Understanding the New 2025 USCIS Naturalization Civics Test: Key Changes for Applicants
If you are planning on filing for Naturalization in 2025 or early 2026, you should be aware that USCIS has announced recent changes to the Naturalization civics test. As we have seen throughout this year, while USCIS claims these changes are meant to modernize and strengthen the immigration system, a change such as this is meant to deter individuals from applying and make the overall process more difficult for those interested in pursuing U.S. citizenship. For applicants preparing for naturalization, understanding the differences between the long-standing 2008 test and the new 2025 test is essential.
When the New Test Applies
USCIS will administer the 2025 Civics Test to applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. If you are currently reading this blog post, the change is already in effect. Applicants who filed before that date will continue to take the 2008 Civics Test. Applicants who qualify for the age-based exception, i.e., those 65 or older with 20 or more years as a lawful permanent resident, will retain their reduced-question format, but the applicable version (2008 or 2025) still depends on the N-400 filing date.
Key Differences Between the 2008 Civics Test and the 2025 Civics Test
1. Number of Possible Questions to Study
2008 Test: 100 possible civics questions.
2025 Test: 128 possible civics questions.
The 2025 test uses an expanded question bank, meaning applicants must prepare for a larger set of potential questions.
2. Number of Questions Asked During the Interview
2008 Test: The officer asks up to 10 civics questions.
2025 Test: The officer may ask up to 20 civics questions.
This change effectively doubles the number of questions an applicant may be required to answer during the interview.
3. Passing Score
2008 Test: Applicants must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly (60 percent) to pass.
2025 Test: Applicants must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly (also 60 percent).
Although the passing percentage remains the same, the increased number of questions and expanded question bank make preparation more intensive.
4. When Officer Stops Asking Questions
Under the 2008 test, officers generally asked up to 10 questions and stopped when the applicant reached 6 correct answers. Similarly, under the 2025 test, the officer will stop asking questions once the applicant reaches 12 correct answers, which results in a pass. However, the officer will also stop if the applicant reaches 9 incorrect answers, resulting in a failure.
5. Content and Question Style
The 2008 test focuses on core principles of American government, history, and civic understanding.
The 2025 test continues this focus but with a broader and more detailed question bank. Some topics involve more specific historical or governmental details, and applicants should expect a slightly higher level of precision in their answers.
6. Special Considerations for Older Applicants
Applicants who qualify for the 65/20 exception (i.e., 65 years or older and held LPR status for 20+ years) will continue to receive a shorter list of 10 possible questions, however, the version of the civics test they take — 2008 or 2025 — will depend entirely on their N-400 filing date.
Official USCIS Study Materials
USCIS has released updated study tools to support applicants preparing for the 2025 test. These materials are free and available directly from USCIS:
Study Resources for both the English and Civics tests:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test
USCIS page dedicated to the 2025 Civics Test:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-test-and-study-resources/2025-civics-test
PDF with the full 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version):
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/2025-Civics-Test-128-Questions-and-Answers.pdf
USCIS updates to answers that may change based on elections or appointments:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/check-for-test-updates
Preparation resources for the naturalization interview and civics exam:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/resources-for-educational-programs/prepare-for-the-naturalization-interview-and-test
Applicants should review these materials thoroughly and check for answer updates shortly before their interview.
What Applicants Should Expect
Naturalization applicants filing on or after October 20, 2025 should expect a more extensive civics test with:
A larger set of questions to study
More questions asked during the interview
A standardized structure determining when the interview questions stop
The same overall passing score percentage, but a broader body of information to prepare
Understanding these changes early will help applicants plan their filing timeline and prepare effectively for the naturalization process.
Need Assistance With Naturalization?
If you are currently a green card holder and considering applying for naturalization, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (212) 547-8857 or schedule a consultation online and we'd be happy to assess your situation and discuss working together to build a strong application for U.S. citizenship. Contact us today and take the next step towards your naturalization journey!
Disclaimer: This blog post and similar posts are not to be considered as providing legal advice. The discussion here is meant for educational and informational purposes only and shall not create an attorney-client relationship with the readers of this content.
