Coming Soon: New Naturalization Test

Immigrants will be required to undergo a new naturalization test in the near future. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently revising the existing naturalization test to make improvements to increase accuracy. Specifically, these revisions will help ensure that the test accurately measures the applicant’s knowledge of civics and that it exhibits best practices for assessing adult education.

What to Expect with the New Naturalization Test

In spring 2019, the former director of USCIS signed the Revision of the Naturalization Civics Test Memorandum, which details the revision of the naturalization test along with the revision of the schedule based on best practices in adult education.

The revision began in December 2018, when USCIS put together a naturalization test revision working group that included members from the agency. Following the formation of this group, members worked together to review and update the questions included in the naturalization test. The team was also responsible for assessing any potential changes to the speaking element of the test.

In addition, the agency has sought the input of various adult education experts to maintain fairness and transparency throughout the test. Following both officer training and analysis of the pilot, USCIS plans to implement the revised naturalization test in December 2020 or sometime in early 2021.

Requirements for Naturalization

The Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 312 covers the various civics and English requirements in place for naturalization. Candidates for naturalization are required to have a fundamental understanding of the English language, which includes the ability to speak, read, and write words using ordinary English. The Act also requires candidates to possess knowledge and comprehension of the fundamentals of U.S. history along with the form of government and its principles.

The revisions made to the test will be in compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, helping make sure that legal immigrants are prepared to meet their responsibilities as citizens of the U.S. and fully exercise their rights.

Keeping all of this in mind regarding the new naturalization test, applicants for naturalization will be able to prepare for the requirements of the test based on these revisions. For additional information about the new naturalization test and the specific revisions, individuals can visit the USCIS website and read the memorandum.