[philman_36]

The text in question...

(k) PERIOD OF AUTHORIZED ADMISSION.--

(1) INITIAL PERIOD.--The initial period of authorized admission as a Z nonimmigrant shall be four years.
(2) EXTENSIONS.--
(A) IN GENERAL.--Z nonimmigrant may seek an indefinite number of four-year extensions of the initial period of authorized admission.
(B) REQUIREMENTS.--In order to be eligible for an extension of the initial or any subsequent period of authorized admission under this paragraph, an alien must satisfy the following requirements:
(i) ELIGIBILITY.--The alien must demonstrate continuing eligibility for nonimmigrant status;
(ii) ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CIVICS.--
(I) REQUIREMENT AT FIRST RENEWAL.--At or before the time of application for the first extension of nonimmigrant status, an alien who is 18 years of age or older must demonstrate an attempt to gain an understanding of the English language and knowledge of United States civics by taking the naturalization test described in sections 312(a)(1) and (2) by demonstrating enrollment in or placement on a waiting list for English classes.
(II) REQUIREMENT AT SECOND RENEWAL.--At or before the time of application for the second extension of Z nonimmigrant status, an alien who is 18 years of age or older must pass the naturalization test described in sections 312(a)(1) and (2). The alien may make up to three attempts to demonstrate such understanding and knowledge but must satisfy this requirement prior to the expiration of the second extension of Z nonimmigrant status.

So as I'm reading it they have up to the end of their second extension, just short of eight years, to pass the test.
If it passes as amended.

[JeffAtlanta]

So as I'm reading it they have up to the end of their second extension, just short of eight years, to pass the test.

It is very likely that this law would amended in less than 8 years as there would be a huge pool of that would be in violation.

I have no doubt that this amnesty law will continue to be watered down year after by congress and the enforcement provisions will be ignored by the executive branch.

[NonLinear]

(2). The alien may make up to three attempts to demonstrate such understanding and knowledge but must satisfy this requirement prior to the expiration of the second extension of Z nonimmigrant status.

So as I'm reading it they have up to the end of their second extension, just short of eight years, to pass the test. If it passes as amended.

I get twelve years:
4 years of the initial Z visa
4 years granted by the first extension
4 years before the expiration of the 2nd extension