U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced major updates to the naturalization civics test, creating new standards for applicants seeking citizenship. The New 2025 Citizenship Test becomes effective on October 20, 2025, and it brings significant changes to the number of questions, scoring requirements, and overall difficulty level. Anyone filing Form N-400 on or after that date must take the updated exam.
These changes impact thousands of applicants across the country. Understanding what the test includes—and how it differs from the current version—is essential for anyone planning to apply for U.S. citizenship in the coming months.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the new test structure, scoring requirements, study expectations, and how to prepare effectively.
What Is the New 2025 Citizenship Test?
The New 2025 Citizenship Test is a redesigned version of the naturalization civics exam used during the citizenship interview. USCIS has increased the difficulty level, expanded the number of questions that may appear, and required more correct answers to pass.
The updated version is based on the 2020 test format—previously rolled out but later withdrawn—now reinstated with modifications.
Key goals of the new test include:
- Expanding civic knowledge expectations
- Strengthening historical understanding
- Ensuring applicants demonstrate deeper engagement with U.S. democracy
- Increasing the rigor of the naturalization process
While the English language portion remains unchanged, the civics section now requires more preparation and a broader understanding of U.S. government and history.
Who Must Take the New Test in 2025?
You must take the New 2025 Citizenship Test if:
- You file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, OR
- You plan to file anytime after that date
You may continue to take the 2008 version if:
- You filed before October 20, 2025
- You already have a pending naturalization application
Applicants therefore have a small window—if they want to avoid the more challenging test, they must file before the October 20 deadline.
Summary of the New 2025 Citizenship Test Requirements
USCIS has released a clear comparison showing the difference between the current test and the new version.
New 2025 Citizenship Test
- Up to 20 questions asked
- From a pool of 128 possible questions
- Must answer 12 correctly to pass
- Test stops when the applicant passes or fails
- Based on the modified 2020 format
Current 2008 Test
- Up to 10 questions asked
- From 100 possible questions
- Must answer 6 correctly to pass
- Test stops after 6 correct answers
The increase in questions and higher passing threshold means applicants must prepare more extensively.
Why USCIS Updated the Civics Test
According to official statements and federal notices, the revised test supports broader immigration policy objectives focused on:
- Stronger civic engagement
- More robust vetting
- Clearer demonstration of U.S. government knowledge
- Increased security and verification measures
In addition to the New 2025 Citizenship Test, recent actions include:
- Stricter review of disability waivers
- Tighter assessment of “good moral character”
- Resumed neighborhood investigations
- Stronger review of prior immigration history
These changes reflect an ongoing shift toward more rigorous naturalization procedures.
What Applicants Should Expect From the New 2025 Citizenship Test
The New 2025 Citizenship Test requires applicants to study more deeply and consistently. Here is what you can expect:
1. Larger Study Material
The number of potential questions increases to 128, covering:
- Foundational U.S. history
- Constitutional principles
- Government structure
- Rights and responsibilities
- Key historical events
- Influential leaders
- Geographic facts
Applicants must be comfortable with a wider range of topics.
2. Longer Questioning During the Interview
The officer may ask up to 20 civics questions, stopping only when:
- You get 12 correct, OR
- You get 9 incorrect
This format requires sustained focus throughout the interview.
3. Higher Passing Standard
Passing now requires 12 correct answers, double the requirement of the current test.
4. Tougher Vetting Beyond the Test
In addition to the civics exam, applicants may undergo:
- More in-depth review of immigration history
- Closer inspection of travel timelines
- Additional checks for criminal or civil issues
- Verification of addresses and neighborhood residency
Special Rules for Older Applicants
Applicants aged 65 or older who have held a green card for 20+ years still qualify for a simplified test.
They will:
- Receive 10 specially selected civics questions
- Need 6 correct answers to pass
- Continue receiving language accommodations as allowed
The new changes do not affect this group’s long-standing exemptions.
Does the English Language Requirement Change?
No. The New 2025 Citizenship Test does not change the English exam.
Applicants must still demonstrate:
- Basic reading skills
- Basic writing skills
- Ability to speak and understand English during the interview
Only the civics section is updated.
How Applicants Can Prepare for the New Test
The best preparation strategy includes early and consistent study. USCIS will release updated study materials, and applicants should:
- Review all 128 possible questions
- Use flashcards, quizzes, and structured study time
- Practice speaking answers in full sentences
- Study with family or support groups
- Attend citizenship preparation classes
- Review U.S. history timelines and government principles
Because of the exam’s expanded difficulty, applicants benefit from starting early—even before filing.
Why Filing Before October 20, 2025 Matters
Applicants who want to avoid the New 2025 Citizenship Test have a limited window. Filing before the deadline allows them to take the simpler 2008 version.
Filing early is beneficial because:
- The question bank is smaller
- The passing score is lower
- Study time is shorter
- Interview preparation is easier
- There is less content to memorize
Those with strong eligibility may want to submit their N-400 well before the cutoff.
How People Across Los Angeles and Pasadena Can Connect With Orange Law
Orange Law assists clients across Southern California. Many applicants preparing for citizenship live in communities such as:
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Koreatown
- Silver Lake
- Hollywood
- East LA
- Pasadena
- Alhambra
- Glendale
- Burbank
- Monterey Park
- San Gabriel Valley
- Long Beach
Residents near Old Town Pasadena, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and other nearby neighborhoods can easily access support through:
- Phone consultations
- Virtual appointments
- Secure online document sharing
- Scheduled in-office meetings
Our team assists applicants with document preparation, interview readiness, and guidance for navigating the New 2025 Citizenship Test.
Common Questions About the New 2025 Citizenship Test
1. Why is the test becoming harder?
USCIS states that the changes aim to strengthen civics knowledge requirements and align testing with broader national security and policy goals. The updates reflect a renewed focus on historical understanding and democratic principles.
2. Can the test make citizenship harder to get?
The expanded question bank and higher passing requirement mean applicants must dedicate more time and focus to studying. The process is more demanding, but those who prepare early and stay consistent can still perform well. Success depends on understanding the full set of topics covered in the New 2025 Citizenship Test.
3. Will there be new study materials?
Yes. USCIS will release updated study tools, including revised guides, flashcards, audio lessons, and classroom resources designed specifically for the New 2025 Citizenship Test. These materials will help applicants understand the broader range of questions and prepare more effectively.
4. What happens if I already filed?
If you submitted your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will continue with the 2008 civics test regardless of your interview date. Your filing date determines which test you take, not the date of your interview. This rule protects applicants who began the process before the new test became mandatory.
5. Is the English test changing too?
No. The revisions apply only to the civics portion of the exam. Applicants must still demonstrate basic reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English, following the same standards used today.
Conclusion
The New 2025 Citizenship Test brings the most significant changes to U.S. naturalization in years. With more questions, a higher passing score, and stricter review standards, applicants must prepare more seriously than before. Filing early can help some avoid the new exam, while others must plan ahead and study thoroughly.
Whether you live in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, or anywhere in the region, understanding these changes gives you a strong advantage. With the right preparation, clear guidance, and well-organized documentation, applicants can continue moving forward confidently on their path to U.S. citizenship.
If you want personalized support for the New 2025 Citizenship Test or need help preparing your N-400, contact our team today. We are ready to guide you through every step of your naturalization journey.
