NextFin news, The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unveiled on Thursday, September 18, 2025, the first changes to the naturalization civics test as part of a broader overhaul aimed at strengthening American citizenship standards. The updated test will require applicants to study 128 questions about U.S. history and government and correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions during the oral exam, an increase from the previous requirement of 6 out of 10 questions from a pool of 100.
The changes, effective for citizenship applications filed after mid-October 2025, restore the 2020 civics test introduced during the Trump administration but previously rescinded by the Biden administration. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated that the update ensures applicants are fully assimilated and prepared to contribute to the nation.
The naturalization test is administered orally without multiple-choice options. Applicants who fail the test are given a second chance; failure on the second attempt results in denial of citizenship. Special provisions apply to applicants aged 65 or older who have been permanent residents for 20 years or more, allowing them to study from a smaller pool of 20 questions and take the test in their preferred language.
Alongside the test update, USCIS has implemented stricter vetting procedures, including enhanced reviews of disability exceptions and assessments of applicants' good moral character, emphasizing positive contributions to American society. The agency has also resumed neighborhood investigations to verify applicants' eligibility and worthiness for citizenship.
These changes are part of a larger campaign by the current administration to restore integrity to the naturalization process and ensure that citizenship is granted only to those who meet all statutory requirements, including English proficiency and a solid understanding of U.S. civics. The updated test and related policies aim to align with congressional intent and uphold the value of American citizenship as a privilege.
For more details, the Federal Register notice and official USCIS announcement provide comprehensive information on the 2025 naturalization civics test and related procedural updates.
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