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New U.S. Citizenship Test: 2020 Version

Immigration News

Important Update Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test

On Dec. 1, 2020, USCIS implemented a revised version of the civics test for naturalization (2020 civics test). Due to recent policy changes, some applicants required to take the 2020 civics test may now have a choice to take the 2020 test or the 2008 civics test. Please note that beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS will only offer the 2008 civics test at the initial interview appointment regardless of filing date.

Update

USCIS Reverts to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test

Release Date 02/22/2021

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today it is reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test beginning March 1, 2021.

On Dec. 1, 2020, USCIS implemented a revised naturalization civics test (2020 civics test) as part of a decennial test review and update process. USCIS determined the 2020 civics test development process, content, testing procedures, and implementation schedule may inadvertently create potential barriers to the naturalization process. This action is consistent with the framework of the Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems, which directs a comprehensive review of the naturalization process to eliminate barriers and make the process more accessible to all eligible individuals.

You can read more about about the USCIS announcement to revert back to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test here.

The new U.S. citizenship test civics test that immigrants who apply for citizenship through naturalization take is longer and much more complicated than its previous version. After December 1, 2020, the new version of the oral test consists of 128 questions and answers.

In the revised naturalization test announced in November by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the officer who is serving at the time of the eligibility interview with USCIS will ask each applicant a total of 20 questions. An immigrant must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.

Previously, the USCIS officer asked a total of 10 questions from a general bank of 100 civics questions. An applicant had to correctly answer six of those 10 questions to pass.

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 revised test, even if the person answers 12 questions correctly, the officer must continue to ask all 20.

The test will evaluate an immigrant’s knowledge of American history, government, and civic values.

U.S. Citizenship Test Will Be Harder

USCIS made public, in English, the 128 civics questions and answers for the 2020 version of the civics test. This is the database that legal permanent residents who aspire to citizenship through naturalization must study.

In the new test, 57 questions remained the same, 13 have been reworded, and five require more answers. The rest are brand new.

Experts have said that the questions have a higher level of complexity. Here are some examples:

  • Question 51 in the old test: What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
    Question 65 in the new test: What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
  • Question 64 in the old test: There were 13 original states. Name three.
    Question 81 in the new test: There were 13 original states. Name five.
  • Question 100 in the old test: Name two national U.S. holidays.
    Question 126 in the new test: Name three national U.S. holidays.

How can I prepare for the 2020 version of the civics test?

To help you prepare for the 2020 version of the civics test, you can find study materials that are available below.

  • The 2020 Version of the Civics Test | USCIS
    • Civics Questions & Answers
    • Civics Flash Cards
    • Pocket Study Guide
  • Please note, on the civics test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. Visit the Civics Test Updates page to find the answers that may have changed on the civics test. You must answer the question with the name of the official serving at the time of your naturalization interview. 
  • Although USCIS is aware there may be additional correct answers to the civics questions, applicants are encouraged to respond to the questions using the answers provided in the study materials.

Questions About The New 2020 Version of the U.S. Citizenship Test?

If you or a family member have any questions about the new 2020 version of the new U.S. citizenship test, it is important to speak with a qualified immigration lawyer. Request a free immigration consultation with immigration attorney Jessie M. Thomas today.