Archive · 5 Jan 2026
US Updates Naturalization Test for Citizenship
The U.S. is changing the test that green card holders must pass to become citizens.
Starting on October 20, 2025, they will have to take a new civics test.
This test will have 128 questions, and they will be asked up to 20 of them.
To pass, they need to answer at least 12 questions correctly.
If they get 9 questions wrong, they will fail.
People who are 65 years old or older and have lived in the U.S. for 20 years or more will have a special test with 10 questions.
The new test aims to make sure people know enough about the U.S. government and can speak English well enough to become citizens.
The U.S. is introducing an updated 2025 Naturalization Civics Test for green card holders applying for citizenship starting October 20, 2025.
Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions out of 128, and they need to answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
Those who file before October 20, 2025, will take the 2008 version of the test.
People who are 65 years or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years or more will take a special test with 10 questions.
The new test aims to ensure applicants have the requisite English skills and knowledge of U.S. government and civics.
- Who
- Green card holders applying for U.S. citizenship
- What
- Updated 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
- When
- Starting October 20, 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To raise citizenship eligibility standards and reinforce measures against fraudulent naturalization
- Test Implementation Date
- October 20, 2025
- Form for Application
- Form N-400
- Test Type
- Oral test
- Total Questions
- 128
- Passing Score
- 12 out of 20
- Special Consideration Age
- 65 years or older
- Special Consideration Residency
- 20 or more years
- Special Consideration Questions
- 10 out of 20