The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed on Wednesday that it has overhauled its Naturalization Civics Test, which immigrants looking to become U.S. citizens must pass as the final step before gaining approval.
The major change includes adding 28 more questions to the civics test, bringing the total number of questions from 100 to 128. The 100-question civics test was first implemented in 2008 during President George W. Bush’s second term.
President Donald J. Trump updated the 2008 version from 100 questions to 128, while also increasing the difficulty. But in 2021, then-President Joe Biden reverted to the 2008 format.
The 128-question civics testgoes into effect Oct. 20. Applicants who have an appointment before that date will have an officer administer the 2008 version.
The USCIS also previously announced it will restore robust vetting and stricter reviews of disability exceptions.
Other changes to the civics test
Besides the number of questions increasing from 100 to 128, applicants will also now be asked 20 questions instead of 10.
To pass the oral civics test, applicants have to answer at least 12 out of 20 correctly and fail the test if they answer 9 of the 20 questions incorrectly. The officer conducting the test will stop asking applicants questions when they answer 12 correctly or 9 incorrectly. The 2008 format required applicants to answer 6 out of 10 correctly.
According to the USCIS, some questions were rewritten to be less straightforward, and some questions now require more specificity.
Applicants must also demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
For the reading test, applicants must read aloud 1 of 3 sentences correctly. For the writing test, applicants must write 1 out of 3 sentences correctly.
