The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified the procedure for applicants who fail the naturalisation test, confirming that a second attempt is scheduled between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview. This retake covers only the specific component that was failed—either the English or civics test—not the entire examination.
Second Attempt Policy and Timeline
According to USCIS, every naturalisation applicant is allowed two attempts to pass both the English and civics tests, as well as to answer all interview-related questions in English. Failing on the first try does not automatically end an applicant's path to citizenship. The retake is set between 60 and 90 days from the date of the first interview, giving applicants roughly two to three months to prepare again before returning.
Importantly, the second attempt is targeted. Applicants are only retested on the specific portion they failed, whether that is the English test, the civics test, or both. Those who passed one section are not required to sit it again.
Test Components and Evaluation
The civics test requires applicants to answer questions about US history and government, while the English component assesses the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Both are administered during a face-to-face interview with a USCIS officer. The English test is broken into three parts: speaking, reading, and writing. A USCIS officer evaluates speaking ability during the eligibility interview itself.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that the US had announced the minimum score foreigners need to pass the citizenship test. Additionally, Legit.ng previously reported that the US had mentioned two types of exams immigrants must pass to become citizens. According to USCIS, every applicant who does not qualify for an exemption is required to pass both an English test and a civics test during their naturalisation interview, in addition to answering questions about their personal background and application.
The policy ensures that applicants who fail one part of the test are given a fair opportunity to improve and succeed, without having to repeat the sections they have already passed. This structured approach aims to balance the requirements of the naturalisation process with the practical needs of applicants.
