On Dec. 1, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented changes to the naturalization test that include more questions, as well as changes to existing questions, making the test more difficult to prepare for and pass. The changes will be particularly difficult for immigrants without a higher level of English language proficiency.

For background, to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, a legal permanent resident (also known as a green card holder) is required to pass a naturalization test administered by a USCIS officer during an in-person interview. The test, which was most recently revised in 2008, is composed of two parts—an English language test and a civics test. The English language component remains unchanged and requires an applicant to demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak basic English. The USCIS officer evaluates English-speaking proficiency through the interview conversation, but also requires the applicant to read aloud and write one of three sentences. This tests the applicant’s reading and writing abilities. Legal permanent residents over 50 years old who have resided in the United States for 20 years, or those 55 or older and in the United States for 15 years, are exempt from the English test and may take the civics exam in their native language. Special considerations are also given to applicants who are 65 years or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years.

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