What Happens if I Fail the United States Citizenship Test?

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone for many immigrants. The naturalization process includes an interview and a test that evaluates your English skills and knowledge of U.S. civics. Many applicants worry about what will happen if they do not pass on the first try. The good news is that failing the test does not automatically mean your application is denied. To learn more about what happens when you fail the United States citizenship test, continue reading and consult with a knowledgeable Queens naturalization lawyer today.

What is the Citizenship Test?

The U.S. citizenship test is a two-part assessment administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the naturalization interview. Its purpose is to ensure that applicants meet the fundamental requirements of being able to read, write, and speak basic English and possess a working knowledge of American history and government.

The first part is the English test, which evaluates the applicant’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write English. The USCIS officer will assess speaking and understanding skills throughout the interview, and the applicant must read one of three sentences correctly and write one of three sentences spoken to them correctly.

The second component is the civics test. Applicants are asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 civics questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least six of those questions. Failing either the English or civics portion means failing the entire naturalization test.

What Happens if I Fail the U.S. Citizenship Test?

If you fail either the English or the civics portion of the citizenship test during your first naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will not deny your application immediately. Instead, they will reschedule you for a second interview, typically held within 60 to 90 days. This gives you an opportunity to study and prepare specifically for the part you failed.

At the second interview, you will only be retested on the portion you did not pass the first time, whether it be English, civics, or both. If you pass the necessary sections on your second attempt, your naturalization application will likely be approved.

However, if you fail any portion of the test a second time, your N-400 application may be denied. While a denial is a significant setback, it does not mean you can never become a citizen. You retain the right to file an appeal (Form N-336) or, more commonly, simply file a brand-new Form N-400 application and start the naturalization process over again.

Does Failing the Citizenship Test Affect My Green Card Status?

Failing the U.S. citizenship test generally does not directly impact your lawful permanent resident status. Your green card is typically valid for 10 years and must be renewed, regardless of your naturalization attempt. However, if USCIS discovers serious issues during the naturalization process, such as fraud or grounds for deportation, it could potentially lead to complications regarding your residency status. For most applicants, the failure only affects the N-400 application.

For more information and legal advice, contact a skilled immigration attorney today.