Citizenship Civics Test
USCIS announced on November 13, 2020, that there is a new version of the citizenship civics test. Those applying before December 1, 2020, will take the current version of the exam (2008 version); if you apply on or after December 1, 2020, you will take the new version of the exam.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR NATURALIZATION?
There are three ways to obtain citizenship: family-based, employment-based, and refugee/asylum status.
An immigrant must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
- Live in the United States as a permanent legal resident for five continuous years, or three if he or she got a green card through a U.S. citizen spouse.
- Show physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months during the last five years, or 18 months if married to an American citizen.
- Show good moral character. This means a clean criminal record for the previous five years, and not submitting false information as part of any immigration form or procedure. (A person with an aggravated felony is ineligible for naturalization.)
- Be able to read, write and speak basic English, and show knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Be willing to support and defend the United States and the U.S. Constitution.
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THIS NEW NATURALIZATION CIVICS TEST VERSION?
The naturalization civics test has two components: an English and a Civics test. The English portion has not changed. You must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Speaking: A USCIS officer will determine your ability to speak and understand English during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Reading: You must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
- Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
Previously, the USCIS officer asked 10 questions from a general bank of 100 civics questions. An applicant had to answer correctly six of those 10 questions to pass. The new version consists of 128 questions and answers, and the applicant has to answer correctly 12 out of 20 questions.
Furthermore, in the previous test, if an immigrant answered six questions correctly before reaching the last one, this component of the exam ended. In the new test, even if the person answers 12 questions correctly, the officer must continue to ask all 20. All questions on the test are asked orally.
All the geography questions about oceans, rivers, and states have been removed. Instead, they have added many questions about politics, such as the presidency, Congress, Supreme Court, and the founding fathers.
WHAT IF I FAIL THE NATURALIZATION CIVICS TEST?
Applicants are given two opportunities to pass the naturalization civics test. If you fail any part of the civics test at your first interview, you will be retested, only on the portion of the test that you failed, between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.
If you need more information about the test, follow the link:
Do you need more information regarding your eligibility for naturalization? Contact Us
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