On September 17, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the implementation of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, which will apply to applicants who file for naturalization 30 days or more after the publication of the notice in the Federal Register.
Key Changes in the 2025 Civics Test
- The 2025 test reintroduces the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test with minor modifications.
- Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions, and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
- Officers will stop administering questions once the applicant either passes (12 correct answers) or fails (9 incorrect answers).
- The test draws from a bank of 128 questions, covering US history, government, and civic principles.
Special Consideration for Older Applicants
Applicants who are 65 years or older and have lived in the US as lawful permanent residents for 20 years or more will continue to receive a simplified version of the test. They will be asked 10 questions from a specially selected pool and must answer 6 correctly to pass.
Transition Timeline
- Applicants who filed before the 30-day mark will continue to take the 2008 version of the civics test.
- Applicants who file on or after the 30-day mark will take the 2025 version.
- USCIS will provide updated study materials and retain access to the 2008 materials during the transition.
USCIS has also announced additional initiatives to enhance vetting, review disability exceptions, and clarify disqualifying conduct such as unlawful voting or false claims to citizenship.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.