Published: January 7, 2026
Are you or a loved one seeking to apply for US citizenship? Becoming a US citizen involves a lengthy naturalization process. Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) specifies the educational requirements for naturalization.
In particular, naturalization applicants must demonstrate that they can read, write, and speak basic English. They must also exhibit proficiency in US history and government (civics). This means you must pass the naturalization test, which consists of two components: English literacy and civic knowledge.
In September 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced significant revisions to the naturalization civics test. Below, we’ll explore how the new changes affect the evaluation process for naturalization applicants and what you can do to prepare.
Overview of New Changes to the Civics Test
USCIS began administering the 2025 civics test to naturalization applicants who filed on or after October 20, 2025. This implementation of the changes seeks to ensure that applicants are evaluated through a more standardized, methodical approach.
The previous format only required six correct answers out of 10 questions from a 100-question bank. However, the new civic tests expand to a pool of 128 questions and require applicants to answer 12 of 20 correctly.
The USCIS officer will stop asking questions once you reach 12 correct. That means you successfully passed the civics test. Similarly, the interview will end when you answer 9 of the 20 questions incorrectly, indicating you have failed the test.
There is special consideration for applicants aged 65 or older who have been lawfully admitted permanent residents in the US for at least 20 years. They must answer at least 6 of 10 questions to pass the civics test. Additionally, USCIS marks the 20 civics test questions in their official study materials for these eligible seniors.
How Naturalization Applicants Can Prepare
Careful preparation is crucial to positioning yourself for success in your naturalization application. You can highly benefit from working with a Los Angeles immigration lawyer to prepare for the interview and ensure all documentation is accurate. But you can take the following steps as a starting point:
- Study the recent materials provided by USCIS.
- Be familiar with the 128 questions and practice answering them orally.
- Strengthen your English skills to understand better and respond to questions.
- Master every detail of your naturalization application to maintain consistency in your interview responses.
- Check out preparation classes at your local community centers or immigration support organizations.
- Look for an immigration law firm that offers mock-interview sessions.
Contact ALG Lawyers for Your Immigration Concerns
Although highly advantageous, applying for naturalization prematurely can result in unnecessary risks or complications. Many applicants are well-positioned to proceed with proper preparation. Take the time to understand your individual situation with a trusted Los Angeles immigration lawyer before submitting a naturalization application.
Whether you’re considering applying for naturalization or seeking legal help for other immigration concerns, our team at ALG Lawyers is ready and well-equipped to assist you. Contact us now to set your first consultation with our immigration lawyer.
FAQs on New Changes to the Civics Test and How Naturalization Applicants Can Prepare
Do fees for the naturalization application change with the civics test updates?
The recent civic test updates don’t change the fee for the naturalization application. Generally, the paper filing fee is $760, and the online application fee is $710. If your annual household income does not exceed the 400 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can request a reduced fee. However, you cannot file your application online and must submit supporting documentation.
Will naturalization interviews take longer because of the expanded civics questions?
The expanded naturalization civic tests will likely increase the interview duration. Previously, the test required applicants to answer only 6 of 10 questions correctly from a 100-question bank. Under the current version, applicants must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly. These questions are drawn from a pool of 128, covering US history and government.
What happens if you don’t pass the civics exam on your first try?
Naturalization applicants have two attempts to pass the English and civics tests. Suppose you fail any of the tests at your initial interview. There will be a retest on the portion you failed. It typically occurs between 60 and 90 days after your first naturalization interview.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)