As an immigration attorney, I am retained on numerous naturailzation cases, so I have decided to write this blog to generally explain the naturalization process and also highlight the new changes to the U.S. Citizenship Test, which happened in 2025.

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization involves several steps, including meeting residency requirements, demonstrating good moral character, and passing English and civics tests.   

The five (5) steps to obtain U.S. Citizenship are:

• (1) Eligibility Requirements: Generally, you must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States for at least five (5) years -- or -- three (3) years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
• (2) Application Process: You must file with USCIS a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• (3) Civics and English Test: You must pass a test on U.S. history and government, and demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
• (4) Naturalization Interview: You must attend an interview with a USCIS officer to review your application and test your knowledge of English and civics.
• (5) Oath of Allegiance: Your final step is taking the "Oath of Allegiance" at a naturalization ceremony.

USCIS implemented changes to the civics test in 2025 to align with Executive Order 14161, which is effective for people who file Form N-400 to apply for naturalization on or after October 20, 2025. This means that any applicants who filed Form N-400 to apply for naturalization before October 20, 2025 will take the previous 2008 civics test. 

Naturalization is one of the most important milestones for immigrants in the U.S., granting not just rights, but also serious responsibilities. USCIS says the updated civics test is designed to reflect this, aligning more closely with Congress’ original intent for the naturalization process.

Key aspects of the 2008 Naturalization Test:

• Effective Date: The 2008 test is for applications filed before October 20, 2025. 
• Question Bank: The test draws from a bank of 100 civics questions. 
• Questions at Interview: USCIS will ask up to 10 questions during the interview. 
• Passing Score: You must answer six (6) out of the 10 questions correctly to pass the civics test. Officers will stop asking questions when an applicant answers six (6) questions correctly, or five (5) questions incorrectly.
• Format: An oral test. 

Key aspects of the 2025 Naturalization Test:

• Effective Date: The 2025 test is for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. 
• Expanded Question Bank: The test draws from a bank of 128 civics questions. 
• Increased Questions at Interview: USCIS will ask up to 20 questions during the interview. 
• Passing Score: You must answer 12 out of the 20 questions correctly to pass the civics test. Officers will stop asking questions when an applicant answers 12 questions correctly, or nine (9) questions incorrectly.
• Format: It remains an oral test. 

You can find the official list of the 128 civics questions and answers on the USCIS website.   Additionally, USCIS provides various study materials, including flashcards and guides, to help applicants prepare for the test. 

For more information, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing.

If you plan to apply for citizenship, it is crucial to start early and work with an experienced immigration lawyer. The process can be complex, and even a small mistake could delay or derail your application.  The best immigration attorneys at Huff Law can help guide you every step of the way, from studying for the civics test to ensuring all paperwork is accurate and complete. With the new rules, having expert legal support is more important now than ever.

By Ekaterina Huff, Esq.