USCIS Director Plans Harder U.S. Citizenship Test – What Applicants Need to Know

The U.S. citizenship test may soon become more difficult. Recently, USCIS Director Joseph Edlow announced that the current naturalization test is “too easy” and does not fully measure an applicant’s readiness for citizenship. His comments signal that both the civics and English sections of the exam could see major changes.

Why the Citizenship Test Could Change

In interviews, Director Edlow said the current format allows applicants to simply memorize answers. He argued that this does not reflect the “letter and the spirit” of what Congress intended when it established the requirements for naturalization.

As a result, USCIS is considering changes that would:

• Increase the difficulty of civics questions

• Expand the English ability section to better test language skills

Current Test Format

At present, the naturalization test has two parts: civics and English.

• Civics Portion: Applicants are asked up to 10 oral questions about U.S. history and government. These questions are randomly selected from a list of 100, and applicants must answer 6 correctly to pass.

• English Portion: Applicants must read one sentence, write one sentence, and answer basic questions from their N-400 application during the interview.

Proposed Changes

Director Edlow has indicated he wants to bring back the 2020 test format, which included:

• A civics question bank of 128 questions (up from 100)

• A requirement to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass

The English portion could also expand into a more structured exam. Possible changes include describing photos of everyday scenarios such as food, weather, or daily activities. This would test speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing skills in more depth.

Timeline for Changes

There is no official rollout date yet. However, Director Edlow has suggested USCIS may move quickly, with a proposal possibly appearing later this year followed by a pilot test phase.

What This Means for Applicants

If you apply for citizenship now, you will most likely take the current, easier test format, even if your interview happens after new rules are introduced.

Key Takeaways:

• If your case is simple and straightforward, applying now may help you avoid a harder version of the test.

• If you have a criminal record, consult an immigration attorney before submitting your application.

Stay Informed

Changes to the naturalization process affect hundreds of thousands of applicants each year. Staying updated can help you prepare and avoid unnecessary stress.

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