On October 20, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially rolled out a new version of the U.S. citizenship test — one that is significantly harder and longer than before. For green card holders planning to apply for naturalization, understanding these changes is critical to avoid delays or setbacks on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen.
As one of New York City’s top immigration law firms, Oltarsh & Associates, P.C., is here to help you prepare for the new naturalization requirements and protect your eligibility during this shifting policy landscape.
Key Changes to the 2025 U.S. Citizenship Test
The new 2025 USCIS naturalization test doubles the number of civics questions candidates must answer from 10 to 20, and the number of correct answers required to pass has increased from 6 to 12. The total pool of possible questions has also expanded from 100 to 128, a 28% increase in material compared to the previous version.
The test now emphasizes complex civics, constitutional principles, and historical context rather than straightforward factual recall. Many of the simpler geography or holiday questions have been replaced with more analytical ones, such as:
- “Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?”
- “Why did the United States engage in the Vietnam War?”
- “What is the significance of the 10th Amendment?”
Based on USCIS guidance, the interview process will also change. Officers may now stop the test early if an applicant either passes with 12 correct answers or fails with nine wrong ones — saving time but increasing pressure during the interview.
Who Must Take the New US Citizenship Test
If you filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will take the simpler 2008 version of the test.
If you file on or after that date, you must complete the new 2025 test.
Special exemptions still apply for applicants 65 years or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years. These applicants will answer only 10 questions from a simplified set of 20.
Because the version of the test depends on your application filing date — not your interview date — timing your application strategically can make a big difference. Immigration attorneys at Oltarsh & Associates can help you determine your best filing strategy.
Why USCIS Made the U.S. Citizenship Test Harder
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, in support of the motivation for the new test, stated: “This update ensures that those who naturalize are fully assimilated and committed to America’s founding principles.”
Critics, however, argue that the new format includes subjectivity and could make the path to citizenship more intimidating, especially for older applicants or those with limited English proficiency. History Professor, Stephen Mihm, at the University of Georgia, stated in Bloomberg that this new test is not a good indicator of “Americanness,” and that a survey demonstrated that only one in three Americans could actually pass the older, easier version of the test.
Additional Naturalization Policy Changes to Watch
In addition to the tougher test, several other USCIS updates in 2025 are tightening the naturalization process:
- Expanded Good Moral Character Evaluations:
Immigration officers will now assess applicants’ positive contributions to society — such as volunteer work, community involvement, and tax compliance — not just the absence of criminal offenses or manifestations of negative moral compass such as lack of paying child support or filing when required or paying taxes. - Neighborhood Investigations:
USCIS will allegedly reinstate its early-1990s practice of conducting neighborhood checks. Officers can interview neighbors, employers, and coworkers to verify an applicant’s good moral character and continuous residence. - Stricter Review of Disability Exceptions (Form N-648):
Applicants seeking exemptions from the civics or English tests due to a medical condition should expect greater scrutiny and may need to provide more detailed documentation from qualified medical professionals. - Possible Essay Requirement Coming in 2026:
USCIS leadership has suggested that the next phase of the naturalization exam might include a written essay, testing not only civics knowledge but also English fluency and civic values.
These additional measures are part of what Homeland Security officials call the “multi-step overhaul of American citizenship standards.”
How the Harder Test Impacts Applicants
For many lawful permanent residents, these new rules could make the naturalization process more time-consuming and stressful. Applicants will need to invest more effort in studying a wider question pool and may face longer interview screenings due to expanded “good moral character” checks.
At the same time, the N-400 processing time has improved nationwide — averaging about 5.5 to 6.1 months, according to USCIS. But this may change as officers adapt to new investigative procedures.
Applicants who are elderly, have limited English skills, or cannot access formal preparation materials could be disproportionately affected. Immigration experts have warned that these new requirements may discourage eligible green card holders from applying until policies stabilize.
How an Immigration Attorney Can Help You Prepare
An experienced immigration attorney in New York can make a significant difference in how you navigate the updated naturalization process. At Oltarsh & Associates, P.C., our attorneys assist clients with every step of the path to citizenship — from filing Form N-400 to preparing for the updated civics exam and managing interview preparation.
Here’s how we can help:
- Evaluate Your Eligibility: Determine whether you qualify for any exemptions or should file before a policy change affects you.
- Optimize Timing: We guide you on strategic filing decisions based on your individual timeline.
- Prepare for the Civics Test: Clients receive access to up-to-date study resources and personalized preparation sessions tailored to the 2025 USCIS test version.
- Address Moral Character Concerns: We help you document community involvement, tax compliance, and other positive contributions to strengthen your case.
- Assist with Naturalization Interviews: Our attorneys ensure you understand what to expect and how to confidently respond to USCIS officers.
Whether you are applying for naturalization, sponsoring a family member, or addressing a delayed case, our team provides personalized immigration legal services designed to protect your future in the United States.
Preparing for the New U.S. Citizenship Test: Expert Tips
To improve your chances of passing the 2025 naturalization civics test:
- Start preparing early. Study the 128-question pool and focus on the more nuanced themes — constitutional structure, amendments, and major historical events.
- Use trusted USCIS materials. Rely only on official USCIS resources or guidance from your attorney.
- Practice mock interviews. A professional immigration lawyer can simulate the new testing environment, including the early-stop pass/fail rule.
- Review your personal background. Ensure your record and moral history align with USCIS’s strengthened “good moral character” standards.
- Keep documentation organized. Collect proof of taxes, residence, and lawful employment going back at least five years.
Why Choose Oltarsh & Associates, P.C.
For over 50 years, Oltarsh & Associates, P.C. has provided comprehensive immigration law services to families, professionals, and companies across the United States. Our team specializes in:
- U.S. citizenship and naturalization
- Family-based green cards
- Business visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
- Deportation defense and removal proceedings
- Waivers and appeals
As your trusted immigration attorney in New York City, our mission is to simplify even the most complex cases and ensure every client understands their rights and options under evolving immigration laws.
Contact a New York Immigration Attorney Today
If you’re planning to apply for U.S. citizenship — or have questions about how the new 2025 USCIS civics test affects your situation — now is the time to seek professional legal guidance.
Contact Oltarsh & Associates, P.C. today for a free case evaluation and personalized consultation on your path to citizenship.
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