What happens if I don't pass the citizenship test?

What happens if I fail part of the test?

You get a second chance. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gives you two tries to pass the English and civics tests on each application.

If you fail any part at your first interview, the officer continues your case rather than denying it. You get a notice of results (Form N-652) at the end of the interview that explains the next step.

1. USCIS schedules a second exam

   As of November 2026, the Policy Manual says it takes place between 60 and 90 days after your first interview.

2. You're retested only on what you failed

   For example, if you passed speaking, reading, and civics but failed writing, you only take writing again.

3. The officer uses new test questions

   The manual says the officer must not use the same test forms as the first time.

Use the time to focus on the part you missed. Our guides to the civics test and the English test explain how each one is scored.

What if I miss the retest?

Don't miss it without asking to reschedule. The Policy Manual says that if you don't appear and USCIS doesn't get a timely or reasonable request to reschedule, the officer should deny your application for not meeting the test requirements.

Follow the instructions on your appointment notice if you can't attend. Our guide to interview day covers what USCIS says about rescheduling.

What happens if I fail a second time?

USCIS denies your application. The manual says the officer must also list any other reasons you aren't eligible. You get a written denial notice that explains the decision and how to ask for a hearing.

The manual also counts refusing to take a test, or to answer questions, as failing.

What are my options after a denial?

There are three main paths. Which one fits depends on your situation, so this table compares them rather than recommending one.

If a physical or developmental disability, or a mental impairment, keeps you from learning English or civics, a medical exception with Form N-648 may be another route. See our guide to exemptions.

How does a hearing work?

You file Form N-336 to ask for a hearing with an immigration officer about your denial.

The deadline is short. As of November 2026, you must file within 30 days of receiving the denial, or 33 days if USCIS mailed it to you. USCIS generally rejects late requests, and doesn't refund the fee. A late request may still be treated as a motion to reopen or reconsider if it meets those rules.

The fee. As of November 2026, Form N-336 costs $780 online or $830 on paper. It's free if your N-400 was under the military paths. You may qualify for a fee waiver.

What happens at the hearing. According to the Policy Manual:

• USCIS schedules it within 180 days of a timely request.
• It's held by a different officer, at the same grade as the first officer or higher.
• The officer can review your whole application again, look at new evidence, and hear new testimony.
• If you were denied for the tests, the officer gives you the part you failed again. You get one chance to pass it at the hearing.

The officer can then approve your application, uphold the denial, or deny it for a newly found reason.

Should I ask for a hearing or apply again?

That depends on your case, and we can't advise you on it. Here are some facts to weigh with a professional:

• Cost. As of November 2026, the hearing request is $780 online, and a new N-400 is $710 online. See our guide to N-400 fees.
• Your eligibility. A new application has to meet every requirement on its own filing date, including time as a permanent resident and good moral character.
• Other issues. If your denial lists reasons besides the tests, those matter for either path.
• Court review. Going to a federal court is only possible after a hearing decision.

Because these choices have deadlines and costs, consider talking to an attorney or accredited representative before you decide.