Major Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Test in 2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced significant updates to the civics portion of the naturalization test. These changes take effect October 20, 2025 for those who file their Form N-400 on or after that date. Boundless+4USCIS+4USCIS+4

Here is what you need to know.

What’s Changing

1. Return to the 20-question formatThe test will move back to asking up to 20 civics questions, rather than the 10-question format used under the old (2008) test. USCIS+4Federal Register+4USCIS+4

   
   

2. Larger question bank (128 questions)The pool of possible civics questions increases from about 100 to 128 questions. Each applicant’s test will be drawn randomly from this larger set. Boundless+4Federal Register+4USCIS+4

   
   

3. Passing requirement: 12 correct answersTo pass the new test, applicants must correctly answer 12 out of the 20 questions asked. USCIS+4Boundless+4Federal Register+4

   
   

4. Stop early once pass or fail is determinedUnder the 2025 format, officers will stop asking further questions once the applicant has either passed (i.e. reached 12 correct) or failed (i.e. reached the maximum allowable incorrect). In prior versions (especially the 2020 format), all 20 questions were asked even if someone had already secured a passing score. EB5 Insights+3Federal Register+3USCIS+3

   
   

5. Who takes which version

   • If someone files their N-400 application before October 20, 2025, they will take the 2008 test (10 questions, 6 correct needed). USCIS+2USCIS+2

   • If they file on or after October 20, 2025, they will take the 2025 version. EB5 Insights+3USCIS+3USCIS+3

   • For applicants 65+ years old who have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years (“65/20 exception”), special rules apply: they will take a 10-question version (from a special bank of 20 questions), needing 6 correct to pass. The version they take depends on their filing date. Federal Register+2USCIS+2

     
     

6. Updates to vetting, moral character, and investigationsThe change to the civics test is part of a broader overhaul of the naturalization process. USCIS is resuming neighborhood investigations (checking with neighbors, colleagues, etc.), tightening scrutiny of disability exceptions for English or civics waivers, and applying more rigorous evaluation of “good moral character.” EB5 Insights+3USCIS+3Federal Register+3

   For example, the policy to resume neighborhood checks has drawn attention as a measure not used systematically since the 1990s. Politico+2USCIS+2

   
   

Why These Changes Matter for Citizenship Applicants

These changes raise the bar for civics knowledge. Applicants will need to:

• Study more content because the question bank is larger

• Be more prepared to answer a broader variety of topics

• Be more consistent in accuracy (12 correct vs. 6 correct)

• Value preparation with high quality instruction

  
  

Especially for nonnative English speakers, these changes make proper study and practice more crucial than ever.

Additionally, the renewed attention on “moral character” and neighborhood checks means that an applicant’s community standing, conduct, and documentation may be weighed more heavily.

How Colegio de Sueños Helps You Navigate the New Test

At Colegio de Sueños, we anticipate these changes and support our students accordingly. Here’s how:

• Updated curriculum aligned to the 2025 civics test question bank

• Practice tests and mock interviews using 20-question formats

• English reinforcement (speaking, reading, writing) to ensure you can communicate effectively

• Guidance on moral character and record keeping

• Placement exams so learners start at the right level and progress steadily

With the new test in place, having structured classroom support makes all the difference.

What You Should Do Now

1. If you haven’t filed yet and plan to apply soon, assess whether you want to use the 2008 vs. 2025 version by timing your filing.

2. Start studying broadly-don’t limit yourself to “common questions only.”

3. Practice civics regularly using updated study guides released by USCIS. USCIS+2USCIS+2

4. Consider enrolling in a test-prep ESL/civics class so you can get organized instruction and feedback.

5. Document your community involvement and good conduct - letters, volunteer work, proof of stability.

A person studying with flashcards for the naturalization test