2025 Naturalization Civics Test

© Attorney Farhad Sethna, 2025

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, USCIS announced a new 2025 Naturalization Civics test. This new test will be very similar to the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test which was only in effect between 12/01/2020 to 04/30/2021. USCIS believes the 2025 test better ascertains the understanding and knowledge necessary to qualify for Naturalization compared to the 2008 Naturalization Civics test which is currently in effect.

 

Some key differences between the 2008 Naturalization Civics Test and the new 2025 test include;

  1. The 2008 test used a pool of 100 questions which has now been increased to 128.
  2. Instead of being 10 questions and requiring answering 6 correctly, the new test requires test-takers be asked 20 questions and 12 must be answered correctly.
  3. The 2008 test is considered more straightforward and often have one-word answers, The new test will have some rewritten questions that will require more complex and detailed answers.

For applicants who are 65 or older and had resided in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years, they will continue to receive a test consisting of 10 questions, 6 of which are required to be answered correctly. As of the date of this announcement, 65/20 is the only exemption category mentioned by the USCIS and Federal Register Notice. It is unclear if USCIS will make changes to the 50/20 or 55/15 categories, because there are no changes mentioned in the Federal Register notice (90 FR 45047, September 18, 2025).

If applicants file their Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, they will be required to take the 2008 Naturalization Civics Test but if applicants file the Form N-400 after October 20, 2025, then they will be required to take the new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. Below is the link to the updated 128 questions and answers for the 2025 Naturalization Test.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/2025-Civics-Test-128-Questions-and-Answers.pdf

 

© Farhad Sethna, Attorney, 2025

Farhad Sethna has practiced law for over 30 years. He was awarded his JD in 1990 and his MBA in 1991, both from the University of Akron. Since 1996, he has also been an adjunct professor of Immigration Law at the University of Akron, School of Law, in Akron, Ohio, where he wrote and continues to use his own immigration textbook. Attorney Sethna is a frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education and professional development seminars on various immigration-related topics. His practice is limited to immigration and small business. He has won awards for excellence in teaching and for pro-bono service. With offices in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Attorney Sethna represents clients in all types of immigration cases before federal agencies and the immigration courts nationwide. A private pilot, it is Farhad’s goal to fly to each of Ohio’s 88 county airports. Our number is: (330) 384-8000. Please send your general immigration questions to farhad@sethnalaw.com. We will try to answer as many questions as possible.

 

Delmy Pineda, Legal Assistant, 2025

Delmy Pineda is a legal assistant at the Law Offices of Farhad Sethna. She is a  first generation Salvadoran-American. Being the child of immigrants has motivated her interest in immigration and determination to help others achieve the American Dream.