The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced important changes to the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, affecting applicants filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This update reintroduces the 2020 civics test structure with key adjustments to its administration.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA ยง312, 8 U.S.C. 1423), naturalization applicants must demonstrate a knowledge of American history and government. USCIS has confirmed that the 2025 version better fulfills this statutory requirement. The Federal Register notice is effective on September 18, 2025. USCIS will administer the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test to aliens who file their naturalization applications on or after October 20, 2025.
Key Changes to the Citizenship Test
- 20 Questions, 12 Required to Pass
Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions from a pool of 128 possible questions. To pass, 12 correct answers are required. - Streamlined Administration
USCIS officers will stop asking questions once an applicant passes or fails. This is a change from the 2020 test, where all 20 questions had to be asked regardless of outcome. - Special Rules for Older Applicants
Applicants 65 years or older with at least 20 years of permanent residency will continue to receive 10 questions from a reduced pool of 20, with six correct answers required to pass. - Transition Timeline
- Applicants filing before 30 days after Federal Register publication will continue with the 2008 test.
- Applicants filing 30 days or more after publication will take the 2025 civics test.
- Study Materials
USCIS will release updated resources for the 2025 test, while also keeping 2008 materials temporarily available for those still eligible under earlier filing rules.
Why These Changes Matter
This adjustment follows Executive Order 14161, directing immigration agencies to strengthen assimilation programs and promote a unified American identity. USCIS has emphasized that the 2025 test provides a more comprehensive and standardized way to evaluate readiness for citizenship.
Preparing for the Test
Naturalization is one of the most significant milestones for foreign nationals. To prepare for the updated civics test, applicants should:
- Review the 128-question study bank published by USCIS.
- Use official study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
- Allow enough preparation time to adapt to the expanded scope of questions.
ConclusioN
The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test brings important changes for N-400 applicants, with new testing procedures designed to strengthen knowledge of U.S. history and government.
At Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC, we provide guidance on every stage of the naturalization process, from N-400 filing to interview preparation, ensuring our clients are fully informed and ready to succeed.
