U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced revisions to the naturalization civics test.  The changes will affect those applicants who apply after December 1, 2020.  These applicants will need to take the updated version of the civics test.

Instead of studying 100 questions, applicants must now study 128 possible questions.   The new test is available online here.

USCIS will not change the 60% passing score, but will now require 12 questions answered correctly out of 20 possible questions, instead of the 6 out of ten previously required.

The exception for applicants aged 65 and older who have been Lawful Permanent Residents for at least 20 years will remain the same and require 6 out of 10 correct answers.

USCIS indicates that the revised test more appropriately tests the applicant’s understanding of U.S. history and civics, as per the statutory requirements for the applicant to demonstrate these qualifications for U.S. naturalization.

Should you wish to apply for U.S. naturalization, please contact an attorney with the Immigration Practice group at Fox Rothschild to discuss your eligibility.

Mr. Harley is a Partner in the Immigration Practice Group at Fox Rothschild LLP.  Mr. Harley’s practice covers the United States and Consulates worldwide.  Mr. Harley is based in our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office.  He can be reached at mharley@foxrothschild.com or at 412-391-2418.