USCIS Reverts to 2008 Naturalization Civics Test

In November 2020, USCIS revised its policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the requirements for the naturalization civics test. In December, updated requirements were implemented. USCIS announced that it is reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test beginning March 1, 2021. This change is in response to President Biden's Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems. This Executive Order aims to make the naturalization process more accessible, and USCIS determined that the 2008 test better aligns with this goal.

Applicants who filed for naturalization on or after December 1, 2020 and prior to March 1, 2020 with an initial interview prior to April 19, 2021 will have the choice to take the 2020 civics test or the 2008 civics test, according to USCIS. Applicants who file for naturalization on or after March 1, 2021 will take the 2008 civics test. USCIS will only offer the 2008 civics test at the initial interview after April 19, 2021 regardless of the filing date.

For More Information:

Read the Department of Homeland Security blog post about this change here.

Read the November 13, 2020 Policy Alert here, and our blog post about it here.

View USCIS's Application for Naturalization webpage here for more information on the naturalization civics test.

This blog post does not serve as legal advice and does not establish any client-attorney privilege. Do not take any action based on the information contained in this post without consulting a qualified immigration attorney. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team directly.

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