USCIS unveils tougher 2025 citizenship test: More questions, greater focus on history
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 19, 2025, 21:41 IST
Starting October 2025, green card applicants face a tougher naturalization test with 20 questions from a larger pool of 128, requiring at least 12 correct answers to pass. The test now emphasizes American history and government, removing geography questions. USCIS aims to ensure citizenship goes to those with strong civics knowledge, while community groups offer updated study resources to help applicants succeed.
Beginning next month, green card applicants for U.S. citizenship will start taking a new and more challenging naturalization test, the largest revision in years. The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test will be longer, with more questions, and will include more emphasis on American history and government than ever.
In the current test, candidates are asked 10 questions out of a bank of 100 and must get at least six correct in order to pass. In the new test, there will be 20 questions randomly drawn from a larger bank of 128, and pass mark shall now be at least 12 correct answers, double the previous threshold.
The procedure remains an oral interview by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer at the time of naturalization interview. But officers may now stop questioning the moment it is clear if the applicant has passed or not, which could save time for some.
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for the USCIS, said that the changes are aimed at making sure citizenship is granted only to those who meet all qualifications, such as a proficiency in English and a good understanding of U.S. civics and government.
One of the most significant changes in the 2025 test is that there are no more geography questions, with more weight given to American history and principles of government. Test-takers are going to need to know about foundational events, key figures, and the structure and operation of the government, information considered the most important, for active participation in American civic life.
These changes suggest that the applicants will have to study harder. Immigration experts recommend studying the new list of questions carefully and taking special notice of the historical and governmental content in an effort to improve chances of success.
The new test begins in October 2025, and all test-takers after that point will be forced to take the updated version. It is a giant leap in the direction of how America tests if its future citizens are prepared.
Naturalization is a highlight for the majority of immigrants that signals complete integration into American society. The more challenging examination has the effect of emphasizing the government's endeavor to protect the integrity of the citizenship process as well as to ensure new Americans gain a comprehensive exposure to the history and administration of the nation.
While introducing the new test, community groups and immigration lawyers stand ready to guide the applicants by providing them updated study guides and resources, aiming to support them in achieving success.
In the current test, candidates are asked 10 questions out of a bank of 100 and must get at least six correct in order to pass. In the new test, there will be 20 questions randomly drawn from a larger bank of 128, and pass mark shall now be at least 12 correct answers, double the previous threshold.
The procedure remains an oral interview by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer at the time of naturalization interview. But officers may now stop questioning the moment it is clear if the applicant has passed or not, which could save time for some.
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for the USCIS, said that the changes are aimed at making sure citizenship is granted only to those who meet all qualifications, such as a proficiency in English and a good understanding of U.S. civics and government.
One of the most significant changes in the 2025 test is that there are no more geography questions, with more weight given to American history and principles of government. Test-takers are going to need to know about foundational events, key figures, and the structure and operation of the government, information considered the most important, for active participation in American civic life.
These changes suggest that the applicants will have to study harder. Immigration experts recommend studying the new list of questions carefully and taking special notice of the historical and governmental content in an effort to improve chances of success.
The new test begins in October 2025, and all test-takers after that point will be forced to take the updated version. It is a giant leap in the direction of how America tests if its future citizens are prepared.
Naturalization is a highlight for the majority of immigrants that signals complete integration into American society. The more challenging examination has the effect of emphasizing the government's endeavor to protect the integrity of the citizenship process as well as to ensure new Americans gain a comprehensive exposure to the history and administration of the nation.
While introducing the new test, community groups and immigration lawyers stand ready to guide the applicants by providing them updated study guides and resources, aiming to support them in achieving success.