On March 1, 2021, USCIS will be returning to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test. This change is a response to President Joe Biden’s Executive Order, “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System,” that directed a review of the naturalization process to eliminate barriers to the process. Individuals who file naturalization applications with receipt dates on or after March 1, 2021, will take the “old” 2008 version of the test.
The Trump administration retired the 2008 version of the test and introduced a new version that became effective on December 1, 2020. That test introduced new questions and restructured others.
Those who filed their applications on or after December 1, 2020 (when the Trump administration test was in effect), but before March 1, 2021 (when the 2008 version of test becomes effective again) with an interview scheduled before April 19, 2021, will have the choice of taking either the 2008 test or the 2020 test. If the interview is scheduled on or after April 19, 2021, they will take the 2008 test. Those who take the 2020 test will have to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. Those who take the 2008 test will have to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass. Each test has its own set of study questions – 128 for the 2020 version and 100 for the 2008 version.
The relevant study materials for both tests are available on the USCIS Citizenship Center website.
Jackson Lewis attorneys are available to assist you with any questions regarding the naturalization process, including the required civics and English language tests.