Becoming a United States citizen is often a complex process. People have to remain in the country for long enough to qualify for naturalization. They need to pass a background check and attend a naturalization interview to prove they qualify for citizenship.
During that interview, an employee working for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers two tests. The immigrant hoping to become a citizen must pass a test showing their proficiency in the English language and a civics test demonstrating an understanding of United States history and government.
The tests are mostly oral, although there are reading and writing sections for the English test. What happens if an immigrant does not pass one or both of those tests?
Immigrants can retake a test
Ideally, those pursuing citizenship allow themselves plenty of time to prepare for the tests they have to pass. The USCIS provides vocabulary guidelines and a comprehensive list of the questions that could be on the civics test.
Unfortunately, some people may fail one or both tests due to stress or a lack of preparation. When that happens, they have the opportunity to retake the test. They can take whichever test(s) they fail a second time.
Typically, retesting occurs within 60 days of the first test. If they fail a second time, they may have to begin the naturalization process over from the beginning. Understanding what is necessary to become a United States citizen can help people feel more confident about naturalization. Testing can be intimidating, but even those who fail the test can eventually become citizens.