Great news for those applying for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen! USCIS will now continue to use the 2008 version of the civics test. In the last days of the Trump administration, USCIS announced that they would use a longer and harder version of the civics exam for naturalization applicants. That is now reversed, and we are thrilled for those who are applying for U.S. naturalization now or in the future!

This update is effective as of today, March 1, 2021. But what if you applied for naturalization while the 2020 version of the civics exam was in effect? Here's what you need to know:

• If you filed for naturalization before December 1, 2020, or if you are filing on or after March 1, 2021, you will be given the 2008 version of the civics exam.
• If you filed for naturalization on or after December 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, you may choose whether to take the 2008 version or the 2020 version of the civics exam, if the interview occurs before April 19, 2021.
• If your interview occurs on or after April 19, 2021, you will be given the 2008 version of the exam, regardless of when you filed the naturalization application.

One our greatest joys as immigration law professionals is helping clients become U.S. citizens and helping them realize their goals here in the U.S., whether that means voting in elections, sponsoring family members to join them, starting a business, etc.

If you need help navigating the immigration or naturalization process with confidence, please contact us today to get the process underway! We are immigration lawyers in Richmond, VA but we serve clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. You can call us at 804-396-3412 or send us an email to info@sumnerimmigration.com. We look forward to hearing from you!