On September 17, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in the Federal Register that it will implement the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. The reform aims to assess applicants’ understanding of U.S. history, government, and civic responsibilities in accordance with statutory requirements. It is also part of a series of measures the agency is taking to restore integrity to the naturalization process and fulfill congressional intent. Naturalization is a privilege that allows foreign nationals to become full members of American society, enjoying all the important rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship.
“American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship in the world and should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation. By ensuring only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to read, write, and speak English and understand U.S. government and civics, are able to naturalize, the American people can be assured that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness. These critical changes are the first of many,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser.
According to the announcement, the 2025 naturalization test will use the question bank from the 2020 version, with adjustments in quantity and content. The new bank contains 128 questions, including more topics on U.S. history, political systems, the Constitution, and civic duties. In the oral interview, applicants are still required to answer 20 questions, with at least 12 correct answers needed to pass; the passing standard remains unchanged. USCIS emphasizes that this is not only an update to the knowledge test but also part of the character review in the naturalization process. Officers will assess applicants’ good moral character, focusing on their positive contributions to the community and American society, not merely the absence of criminal records. The agency will also resume neighborhood investigations to ensure applicants meet statutory requirements. Recent policies clarify that unlawful voting, illegal voter registration, or falsely claiming U.S. citizenship can affect an applicant’s character assessment.
The reform may increase difficulty for non-native English speakers, including many Chinese applicants. While English proficiency requirements remain unchanged, the expanded question bank requires stronger comprehension and expression skills. Applicants whose first language is not English are advised to begin preparation early, focusing on U.S. history, political systems, and civic rights and responsibilities. For applicants aged 65 or older who have legally resided in the United States for more than 20 years, USCIS will continue to offer a simplified test, requiring only 10 questions with 6 correct answers to pass, providing convenience for older, long-term residents.
For Chinese residents or other non-native English speakers planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, it is recommended to familiarize themselves with the new test content and requirements, plan sufficient study time, and thoroughly understand U.S. history, government, and civics knowledge. Awareness of community contributions and good moral character standards can also help ensure a successful naturalization process. For more information, consult the Federal Register notice or visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center for details on test administration, questions, and study guides. Additional information about USCIS and its programs is available at uscis.gov or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
