USCIS Announces Plans to Revert to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today it is reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test.

On Dec. 1, 2020, the USCIS implemented a revised naturalization civics test (2020 civics test) as part of a decennial test review and update process. On March 1, 2021, USCIS will revert to the 2008 version of the civics test.

USCIS determined the 2020 civics test development process, content, testing procedures, and implementation schedule may inadvertently create potential barriers to the naturalization process. This action is consistent with the framework of the Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems, which directs a comprehensive review of the naturalization process to eliminate barriers and make the process more accessible to all eligible individuals.

Applicants who filed their naturalization applications on or after Dec. 1, 2020, but before March 1, 2021, with an initial examination (interview) before April 19, 2021, will have the choice to either take the 2008 civics test or the 2020 civics test. USCIS will notify applicants who are affected by the change. If the initial interview is scheduled on or after April 19, 2021, applicants will take the 2008 civic test.

Additional information and study materials are available on our Citizenship Resource Center page.