The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the implementation of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. This update reintroduces the framework of the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test with a minor procedural modification. The English reading, writing, and speaking requirements remain unchanged.
The new civics test will apply to applicants who file their naturalization applications 30 days or more after the notice’s publication. Applicants who file before October 20, 2025 will continue to take the 2008 version. Applicants who file on or after October 20, 2025 will be tested under the 2025 civics test.
The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test consists of 128 possible questions. Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. USCIS officers will stop once the applicant has either passed (12 correct answers) or failed (9 incorrect answers). Applicants filing after October 18, 2025 should begin preparing with the updated study materials.
Applicants aged 65 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years will continue to take a simplified version: 10 questions drawn from a smaller set of 20, with a passing score of 6.
Our firm will continue to monitor USCIS updates and provide guidance on naturalization requirements. If you have questions about your eligibility or preparation for the civics test, please contact our immigration team.