USCIS ANNOUNCES NEW 2025 NATURALIZATION CIVICS TEST

On September 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the rollout of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, marking the first step in a broader overhaul of the citizenship process. The rule took effect September 18, 2025, and USCIS will begin administering the new test to Form N-400 applicants who file on or after October 20, 2025. The English reading, writing, and speaking components of the exam remain unchanged.

Key Features of the 2025 Civics TestReturns to the 128-question bank introduced in 2020.

1. Applicants will be asked up to 20 civics questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

2. Officers will now stop the exam once an applicant either passes (12 correct) or fails (9 incorrect).

3. Applicants aged 65 or older with 20+ years of U.S. permanent residency will continue to take a simplified 10-question test drawn from a 20-question subset, passing with 6 correct answers.

Who Takes Which Test

• Filed before October 20, 2025 (or within 30 days of the Federal Register notice): 2008 civics test applies.

• Filed on or after October 20, 2025: 2025 civics test applies.

Agency Perspective and Policy Context

USCIS described the reform as part of an effort to “restore integrity” and reaffirm the civic responsibilities tied to U.S. citizenship. Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated that “American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship in the world and should only be reserved for those who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation.” He added that by ensuring applicants demonstrate English proficiency and an understanding of U.S. government and civics, USCIS aims to promote full assimilation and civic participation.

The civics test update accompanies broader policy measures, including:

• Stricter review of disability exceptions to the English and civics requirements;

• Revised good-moral-character guidance highlighting positive civic contributions and clarifying that unlawful voting, registration, or false claims to citizenship are disqualifying;

• Resumption of neighborhood investigations to confirm statutory eligibility.

USCIS will publish updated study materials for the 2025 test and will temporarily keep 2008 resources online for those still taking the earlier version.

Williams Global Law is monitoring the implementation of the 2025 civics test and its impact on naturalization applicants. If you have questions about how these changes may affect your eligibility or preparation for the naturalization process, schedule a consultation with an attorney at Williams Global Law.