USCIS Announces 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

American Flag and Naturalization Civics Test

When is the new Naturalization Civics Test effective?

On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced through the Federal Register (Notice 2025-18050) that a new version of the naturalization civics test will take effect. This change restores the 2020 version of the test with improvements and replaces the older 2008 test for most future applicants.

What’s Changing?

• Question Bank: The 2025 test uses the same 128 civics questions from the 2020 test.

• Test Format: Applicants are asked 20 questions and must answer 12 correctly to pass.

• Early Stop Rule: Officers can stop once it’s clear the applicant has passed (12 correct) or failed (9 incorrect).

• English Test: No changes to reading, writing, or speaking requirements.

Who Will Take Which Test?

• 2008 Civics Test: For applicants who file Form N-400 before or within 30 days after the notice’s publication.

• 2025 Civics Test: For applicants who file 30 days or more after publication.

  
  

Applicants 65+ with at least 20 years as permanent residents continue with the special 10-question test, needing 6 correct answers to pass. The version they take depends on their filing date.

Why This Matters

This update affects all future U.S. citizenship applicants beginning late 2025. USCIS will publish updated study materials, including the full bank of 128 questions and answers, to help applicants prepare.

How PennySmart Group Can Help

At PennySmart Group, we are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. But we can help you prepare and organize your USCIS paperwork, including naturalization applications, family petitions, and other immigration forms.

We offer bilingual services (English & Spanish), affordable pricing, and convenient mobile and remote document preparation to serve our community in North Port, Port Charlotte, Venice, Punta Gorda, and surrounding communities.

📞 Call us today at 941-282-5787 or visit www.pennysmartgroup.com to schedule your consultation.