Changes to the Naturalization Application Process

USCIS has started a multi-step overhaul of the citizenship application process by implementing a revised version of the civics test used to assess applicants’ knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. Other changes include the reintroduction of increased applicant vetting and stricter reviews of requests for medical or disability exceptions. Changes to the Civics Test All applicants with an N-400, Application for Naturalization filed on or after October 20, 2025, must take a new version of the civics test. Applicants who file their N-400 before that date will take the civics test in the currently used 2008 format. Here is what’s changing with the 2025 civics test:

• The universe of possible questions will increase from 100 to 128.
• Applicants will be asked up to 20 randomly selected questions (up from 10 questions).
• The questions will continue until the applicant has given either 12 correct answers (passing score) or 9 incorrect answers (failing score).

Other Important Changes to the Naturalization Application Process

• In addition to biometric and criminal history checks, which are already part of the N-400 application process, USCIS may now ask applicants for written testimonials from neighbors, employers, co-workers, and business associates and perform, on a case-by-case basis, additional neighborhood investigations to confirm the applicant’s eligibility and good moral character. Both practices are permitted by law but were abandoned in the 1980s and ‘90s.
• Applicants who are unable to meet the English language or civic knowledge requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that cannot be reasonably accommodated can still apply for exceptions by submitting Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, certified by an authorized medical professional. However, effective immediately, USCIS will conduct stricter reviews of these requests to identify inconsistencies and other indicators of fraud or misconduct.

What Will Stay the Same?

• 65/20 Special Consideration for Civics Test and Language: Applicants aged 65 or older who, at the time of filing the N-400, have been lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for at least 20 years continue to be eligible for a simplified version of the civics test. They will only be asked 10 of the 20 questions marked with an asterisk (*) in the study materials and need to answer 6 correctly to pass. These applicants can also take the civics test in the language of their choice.
• 50/20 and 55/15 English Language Exemptions: Applicants aged 50 or older who have been LPRs for at least 20 years and applicants aged 55 or older who have been LPRs for at least 15 years still have to take the full version of the civics test but may take the test in their native language.