements and may take the civics test in the language of their choice. If you qualify for the 65/20 special consideration and file on or after December 1, 2020, you only need to study the civics questions marked with an asterisk (*), or 20 questions in total. The USCIS officer will ask you to answer 10 out of the 20 civics test questions and you must get 6 out of the 10 correct.
Please visit the following links at USCIS for your naturalization preparation: Test items and study guides can be found on the Citizenship Resource Center on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship. Click on Find Study Materials and Resources, and you will be able to study for the test, check for test updates, and find study materials in other languages including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. For the English preparation of the exam, click on https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-e-chapter-2. There you will find detailed information on what the speaking, reading, and writing tests will require, and also a recap of the civics testing and exceptions. Another helpful link to prepare for your examination can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test.
If you fail any portion of the English or civics test, or both, USCIS will reschedule your second examination between 60 and 90 days after your first examination. You only get retested on the portion of the test that you failed. For example, if you failed the writing portion of the English test, you will be administered the English writing test at your second examination.
For more information, please contact our office for a free telephone consultation (15 minute) at 248-557-3645.
Sevahn Merian
Associate Attorney, Immigration Law Department
The Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, PLLC
phone: (248) 557-3645 fax: (248) 200-0645
email: smerian@joumanakayrouz.com
1000 Town Center, Suite 800 Southfield, MI 48075
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