USCIS Announces 2025 Naturalization Civics Test Updates

September 17, 2025 — Washington, D.C. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced significant updates to the naturalization civics test, which will take effect later this year. The changes are designed to better evaluate applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government while strengthening the integrity of the naturalization process.

Naturalization is a privilege that grants immigrants the rights and responsibilities of full U.S. citizenship. USCIS emphasized that these reforms are meant to ensure that applicants not only meet statutory requirements but also embrace the values and civic duties that come with becoming an American.

What’s Changing in the Civics Test

New Format and Scoring

• Most applicants will now face a 20-question civics test drawn from a bank of 128 possible questions.
• To pass, applicants must correctly answer at least 12 questions.

This test format is based on the 2020 version but includes refinements to streamline the process. Officers will stop administering questions once an applicant has either passed (12 correct answers) or failed (9 incorrect answers), eliminating unnecessary questioning.

Special Consideration for Older Applicants

Applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years or more will continue to receive a simplified version of the test. They will:

• Answer 10 questions drawn from a smaller bank of 20.
• Need 6 correct answers to pass.

Timing Matters

The version of the test you take depends on when you file your naturalization application:

• Filed before or within 30 days of the official Federal Register publication → You’ll take the 2008 version of the test.
• Filed 30+ days after publication → You’ll be required to take the new 2025 version.

Why These Updates Are Important

USCIS officials stress that citizenship is both a right and a responsibility. By strengthening the civics test and ensuring robust preparation materials are available, the agency aims to maintain public confidence in the naturalization process.

As USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser explained, American citizenship should be reserved for those who fully embrace the country’s values and principles. The new civics test plays a central role in ensuring applicants are ready to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

Broader USCIS Policy Changes

The 2025 civics test is just one piece of a larger initiative to reinforce the integrity of naturalization. Other measures include:

• Restored comprehensive vetting of applicants.
• Stricter review of disability exceptions for English and civics requirements.
• Updated standards for “good moral character”, focusing on positive contributions rather than just the absence of misconduct.
• Resuming neighborhood investigations to confirm applicants meet all legal requirements.
• Clearer rules disqualifying individuals who unlawfully vote, register to vote, or make false claims to U.S. citizenship.

Preparing for the Test

Applicants should take note of the updated study resources:

• USCIS will release the full 128-question bank with answers for the 2025 test.
• Updated study guides and practice materials will be available online at the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
• Study materials for the 2008 test will remain available for those who qualify to take it.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming 2025 Naturalization Civics Test marks an important shift in how the U.S. evaluates citizenship applicants. For prospective citizens, preparation is key: knowing which version of the test applies to you, using the official study materials, and understanding the broader policy context will ensure you’re ready to succeed.

These reforms reaffirm that naturalization is more than a legal step—it’s a commitment to the history, government, and shared values of the United States.

For the latest updates—including test dates, administration guidelines, sample questions, and study guides—visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.