By Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA, on Immigration Updates
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), is reimplementing a modified version of the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test, now called the "2025 Naturalization Civics Test." This test will be administered to noncitizens who file naturalization applications 30 days or more after the notice's publication in the Federal Register. The original 2020 test was implemented December 1, 2020, but was rescinded February 22, 2021, and replaced with the 2008 version. The current reimplementation follows Executive Order 14161, which directs evaluation of programs promoting "unified American identity and attachment to the Constitution."
The major policy changes include an increase in the question bank from 100 (the 2008 test) to 128 Questions. 20 questions will now be administered (up from 10 in the 2008 test.) The required passing score is now 12 correct answers (up from 6 in the 2008 test.) Unlike the original 2020 test where all 20 questions were asked regardless, officers will now stop once an applicant passes (12 correct) or fails (9 incorrect.)
This applies to applicants who filed before or within 30 days of publication will take the 2008 test. Applicants who file 30+ days after publication will take the 2025 test. Special consideration remains for applicants 65 or older with 20+ years of lawful permanent residence (10 questions, 6 correct needed).
This document is currently set to be published on 9/18/2025. Finally, the notice notes that there is no change to the English language parts of the naturalization test (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding)
For more information on this, and other immigration matters, contact the attorneys at Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA today.
Reference:
Notice of Implementation of 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, 90 Fed. Reg. ___ (Sept. 18, 2025) (to be codified at 8 C.F.R. pt. 312).
