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USCIS unveils changes to naturalization civics test
The 2025 naturalization test is designed to better evaluate applicants’ understanding of U.S. history and government, in line with statutory requirements.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 17, Sep 2025
- 14:44 EDT
- 23
Representative Image / Facebook
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the first changes to the naturalization civics test as part of a multi-step overhaul of American citizenship standards.
The updated civics test requires applicants to study from 128 possible questions, compared with 100 under the 2008 version. Applicants must correctly answer 12 out of 20 oral questions, with examiners permitted to conclude the test once the outcome is clear.
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The 2025 naturalization test, detailed in a Federal Register notice, is designed to better evaluate applicants’ understanding of U.S. history and government, in line with statutory requirements. Officials said the changes are part of broader efforts to restore integrity to the naturalization process and reinforce congressional intent.
“American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship in the world and should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation,” USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement. “These critical changes are the first of many.”
Applicants aged 65 and older with 20 years of lawful permanent residency will continue to take a simplified version in their preferred language.
Implementation will be phased. Applicants who file within 30 days of the notice may take the 2008 test, while those applying afterward will be subject to the 2025 version. Study guides and resources are being updated through the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center, the agency said.
The changes form part of a wider set of measures introduced by USCIS to reinforce the naturalization process. The agency has tightened reviews of disability exceptions to English and civics requirements, expanded vetting, and issued new guidance on assessing good moral character, with an emphasis on positive contributions to society.
USCIS has also resumed neighborhood investigations and confirmed that violations such as unlawful voting, unlawful voter registration, and false claims to citizenship disqualify applicants.
Further announcements on naturalization reforms are expected in the coming months as USCIS continues its review of citizenship standards.
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