Every applicant seeking to naturalize as a U.S. citizen has to take the civics test. This is in addition to the other required tests that test your ability to read, write and speak English.
There are 100 civics questions on the naturalization test. During your naturalization interview, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. You must answer correctly 6 of the 10 questions to pass the civics test.
The Naturalization/Citizenship Test has 4 different parts (a Speaking/Understanding Test, a Reading Test, a Writing Test and a Civics Test) and you must pass all 4 parts to become a U.S. citizen.
The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test. On the naturalization test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months.
Applications for work permits saw an increase of processing times from 3.2 months in FY 2020 to 4.3 months in FY 2022.
For more information, please see the February 22, 2021, news release, "USCIS Reverts to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test."
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS Officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking.
Immigration law requires both an English and civics test for all those requesting to become citizens of the United States. English is the official language of the United States. All the documents you need to interact with the government are in English, as is all business.
An applicant has two opportunities to pass the English and civics tests: the initial examination and the re-examination interview. USCIS denies the naturalization application if the applicant fails to pass any portion of the tests after two attempts.
Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test. During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
The Official 2022 USCIS Naturalization Test
Although the citizenship test is not done in multiple choice (you will have to know the answer), taking the quiz as many times as needed, will help you prepare for any of the citizenship test questions and the answers that can be asked during the interview.
The diagram below shows that 96.1% of all applicants pass the naturalization test. In fiscal year 2021, almost 90% passed it during the initial interview, and another 6% of all applicants passed during a re-exam.
$1,170. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier's check. When filing at a USCIS lockbox, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; Demonstrate good moral character; Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and.
It's not necessary to dress formally for your U.S. citizenship interview and test. You may dress comfortably but look professional. "Business casual" is a good rule of thumb. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts and t-shirts.
A typical citizenship interview lasts about 20 minutes, but the exact timeframe varies by applicant.
The 2020 test will be phased out on April 19, 2021, for initial test takers. Applicants filing on or after March 1, 2021, will take the 2008 civics test. The test items and study guides can be found on the Citizenship Resource Center on the USCIS website.
Civics Test (2008 Version)
Applicants who filed their Form N-400 before Dec. 1, 2020, will continue to take the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing. Applicants who filed their Form N-400 on or after March 1, 2021, will also take the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing.
The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 20 out of the 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 questions (or 60%) correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.
Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
If you received a notice stating that your N-400 was denied after the interview, it could be for any of the following three reasons: Failure to show competence on the English and civics tests. Failure to show residence and physical presence requirements. Failure to show good moral character.
Under USCIS policy cell phone, video, and audio recording, as well as traditional and cell phone photography are all prohibited in USCIS field offices, unless specifically allowed during naturalization ceremonies.