What Happens If You Fail the U.S. Citizenship Test? Retesting and Your Next Steps
Failing the citizenship test can feel devastating, but this doesn’t mean that your dreams of immigrating are gone. Plenty of immigrants fail the citizenship test every year and still have access to other options that allow them to continue pursuing U.S. citizenship. However, before moving forward, it’s strongly recommended that you get the help of a citizenship test attorney, who will have more experience with this process. Keep reading to find out what happens if you fail your citizenship test and whether or not you can retake it.
What Happens During the Naturalization Test
When you attend your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer, you will also need to take the naturalization test. This test will confirm whether or not you meet the naturalization requirements through things like the:
- English speaking test
- Reading test
- Writing test
- Civics test
The USCIS officer will also review your N-400 application and background during the interview to confirm that all of your information is correct. Once everything is completed, you will receive an immediate decision, whether that’s an approval or a denial. In some cases, you may receive a continued decision, which means that more documentation is needed to make a final decision.
Although the naturalization test is relatively straightforward, it can still feel very overwhelming for many immigrant applicants. When you work with an immigration attorney, they can help you prepare for the naturalization test so that you know what to expect and have a better chance of approval.
What if You Fail?
The last thing anyone wants to do when they take the naturalization test is fail. However, this isn’t an uncommon outcome, as there are many parts of this test, which increases your chances of running into issues along the way.
The good news is that if you fail the English or civics portion of your naturalization test, you will get a second chance at retaking the test at a later date. Usually, the USCIS officer will schedule your retesting within 60 to 90 days.
Keep in mind that this retesting option only applies if you fail either the civics or the English test sections, not both.
Preparing for the Second Test
Naturalization retesting gives you a fresh opportunity to address the information that you got wrong during the first test. And thankfully, you won’t have to retake the entire test, just the section that you failed.
It’s incredibly important that you take this second test seriously and do all that you can to prepare beforehand. Here are some examples of how you can preparing for your retest:
- Thoroughly review the portion you originally had difficulty with.
- Take advantage of the official USCIS study materials.
- Find additional study materials if necessary.
- Practice speaking, reading, or writing English, if applicable.
- Practice and go over the materials with your attorney.
What Happens If You Fail the Retest?
Although not incredibly common, it is possible to fail the second test as well as the original U.S. citizenship test. If this happens, USCIS will issue a formal denial for your N-400 naturalization application.
As upsetting as it is to fail a second time and receive a denial, this still isn’t the end of the road. Just because you have received a denial does not mean that you can’t reapply and try again. You will just need to resubmit a brand new naturalization application, including all of the necessary documentation and paying the filing fee.
Alternatively, if you believe that the denial was unfair, you can request a hearing with a USCIS officer. You need to do this within 30 days of receiving the denial notice and must be prepared to present your case and why you believe you shouldn’t have been denied.
If you do decide to request a hearing, you should get the help of an immigration attorney if you don’t already have one. An attorney can help you represent your side of the story, ensuring you understand your rights throughout this process.
How to Prepare For the Naturalization Test
The naturalization test is one of the last steps of the citizenship process and can determine whether or not you can move forward. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your naturalization test so that you can avoid running into any delays:
- Start early: Although this is a simple tip, it is one of the best ways to improve your chances of passing the naturalization test. The earlier you begin studying, the more time you have to memorize all of the materials you’ll be tested on.
- Use the official study materials: USCIS provides various study materials and resources that apply directly to the types of information you need to know for your naturalization test. Take advantage of these materials and rely on them primarily when preparing beforehand.
- Take practice tests: Especially if you get nervous during tests, it can be beneficial to take practice naturalization tests. These tests can help you learn how to slow down and carefully read each question so you can answer them correctly.
- Take notes: Some people benefit more when they write down the information they are trying to memorize. So, it can be helpful to take notes or create your own flashcards when trying to memorize certain materials.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Are you worried about what will happen if you fail the naturalization test? Contact us today at U.S. Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 or reach out through our online contact form to speak with an immigration attorney about your situation. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
FAQ Section
Do I have to take the entire citizenship test again?
No. If you fail either the English or the civics part of the test, the retest only requires you to redo the section that you originally failed.
How soon will I be retested?
Your new retesting date will usually be scheduled within 60 to 90 days.
Can I appeal if my N-400 is denied after failing the test?
In most circumstances, you have the right to request a hearing if your N-400 naturalization application is denied by USCIS.
