By Grace Vensel

To become a naturalized citizen of the United States, Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, as well as knowledge of U.S. history, principles, and the form of government. One of the key steps in this process is the naturalization interview, during which applicants must pass a civics test. The purpose of this test is to assesses an applicant's “knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States,” consistent with the statutory requirements at 8 USC 1423(a)(2). 

On September 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will be implementing several changes to the current Naturalization Civics Test, which are expected to increase the level of difficulty for applicants. 

The 2008 Naturalization Civics Test

The civics test is orally administered during the naturalization interview, where a USCIS officer asks the applicant a series of questions about U.S. history and government. USCIS officers are currently required to follow the 2008 Naturalization Civics Test. Under the 2008 guidelines, USCIS officers ask 10 questions from a pool of 100 possible questions on U.S. history and government. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly in order to pass. This means that applicants must score a 60% on the test to naturalize as a U.S. citizen.

The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

USCIS recently announced that it will soon begin following the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. Under these updated guidelines, USCIS officers will ask applicants 20 questions out of a possible 128 questions on U.S. history and government. To pass, an applicant must answer 12 questions correctly. Officers will only ask questions until applicants either pass or fail the test. This means that the test will end as soon as an applicant answers 12 questions correctly, passing the test. Alternatively, the test will end when an applicant answers 9 questions incorrectly, failing the test.  

Impact on Applicants

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these changes are consistent with Executive Order 14161, Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. USCIS has also explained that “administering a 20-question test is necessary to more comprehensively assess an alien's knowledge of U.S. history and government by ensuring that each test covers a broader set of topics.” USCIS has indicated that this update marks the first in a series of planned changes aimed at further enhancing the integrity of the naturalization process. 

However, the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test poses additional challenges for those seeking naturalization. While the required passing score remains at 60%, applicants will now need to prepare for a greater number of questions that they could be asked at the naturalization interview.  This will make preparation for the test more burdensome, and passing more difficult overall. 

Implementation of the New Test

The 2008 Civics Test will continue to be administered to individuals who have already filed their naturalization applications, or who do so within 30 days of the announcement. The 2025 Civics Test will apply to all individuals who file after the 30-day window.

Please note that USCIS will continue to administer a modified test of 10 questions from a special selection of 20 test questions for applicants who are 65 years or older and have resided in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. 

Our Office is Here to Help

If you have already filed a naturalization application, or you are considering filing in the future, contact our office today. We are here to assist you through every step of your immigration journey.