Redesigned civics test introduced for new naturalization applications

Policy effect

For naturalization applications filed on or after December 1, 2020, USCIS expanded the general civics question bank from 100 to 128 and the exam from 10 to 20 questions, with 12 correct answers required instead of six. The passing proportion remained 60 percent. Applicants aged at least 65 with at least 20 years as lawful permanent residents retained a 10-question test requiring six correct answers. Officers asked all 20 questions, or all 10 for the special-consideration group, even after a passing score was reached. Earlier applications remained under the previous policy, and statutory educational exceptions continued to apply.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: For naturalization applications filed on or after December 1, 2020, USCIS expanded the general civics question bank from 100 to 128 and the exam from 10 to 20 questions, with 12 correct answers required instead of six.; Applicants aged at least 65 with at least 20 years as lawful permanent residents retained a 10-question test requiring six correct answers.; Officers asked all 20 questions, or all 10 for the special-consideration group, even after a passing score was reached.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

… on the topic. Policy Highlights • Increases the general bank of civics test questions from 100 to 128, the number of test questions for the exam to 20 (from 10), and accordingly, the number of correct answers needed 1 See INA 312(a). An applicant may be eligible for an exception to the educational requirements based on age and time as a lawful permanent resident. See INA 312(b)(2). An applicant who has a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may be eligible for a medical exception. See INA 312(b)(1). 2 This includes the initial examination and re-examination (if needed). S … ee 8 CFR 312.5(a) and 8 CFR 335.3(b). 3 See USCIS News Release, USCIS Announces Plan to Improve the Naturalization Test (July 19, 2019). PA-2020-20: Civics Educational Requirement for Purposes of Naturalization Page: 2 to pass the civics test to 12 (from 6). The test score required to pass (60 percent correct) will not change. • Confirms that USCIS will continue to administer 10 test questions (with required 6 correct answers) to applicants who qualify for special consideration because they are age 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years. • Provides that offi … cers will ask all 20 test items (or 10 to special consideration applicants), even if the applicant achieves a passing score. Citation Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing [12 USCIS-PM E.2]. … as required by the INA. The new test questions were piloted in July/August of 2020. To ensure that applicants and community-based organizations engaged in test preparation will have sufficient time to prepare for the revised test, this update, contained in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, becomes effective December 1, 2020, and applies prospectively to naturalization applications filed on or after that date. USCIS will adjudicate applications filed before the effective date based on the previous policy. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any prior guidance …

Review method

Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews

Other United States changes operative in 2020

• 2020-02-01Advance USCIS permission removed for qualifying consular I-130 filings
• 2020-02-01Routine I-130 processing ends at most USCIS international offices
• 2020-02-02Suspension of Entry for Aliens Physically Present in China
• 2020-02-21Proclamation 9983 expands travel restrictions to six additional countries
• 2020-02-24Nationwide Implementation of the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule
• 2020-03-01Implementation of the H-1B Electronic Registration Process
• 2020-03-02Suspension of Entry for Individuals Present in Iran
• 2020-03-13Suspension of Entry for Persons Present in the Schengen Area
• 2020-03-16Suspension of entry for aliens physically present in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland
• 2020-03-18Somalia TPS designation extended through September 17, 2021
• 2020-03-20CDC Title 42 Public Health Border Suspension Order
• 2020-03-26Citizenship residence exception created for qualifying children living abroad
• 2020-04-23Presidential Proclamation 10014 Suspending Entry of Immigrants Risking the Labor Market
• 2020-05-26Brazil COVID-19 entry restriction begins on amended date
• 2020-06-24Proclamation 10052 suspends entry for H-1B, H-2B, J, and L workers
• 2020-07-28DHS Reconsideration and Interim Limitation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• 2020-08-21Removal of 30-Day Processing Provision for Form I-765 Employment Authorizations for Asylum Applicants
• 2020-08-21Temporary Travel Restrictions at Land Ports of Entry (U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico Borders)
• 2020-08-25Revisions to Asylum Application, Interview, and Employment Authorization for Applicants
• 2020-09-23DHS temporarily requires government-provided interpreters for many asylum interviews
• 2020-10-02DHS finalizes USCIS fee schedule and fee-waiver changes
• 2020-10-08Department of Labor Interim Final Rule Strengthening Wage Protections for Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Workers
• 2020-11-18USCIS Policy Manual Update: Lawful Admission Prerequisite for Naturalization
• 2020-12-07DHS narrows H-1B specialty occupation and third-party placement rules