On September 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will reinstate a revised version of the 2020 naturalization civics test with modifications—now called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. These changes mark the first major overhaul in several years aimed at strengthening the civics requirement for those seeking U.S. citizenship.
These changes will apply starting with naturalization applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. Applications filed before that date will continue under the existing 2008 civics test.
What’s Changing
Here are the key differences between the older test format and the new 2025 version:
Feature | 2008 Test | 2025 Test |
Number of possible civics questions in the study bank | 100 questions | 128 questions |
Number of civics questions asked orally during the interview | Up to 10 questions | Up to 20 questions |
Correct answers required to pass | 6 out of 10 | 12 out of 20 |
When the officer stops asking questions | After answering enough to either pass or fail (i.e. once 6 correct or 5 incorrect) | The same idea: officer will stop once the candidate either reaches 12 correct answers (passes) or 9 wrong answers (fails) |
There are also continued special accommodations for applicants aged 65 or older who have held permanent resident status for 20 years or more. These special applicants will take a shorter test (10 questions) from a specially selected subset of the question bank.
Why the Change? USCIS’s Goals
USCIS has stated that the revised test is meant to:
- Better assess an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civics to ensure the naturalization process reflects statutory requirements.
- Restore more consistent and rigorous standards and improve the integrity of the test.
- Standardize the test process, including how questions are asked and when the test ends, to provide clearer expectations for applicants.
Important Dates And Who Is Affected
- Filing before October 20, 2025 → Applicants will be tested under the 2008 version.
- Filing on or after October 20, 2025 → Applicants must take the 2025 version.
- Special-age/long-term permanent residents (65+/20 years LPR) receive accommodations regardless, but which version they follow depends on the filing date.
What You Should Do to Prepare
If you or someone you represent is seeking naturalization, here are some action steps to stay ahead of the changes:
Check your filing date. If you can file before October 20, 2025, you may benefit from the older 2008 test format, which has fewer questions to study.
Begin studying the new question bank. The 2025 test requires more comprehensive preparation. USCIS has published the full set of 128 questions, along with updated study materials.
Take advantage of special accommodations, if applicable (age 65+, long-term permanent residents, disability, etc.).
Practice speaking civics in English, since the civics test is conducted orally. While English reading/writing/speaking requirements remain unchanged, the civics portion will demand precise responses.
Consult with an immigration attorney. Because the stakes are higher with more questions and stricter vetting, professional guidance can make a difference — in ensuring you understand requirements, prepare efficiently, and avoid mistakes that could delay or derail your application.
Potential Challenges & Considerations
- Applicants who filed early might rush to submit to avoid the updated test, leading to potential backlogs.
- The broader question bank means more content to master—not just memorization, but really understanding U.S. history, governance, and civics.
- Even answers to some “fixed” questions (e.g., names of current officials) may change (due to elections or appointments), so staying current is critical.
- The change may pose tougher hurdles for non-native English speakers or for those relying on community resources to study.
How The Law Office of Mana Yegani Can Help
At The Law Office of Mana Yegani, we are closely monitoring these changes and helping our clients navigate this transition. We offer:
- Guidance on whether filing now or waiting makes sense in your particular case
- Assistance obtaining and using up-to-date study materials
- Mock interviews or coaching to help strengthen civics and English responses
- Representation and advice throughout the naturalization process—ensuring all paperwork, documentation, and eligibility requirements are solid
Conclusion
The 2025 changes to the U.S. citizenship test represent a significant shift in naturalization policy. For many applicants, this means more preparation, earlier action, and careful planning. If you plan to apply for citizenship, it’s important to understand which test version will apply to you before filing, get familiar with the full civics question bank, and prepare thoroughly.
If you would like assistance evaluating your options or preparing for the new test, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Law Office of Mana Yegani. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.