Understanding the Naturalization Retest Process (2025 Version)
If an applicant does not pass the English or civics test during their first naturalization interview, the process does not end. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a standard procedure for these situations.
1. The Two-Chance Policy
Every person who applies for citizenship has two opportunities to pass the required tests. If you do not pass a part of the exam at your first interview, you will be scheduled for a second interview to try again.
2. The Retest Timeline and Form N-652
At the end of the first interview, the officer gives the applicant Form N-652, Notice of Examination Results. This document explains which parts of the test were passed and which were not.
- The Wait Period: The second interview usually happens between 60 and 90 days after the first one.
- What to Study: You only need to retake the portion that you failed. For example, if you passed the civics test but failed the writing test, you will only do the writing test at your second appointment.
3. Requirements for the 2025 Civics Test
For applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS uses the updated 2025 version of the civics test.
| Feature | 2025 Civics Test Rules |
| Question Pool | 128 possible questions |
| Questions Asked | Up to 20 questions |
| Score to Pass | 12 correct answers |
| Exceptions | Applicants 65+ years old (with 20+ years of residency) answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly from a smaller list. |
4. The English Test (Reading and Writing)
The English portion of the test has not changed in its basic requirements:
- Reading: You must read one out of three sentences correctly.
- Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly.
The officer provides a digital tablet for these tests. Small mistakes in spelling or grammar are usually okay as long as the meaning of the sentence is clear.
5. If the Second Test is Not Passed
If an applicant does not pass the test at the second interview, USCIS will deny the Form N-400 application. However, the applicant can choose to:
- File a New Application: There is no rule about how long you must wait. You can file a new Form N-400 and pay the fee again when you are ready to try the whole process from the beginning.
- Request a Hearing: You can file Form N-336 within 30 days to ask a different officer to review the decision.
