USCIS Rolls Out 2025 Naturalization Civics Test Today

Lead U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published its final rule today, September 18, 2025, revamping the naturalization civics test to 20 questions with a 12-correct passing score and streamlined procedures.

Nut Graf The overhaul restores the 2020 test format-expanded content and stricter standards-to reinforce applicants’ understanding of U.S. history, government and civic values, marking the first step in a multi-phase reform of American citizenship requirements.

Key Changes

• Question bank increases from 100 to 128 questions, with applicants asked up to 20 questions orally.
• Passing score raised from 6 of 10 to 12 of 20 correct answers.
• Officers stop questioning once an applicant reaches 12 correct or 9 incorrect responses, reducing unnecessary questioning.

Implementation and Timeline USCIS will apply the 2025 civics test to any Form N-400 filed on or after October 18, 2025. Applications filed before that date plus a 30-day transition window will continue under the 2008 test format. Special consideration remains for applicants aged 65 or older with 20+ years of permanent residency, who answer 10 questions from a marked subset and must answer 6 correctly.

Agency Rationale USCIS emphasized that the updated test aligns with statutory requirements to “restore integrity to the naturalization process” and deepen civic preparedness among new citizens. The agency also reinstated robust neighborhood checks and tightened good-moral-character reviews, disqualifying unlawful voting or false citizenship claims.

Reaction and Next Steps Immigrant advocates warn the expanded test may pose challenges for some applicants but acknowledge the agency’s provision of updated study materials and practice guides. USCIS plans additional reforms in the coming months to further fortify naturalization standards.