How long do Supreme Court justices serve?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• optional: (For) life
• Lifetime appointment
• optional: (Until) retirement

Our explanation

Supreme Court justices do not serve a set number of years. They can serve for the rest of their lives, or until they retire. They are not elected.

Remember it

Justices serve for life. Compare: House 2 years, President 4, Senate 6.

Source

M-1778 (09/25) answer list, Q55–56 (“Supreme Court justices serve for life.”); USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 29: “This is why federal judges are not elected to office.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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