SUMMARY OF THE UPDATE
For those applicants that is en route to be naturalized, there is a civics test and an English test to pass. USCIS has announced that there is a new age special consideration in regard to how many questions to study and how many will be asked. Additionally, there is also a new version of the civics test that will be implemented by the end of the year. During the next few transitional months, two versions of the civics test will be issued, depending on the time that the applicant applies for naturalization. The revised version of the test has a greater number of questions that are more specific to U.S. history and civics; it will better illustrate the applicant’s knowledge of America.
65/20 SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If an applicant is 65 years old or older at the time of naturalization, he is given special accommodations for naturalization. The applicant is issued only 20 questions to study for the civics test and the applicant will be able to choose in what language he would like to take the civics test. The 20 questions that the qualifying applicant will need to study will have an asterisk (*) at the end of the questions on the sample questions PDF provided at USCIS. Qualifying applicants need to answer correctly six of the ten questions that the USCIS officer will ask.
U.S. CIVICS TEST
The civics test is composed of 128 questions that ask about American government and history. The likely timeline is if the applicant submits naturalization forms before December 1, 2020, the applicant will be given the 2008 version of the civics test. If the applicant submits forms on or after December 1, 2020, the applicant will be given the 2020 version. At the naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will verbally quiz the applicant on 20 or the 128 questions. 12 of those 20 questions need to be answered accurately for the applicant to pass the civics test.
U.S. ENGLISH TEST
In addition, applicants will also have an English test to pass; the applicant has to demonstrate that he is able to speak, read, and write simple English sentences. The USCIS officer will speak with the applicant while reviewing form N-400 to determine eligibility. To showcase reading ability, the applicant also needs to read one of three sentences properly and to demonstrate writing ability, the applicant is required to write one of three sentences correctly.
IS THERE A RETAKE?
If the applicant is unable to pass the two tests on the first try – there is no need to fear! Applicants are allowed two tries to pass both tests. The applicant will have from 60-90 days from the initial interview date to pass only the portion(s) that were not completed the first time.
Because there are two civics tests that will be issued at the same time, the applicant will only be tested on the version that he was initially asked.
Read more information and print out the PDF for the civics portion of the test at USCIS. If you would like to get started on your naturalization case, give Law Offices of Wiliani-Malek a call at (714) 432-1333!