The U.S. naturalization process is a significant milestone for millions of immigrants, and a key component is the civics test, which assesses an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government. After a period of public review and deliberation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major overhaul of the test, with new rules taking effect for applicants filing for naturalization on or after October 20, 2025.

These changes signal a return to a more rigorous, comprehensive examination that was previously proposed, but with some key procedural modifications. For anyone planning to file for citizenship, understanding these updates is essential to ensuring a successful application.

What is Changing?

The new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test is not a minor update; it represents a significant shift in the testing format and content. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Expanded Question Pool: The new test will draw questions from an expanded pool of 128 civics questions, a notable increase from the current 100-question pool. This broader scope requires a more comprehensive study of American history and civics.

• More Questions, Higher Passing Score: Under the new format, applicants will be asked up to 20 civics questions during their interview, and they must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. This is a significant change from the current test, which requires only six correct answers out of 10 questions.

• Procedural Change for Interviewers: A key modification to the test administration is that officers will now stop asking questions once an applicant has either passed (12 correct answers) or failed (9 incorrect answers). This streamlines the interview process by eliminating unnecessary questioning after a passing or failing score is reached.

• No Changes to the English Test: While the civics test is getting a facelift, the English portion—which tests an applicant’s ability to read, write,  speak, and understand basic English—will remain unchanged.

Who is Affected and What Does It Mean?

The implementation date of the new test is directly tied to the filing date of the naturalization application, Form N-400.

• If you file your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will take the current 2008 civics test.

• If you file your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you will be administered the new 2025 civics test.

This creates a critical, though narrow, window for some individuals to file their applications under the existing rules.

The updated test is designed to more thoroughly assess an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic principles. This means that future applicants will need to dedicate more time and effort to preparing for their citizenship test. It’s also part of a broader push by the government to enhance the integrity of the naturalization process, with additional measures including stricter reviews of “good moral character” and the potential for neighborhood checks. You can read more about these additional measures in our blog post titled “A New Hurdle for Naturalization: USCIS Resumes ‘Neighborhood Investigations’”.

Practice Tips for a Smooth Transition

Navigating these changes can be daunting, but proper preparation is key. Here are some steps you can take:

• Check the Filing Date: Confirm when you plan to file your Form N-400. This will determine which version of the test you need to study for.

• Use Official Study Materials: USCIS has updated its official study guides and resources to reflect the 128 questions on the new 2025 test. Make sure you are using the correct materials for your filing date.

• Study the New Questions: For those who will take the new test, begin studying the expanded set of questions well in advance of your interview. The new questions cover a broader range of topics, so a deeper understanding of U.S. government and history is required.

How Cohen, Tucker + Ades Can Help

The journey to U.S. citizenship is a complex one, and with these new changes, having expert legal guidance is more important than ever. At Cohen, Tucker + Ades, our team of experienced immigration attorneys is dedicated to helping you navigate every step of the naturalization process. We stay up-to-date on all USCIS policy changes and can provide a personalized strategy to help you prepare for your naturalization interview and test with confidence. From ensuring your application is complete and accurate to preparing you for the civics and English portions of the exam, we are here to help you achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. citizen.