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Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps for millions of permanent residents. However, not everyone passes the naturalization test on the first attempt. The good news is that failing a part of the test does not mean the process is over.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants have two opportunities to pass the required tests during the naturalization process.
What does the U.S. citizenship test include?
During the naturalization interview, USCIS officers evaluate two main areas:
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- Dominio del idioma inglés.
- Conocimientos de educación cívica sobre la historia y el gobierno de Estados Unidos.
The English evaluation includes the ability to speak, read, write, and understand the language, while the civics test measures knowledge of the country's government system and history.
What happens if you fail the test?
According to USCIS, those who do not pass a part of the assessment during the initial interview receive a second chance to prove they meet the requirements.
This means the officer will not automatically deny the citizenship application for a first unfavorable result on the test.
Instead, the agency will schedule a new appointment for the applicant to retake only the section they did not pass.
When will the second chance be?
USCIS states that the re-examination is generally scheduled between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview.
This period is intended to give the person enough time to study and reinforce the areas where they had difficulties.
Must you retake the entire test?
No. One of the advantages of the process is that applicants only retake the part they failed.
For example:
If you passed the civics section but not the English writing section, you will only repeat the writing test.
If you passed the English portion but failed the civics test, you will only retake that section.
Additionally, the officer will use different forms or questions than those used during the first evaluation.
What document will you receive after the interview?
At the end of the interview, the officer usually gives you form N-652, Notice of Examination Results.
This document indicates if the applicant passed, if they need to provide additional evidence, or if they must return for a new English or civics evaluation.
Therefore, it is important to keep this document and carefully review which area requires a new presentation.
What happens if you fail a second time?
The situation changes significantly after the second attempt.
According to USCIS, if a person fails to pass the remaining part of the test after the two permitted opportunities, the naturalization application may be denied.
The agency notes that the applicant has two opportunities to meet the English and civics requirements: the initial interview and the subsequent re-examination.
What happens if you do not show up for the second appointment?
USCIS warns that not showing up for the re-examination can also have consequences.
Unless there is a justification accepted by the agency, absence from the second evaluation may be considered a failed attempt.
For that reason, if the applicant cannot attend the scheduled date, they must communicate with the immigration authority and follow official procedures to request a rescheduling.
Are there exceptions to the test?
Yes. Some people may qualify for special exceptions established by U.S. immigration law. Among them are certain elderly permanent residents who have lived legally in the United States for long periods.
Likewise, some people with qualified physical or medical disabilities may request exceptions using the corresponding USCIS form.
What should you do if you fail?
The most important thing is not to assume the process has ended.
During the 60 to 90 days prior to the second appointment, USCIS specialists recommend taking advantage of the official study materials available for free on their portal, focusing specifically on the section that was not passed.
It is also advisable to:
Review the N-652 form to identify exactly which part was failed.
Study with official USCIS naturalization guides.
Practice reading, writing, or speaking in English, as appropriate.
Review the official civics questions if that was the pending section.
Failing once does not mean losing citizenship
The USCIS regulations allow for many applicants to need more than one attempt to pass the naturalization test. Therefore, the agency grants a second chance before making a final decision on the application.
In most cases, those who use the additional period to study and prepare properly can return to their second interview with a better chance of passing the test and continuing their path toward U.S. citizenship.
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