Failed English Test at Naturalization Interview
The naturalization English requirement includes speaking and understanding English during the N-400 interview as well as separate reading and writing components. Failing an English requirement once does not normally result in an immediate denial. USCIS generally provides a second opportunity to satisfy the portion that was failed, unless the applicant qualifies for an English-language exemption or a medical disability exception.
What Happens If You Fail the Citizenship English Test?
An applicant who is subject to the English requirement generally has two opportunities to satisfy it before USCIS denies the naturalization application on testing grounds.
If the applicant fails an English component at the first interview, USCIS generally schedules a re-examination 60 to 90 days later.
At that appointment, USCIS retests the failed educational requirement rather than automatically requiring the applicant to restart the entire naturalization process.
If the applicant fails again, USCIS can deny the N-400 under INA §312.
“Failed English” Can Mean Different Things
N-400 Interview
USCIS evaluates the applicant's ability to speak and understand ordinary English through the questions and answers during the naturalization eligibility interview.
Read One Sentence Correctly
USCIS gives the applicant up to three opportunities to read a sentence aloud. The applicant must correctly read one sentence to satisfy the reading portion.
Write One Sentence Correctly
USCIS gives the applicant up to three opportunities to write a sentence. The applicant must correctly write one sentence to satisfy the writing portion.
There Is Not a Separate Multiple-Choice Speaking Examination
USCIS generally evaluates speaking and understanding during the ordinary eligibility interview on Form N-400.
The officer asks questions concerning the application and the applicant's background. The applicant's ability to understand the questions and respond in ordinary English forms part of the English evaluation.
Difficulty answering because the applicant does not understand a legal or technical immigration question should be distinguished from an inability to communicate in ordinary English.
The Applicant Gets Up to Three Sentences
Pass
The applicant correctly reads one of the sentences presented by USCIS.
Fail
The applicant is unable to correctly read any of the permitted sentences during that examination.
The statutory standard is basic literacy in ordinary English. INA §312 directs that no extraordinary or unreasonable literacy condition be imposed.
The Applicant Also Gets Up to Three Writing Opportunities
Pass
The applicant correctly writes one of the sentences dictated or provided during the test.
Fail
The applicant is unable to correctly write any of the permitted sentences during that examination.
USCIS Normally Schedules the Retest 60 to 90 Days Later
An applicant who does not satisfy the required English or civics requirements at the first examination generally receives another opportunity between 60 and 90 days later.
This period should be used to prepare specifically for the component that caused the first failure.
The USCIS notice should identify the next appointment and the portions that remain unresolved.
Some Long-Term Permanent Residents Do Not Have to Take the English Test
50/20 Exception
An applicant who is over age 50 at filing and has accumulated at least 20 years after lawful admission for permanent residence is exempt from the English requirement.
55/15 Exception
An applicant who is over age 55 at filing and has accumulated at least 15 years after lawful admission for permanent residence is exempt from the English requirement.
The 65/20 Rule Adds Special Civics Consideration
An applicant who is age 65 or older and has at least 20 years of qualifying LPR residence receives the English exemption and additional special consideration for civics.
USCIS uses a specially selected group of civics questions and permits the test to be taken in the applicant's preferred language.
Form N-648 Can Excuse English When a Qualifying Disability Prevents Compliance
INA §312 provides a disability exception where a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents an applicant from meeting the English or civics requirements.
The condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months and must actually prevent compliance with the requirement even with reasonable accommodation.
An authorized medical professional generally documents the requested exception on Form N-648.
A Disability Accommodation Is Different From an English Exception
USCIS can provide reasonable accommodations that change the manner in which an applicant participates in the interview or testing process.
For example, additional testing time or other procedural modifications may be appropriate for some disabilities.
An accommodation does not waive the English requirement. An N-648 disability exception can excuse a requirement only when the statutory and medical standards are met.
The Re-Examination Should Focus on What Remains Unsatisfied
Reading Remains at Issue
If the applicant otherwise satisfied the educational requirements, preparation should focus on the reading deficiency.
Writing Remains at Issue
The applicant should focus on USCIS vocabulary and simple sentence writing rather than unnecessarily restarting all preparation.
Interview Communication
Preparation should focus on understanding and responding accurately to ordinary N-400 questions in English.
A Second Failure Generally Results in N-400 Denial
The re-examination generally represents the applicant's second opportunity to satisfy the failed English requirement before USCIS adjudicates the naturalization application.
If the applicant again fails an English component required under INA §312, USCIS may deny the N-400.
The denial should identify the basis for concluding that the applicant failed to satisfy the educational requirement.
The Best Response Depends on Why USCIS Denied the Case
A person denied naturalization may request an N-336 hearing within the applicable deadline. Where USCIS overlooked a statutory exemption, improperly handled an N-648, denied a required accommodation, or materially misapplied the testing standard, administrative review may be important.
Where no legal or procedural error occurred and the applicant simply needs more time to develop English proficiency, a later N-400 filing may sometimes be more practical than litigating a correct testing result.
Failed English Test FAQs
Does failing English once mean my N-400 is denied?
Usually not. USCIS generally provides a second testing opportunity.
When will USCIS retest me?
The re-examination is normally scheduled between 60 and 90 days after the initial naturalization examination.
What does the English test include?
The English requirement includes speaking and understanding during the N-400 interview and separate reading and writing components.
How do I pass the reading test?
USCIS gives up to three sentence opportunities, and the applicant must correctly read one sentence.
How do I pass the writing test?
USCIS gives up to three sentence opportunities, and the applicant must correctly write one sentence.
How is speaking tested?
The officer generally evaluates the applicant's ability to understand and respond in ordinary English during questioning on Form N-400.
Do I have to repeat civics if I already passed it?
USCIS generally retests the portion or portions of the educational requirement that were previously failed.
What is the 50/20 English exception?
An applicant over age 50 with at least 20 qualifying years after lawful admission for permanent residence is exempt from the English requirement.
What is the 55/15 exception?
An applicant over age 55 with at least 15 qualifying years after lawful admission for permanent residence is exempt from the English requirement.
Does an English exemption also waive civics?
No. The applicant ordinarily must still satisfy civics, although it can generally be taken in the applicant's chosen language.
Can a medical disability excuse English?
Potentially. A qualifying physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may support a Form N-648 exception where the statutory requirements are established.
Is being unable to learn English by itself a disability?
No. Difficulty learning English alone is not the medical disability exception established by INA §312.
What happens if I fail English twice?
USCIS generally denies the N-400 for failure to satisfy the English requirement.
Can I appeal?
A denied naturalization applicant may request an N-336 hearing within the applicable filing deadline.
Continue Reviewing the Testing Rules
Naturalization English Testing
Failed Speaking, Reading, or Writing at Your N-400 Interview?
The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A. represents clients in naturalization matters involving failed English examinations, re-examination, age-based English exceptions, Form N-648 disability exceptions, accommodations, N-400 denials, and N-336 hearings.
Request an English Test ReviewThis website provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. English-testing requirements depend on the applicant's age, lawful permanent resident history, testing results, disabilities, accommodations, Form N-648 where applicable, USCIS notices, and current controlling law and agency guidance.