USCIS has announced that a new version of the naturalization civics test will take effect for applicants filing Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. The change was confirmed in a Federal Register notice published on September 18, 2025, following a press release issued the previous day.
The Department emphasized that naturalization is a privilege that requires both English proficiency and civic knowledge, and the revised test format is described as consistent with the government’s responsibility to safeguard the naturalization process and maintain high standards.
2025 Civics Test
The new test will be administered orally from a bank of 128 potential questions. During the interview, an officer may ask up to 20 questions. The test stops once an applicant answers 12 correctly, which is the passing score, or nine incorrectly, which results in failure. In practice, many applicants will not be asked all 20 questions, as the officer will stop once a result is determined.
The English language elements of the naturalization interview (reading, writing and speaking) remain unchanged. The civics test is the only section being updated.
USCIS describes the new test as part of a broader effort to reinforce the integrity of the naturalization process and align it more closely with congressional intent.
Transition and Special Rules
Applicants who file Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, will continue to take the existing 2008 civics test. USCIS has confirmed a 30-day transition window after publication of the notice, during which applicants who had already filed or file within that buffer period will also take the 2008 version.
For applicants who are 65 or older and have lived in the United States as lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years, a simplified version will continue to apply. These applicants will be asked 10 questions, drawn from a reduced pool of 20, and need to answer six correctly. Depending on their filing date, the questions will come either from the 2008 or 2025 pool.
Implications for US Naturalization Applicants
For those preparing to file naturalization applications in late 2025 and beyond, the timing of filing will determine which test applies. Applicants who file before October 20, 2025, will face the 2008 version, while those filing on or after that date will be subject to the 2025 test. Because the new test has a larger bank of questions, applicants will need to prepare more thoroughly, even though the passing score remains the same.
Applicants should also be aware that heightened scrutiny may extend beyond the test itself. Any gaps in good moral character, unclear documentation or unsupported exception requests may face closer review under the new enforcement environment.
Need Assistance?
The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test introduces a more demanding process, and the wider environment suggests stricter review of applications overall. US naturalization applicants should plan carefully, understand which test will apply to them and prepare using official USCIS study materials. Timing of filing could be decisive, especially for those who wish to complete the process under the existing 2008 test.
Speak to our US attorneys for guidance on eligibility, preparation and timing of your naturalization application, and for support in addressing any potential issues before you apply.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.