What happens if you fail the citizenship test?

The second chance

If you do not pass the English test, the civics test, or both, USCIS generally schedules a second interview. It is usually 60 to 90 days after the first one. At that interview you retake only the part or parts you did not pass.

The second interview is usually with a different officer. Your notice will give the date, time and place.

Review the questions about your application too, since the officer may revisit them at the second interview.

The timeline

1. The first interview. The officer tells you which part you did not pass.
2. You receive a notice for a second interview, usually 60 to 90 days later.
3. You retake only the part you did not pass.
4. USCIS decides your application after the retest.

How to prepare for a retest in 60 days

What to do before the retest

1. Find out which part you did not pass.
2. Study that part with fresh methods. For civics, practice out loud and review your misses. See the study plan and common mistakes.
3. For English, practice reading and writing sentences. See the English test guide.
4. Attend the retest. If you cannot, tell USCIS before the date and follow the instructions on your notice.

If it was the English test

The retest covers only the English part you did not pass: reading, writing or speaking. Practice that part daily. See our English test guide for how each part is scored. Remember that an accent alone does not fail the speaking part.

If you do not pass the second time

If you fail the same part again, USCIS may deny your application. A denial is not always the final word. In general you can ask for a review hearing within a short deadline, or you can apply again later. Deadlines are strict, so read your denial notice and talk to an immigration attorney or an accredited representative quickly.

Why people do not pass the civics test

• They gave one answer when the question asked for more. See common mistakes.
• They studied by reading only and froze when they had to speak.
• They did not learn the answers that change or the state questions.
• They started studying too late.

What not to do

• Do not skip the retest without telling USCIS in advance.
• Do not wait to study until the week before the retest.
• Do not assume your answers will be accepted if you guessed. Learn them.

Common questions

Keep reading

• How Many Questions Do You Need to Pass the Citizenship Test?You need 12 correct answers out of up to 20 on the 2025 civics test, or 6 out of 10 under the 65/20 rule. Here is how scoring and early stops work.
• Naturalization Interview: What to Expect, Step by StepWhat happens at your citizenship interview: check-in, the oath to tell the truth, the English test, the civics test, the decision and the oath ceremony.
• How to Pass the Citizenship Test: A 14-Day Study PlanA simple two-week plan to learn all 128 civics questions, about 10 a day, with review days, state answers and mock interviews.
• Citizenship English Test: Reading, Writing and SpeakingThe naturalization English test has three parts: reading, writing and speaking. Learn how each is scored, who is exempt, and how to practice.