New Changes to Civics Test - Effective On or After Dec 1, 2020

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

2 hours ago, EternalForeigner said:

And make sure to know who your Senator and Congressperson is if that has changed recently.

And of course the new president and Vice President after the 20th.

[rafi_1219 12]

They might will have two parts of the interview first part civic test. if you pass you will go to second part which is review your application. Usually some officers asked civic test at the end but it is harder. lots of questions answer are not accurate but you have to answer what they are providing.  

[Pupmom 24]

I am helping my parents prep for the exam. Can anyone provide insight into how the test is administered? I.e. does the AO ask the question and you have to respond with the correct answer? Assuming it is not a multiple choice kind of a thing  and do you basically have to hit the right words or have to memorize the entire answer? E.g question 1 what is the form of government of the US - will only republic or democracy be correct or you have to state all 3? 

[Pupmom 24]

26 minutes ago, Pupmom said:

I am helping my parents prep for the exam. Can anyone provide insight into how the test is administered? I.e. does the AO ask the question and you have to respond with the correct answer? Assuming it is not a multiple choice kind of a thing  and do you basically have to hit the right words or have to memorize the entire answer? E.g question 1 what is the form of government of the US - will only republic or democracy be correct or you have to state all 3? 

Found this thread right after that answers my question: 

 

 

 

since I can’t delete my original post leaving this here in the pinned thread. 

[ollie 47]

On 11/18/2020 at 8:44 PM, Wafflebot said:

I'd say the additional questions will add to study time, but it doesn't seem like the test will be more difficult necessarily. Passing rate remains at 60%. If you have studied enough to answer 6 out of 10 correctly, you can probably answer 12 out of 20 correctly as well.

That was my thought......most struggle with the technical questions (specific amendments, number and terms of elected representatives) but the likelihood of 9 of 20 questions being the technical ones is low.

[thedarkpoetry 5]

Sounds like the Biden admin is planning on reverting back to the old 2008 civics test, after this one got harshly criticized for being needlessly confusing and complicated. 

 

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hamedaleaziz/biden-us-citizenship-test-change

[Ryan_and_Priscy 16]

Asking for my dad. He has his interview on March 12 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. That is where he has been residing due to his church work since 2018. 

I have a few questions, if any of you could please help us:

He is 75, legal resident since Sept. 2014. Will he be required to take the Enñish test (reading, writing, speaking)?

He has tried his hardest to speak it, he understands fairly well, but speaking is difficult. 

 

He can't bring an interpreter, but must make arrangements to have available by phone. It is a bit complicated because we are not sure if he would have to place the call or will the officer be and, if his interview is scheduled for 9:30, I m not sure how sharp it will be to start exactly at that time. Because if hiring a professional interpreter, some charge by the hour or by yhe minutes used in the call. This can be an expensive service. 

On the other hand, I have interpreted for other people, I am a translator too. But I recall during his first interview in 2014 for the legal residence, I couldn't be his interpreter since I was the requestor, so to avoid conflict of interest, we brought another person to do that. Now, for this current scenario, could I be the phone interpreter? 

And lastly, is USCIS allowing guests to the ceremony? Just wondering how has been lately since COVID-19 changed a lot of our lives and ways businesses were done. I personally would love to be with him for that part. He has been legal resident in several countries but it is the first time he decided to take another's country nationality. 

[Boiler 43,434]

English Language Exemptions

You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are:

• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years   (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
  OR
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

• Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
• You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
• Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

[millefleur 5,035]

**Thread now closed from further comment as USCIS has reverted back to the 2008 version of the civics test.**

 

https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-reverts-to-the-2008-version-of-the-naturalization-civics-test

 

VJ Moderation

Edited February 22, 2021 by millefleur