US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has announced it will implement a revised civics test for naturalization applicants. The new test, designated the “2025 Naturalization Civics Test,” is a modified reimplementation of the test previously introduced in 2020.
The change is part of a series of adjustments USCIS has initiated, which include enhanced vetting procedures, stricter reviews of disability exceptions, and updated guidance for assessing an applicant’s good moral character. The agency is also resuming neighborhood investigations to verify that applicants meet statutory requirements.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the 2025 test is intended to satisfy the legal requirement that applicants demonstrate knowledge of American history and government. The English language portions of the naturalization exam, which include reading, writing, and speaking, will not be affected by this notice.
“By ensuring only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to read, write, and speak English and understand US government and civics, can naturalize, the American people can be assured that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “These critical changes are the first of many.”
Details of the 2025 Civics Test
The 2025 test will expand the number of questions an applicant is asked and the number of correct answers required to pass. Key changes include:
- Test Length: Applicants will be asked 20 questions, an increase from the 10 questions on the 2008 version of the test.
- Passing Score: Applicants must correctly answer 12 of the 20 questions to pass, up from the six correct answers required for the 2008 test.
- Question Bank: The questions will be drawn from a bank of 128 civics questions, the same bank used for the 2020 test. Approximately 75% of this content originated from the 2008 test.
- Administration Procedure: Unlike the 2020 test, where all 20 questions were asked regardless of performance, the 2025 test will conclude as soon as an applicant achieves a passing score (12 correct answers) or a failing score (nine incorrect answers).
This policy reverts to a test format that was in place from December 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, before USCIS returned to the 2008 test format. At that time, the agency cited concerns that the 2020 test could “inadvertently create potential barriers to the naturalization process.” However, the current USCIS notice states that this previous determination was not supported by data, as the test was in place for too short a period to gather sufficient evidence of its impact.
The reimplementation is consistent with Executive Order 14161, which directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to evaluate programs related to the assimilation of lawful immigrants. USCIS states that the 2025 test “better ascertains the understanding and knowledge necessary to qualify for naturalization than the 2008 Naturalization Civics test.”
Implementation and Timeline
USCIS will phase in the new test based on the application filing date to allow applicants time to prepare.
Applicants who filed their naturalization application before or within 30 days of the notice’s publication in the Federal Register will take the 2008 civics test.
Applicants who file 30 days or more after the notice’s publication will take the new 2025 civics test.
Special consideration under Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act will continue for applicants aged 65 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years. These individuals will be asked 10 questions from a smaller, designated list and must answer six correctly to pass, regardless of which test version they are administered, based on their filing date.
USCIS will provide updated study materials for the 2025 test on its website while temporarily retaining materials for the 2008 version for those who will still be taking the older exam.
New US citizens take their Oath of Allegiance. Photo credit: US Citizenship and Immigration Services/Facebook.
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