Y-Axis Immigration Services

Sign up for free

expert consultation

Down Arrow

I accept the Terms & Conditions

Icon
Don' know what to do?

Get Free Counseling

Posted on November 17 2020

USCIS to update the naturalization civics test

profile-image
By  Editor
Updated May 10 2023
US Immigration

As per a News Release dated November 13, 2020, US Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS] has announced its plans for the implementation of “a revised version of the naturalization civics test”.

As per USCIS, applicants that have a filing date on or after December 1, 2020, will be required to take the 2020 version of the civics test as part of their naturalization process.

Applicants for naturalization that have a filing date before December 1, 2020, on the other hand, will have to appear for the 2008 version of the civics test instead.

The provision for the civics testing is as per USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12 – Citizenship and Naturalization, Part E – English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2 – English and Civics Testing.

The naturalization civics test has two components – an English test and a civics test. There has been no change in the English test for US naturalization purposes.

Overview of US Naturalization test
[I] English test – no change For the English portion, the applicant must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write as well as speak basic English.
[II] Civics test For assessing the applicant’s understanding of US history and civics
2008 version
  • Oral test
  • Up to 10 questions asked from list of 100 civics test questions
  • To answer 6 correctly
  • Passing score – 60%
2020 version
  • Oral test
  • Up to 20 questions asked from list of 128 civics test questions
  • To answer at least 12 correctly
  • Passing score – 60%

For a certain period of time, USCIS will be administering both the versions of the test. The version that the applicant will be required to take will depend upon the date of the filing of their Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

An applicant is given two opportunities for passing the naturalization civics test. If an applicant fails any part of the test at their first interview, they will be required to appear for a re-test – only on the portion of the test that they had failed – between 60 to 90 days from the date of their first interview.

Certain applicants are given a special consideration, referred to as the 65/20 Special Consideration. As per USCIS, “the current guidelines for statutorily established special considerations” – for naturalization applicants 65 years in age or above and with at least 20 years of lawful permanent resident status in the US – are to be maintained.

Those qualifying for the 65/20 Special Consideration will be asked 10 questions. At least 6 questions will have to be answered correctly by such applicants in order to pass.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to the USA, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

If you found this blog engaging, you may also like…

USCIS revises fees, effective from October 2

Tags:

Share

Options for you by Y-Axis

phone 1

Get it on your Mobile

mail

Get News Alerts

contact 1

Contact Y-Axis

Latest Article

Related Post

Trending Article

New PR pathways

Posted On December 12 2024

Canada to Introduce 4 New PR Pathways in 2025