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USCIS Reverts to 2008 Version of Naturalization Civics Test

By February 22, 2021Immigration
Courtesy of Wikimedia, labeled for reuse: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Flag_Map_of_the_United_States_(1912_-_1959).png

USCIS has announced that they will revert back to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test. 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. The new civics test was implemented after 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.

With the change in presidency, USCIS has reverted back to the 2008 version of the test. After filing the naturalization application, USCIS, will process the application, will schedule a date for fingerprinting, and schedule a date for an interview with a UCSIS officer. At the interview, the officer will examine the applicant’s application to confirm eligibility and to administer a test where the applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions pertaining to United States history, government, and law. The 10 questions are selected from a total of 100 questions that are available online that can be reviewed any time before the interview.

If the applicant successfully passes the test and the officer believes that the applicant is eligible and deserves to be granted the rights and privileges of a United States Citizen, the applicant will be invited to a ceremony where the applicant will take an oath of allegiance becoming a United States Citizen.

Applicants who filed their application for naturalization on or after Dec. 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, likely have been studying for the 2020 test; therefore, USCIS will give these applicants the option to take either the 2020 civics test or the 2008 civics test. There will be a transition period where both tests are being offered. 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. To learn more about naturalization and citizenship, please click here.

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