2025 USCIS Naturalization Civics Test: 128-Question Bank, 20 Asked, 12 to Pass

Status: In effect now — USCIS 2025 Naturalization Civics Test (128-question bank) (USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 12 update / Policy Alert (Oct. 20, 2025); Federal Register Notice of Implementation 90 FR 45047 (Doc. 2025-18050, Sept. 18, 2025); implements Executive Order 14161)

In effect. USCIS reimplemented an expanded civics test — the "2025 Naturalization Civics Test" — through a September 18, 2025 Federal Register notice (90 FR 45047) and an update to Policy Manual Volume 12. It applies to anyone who files Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) on or after October 20, 2025. The test is oral: the officer asks up to 20 questions drawn from a 128-question bank, and the applicant must answer 12 correctly to pass. The officer stops once the applicant reaches 12 correct (pass) or 9 incorrect (fail). Applicants who filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025 continue to take the 2008 civics test (10 questions asked from a 100-question bank, 6 correct to pass). USCIS describes the change as aligned with Executive Order 14161 (signed January 20, 2025). This is a USCIS policy change, not a court case; no litigation is currently blocking it. The English reading, writing, and speaking requirements are unchanged.

Next step: No decision is pending — the test is already operative. Which version you take is fixed by your N-400 filing date: on or after October 20, 2025 means the 2025 test; before that date means the 2008 test. Watch for any USCIS updates to the 128-question bank or further Policy Manual changes.

Verified against the primary source as of 2026-07-25 — status can change with a single court ruling. Official source.

What’s happening

In effect. USCIS reimplemented an expanded civics test — the “2025 Naturalization Civics Test” — through a September 18, 2025 Federal Register notice (90 FR 45047) and an update to Policy Manual Volume 12. It applies to anyone who files Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) on or after October 20, 2025. The test is oral: the officer asks up to 20 questions drawn from a 128-question bank, and the applicant must answer 12 correctly to pass. The officer stops once the applicant reaches 12 correct (pass) or 9 incorrect (fail). Applicants who filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025 continue to take the 2008 civics test (10 questions asked from a 100-question bank, 6 correct to pass). USCIS describes the change as aligned with Executive Order 14161 (signed January 20, 2025). This is a USCIS policy change, not a court case; no litigation is currently blocking it. The English reading, writing, and speaking requirements are unchanged.

Who it affects

Lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400. If you file on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test: 20 questions from a 128-question bank, 12 correct to pass. If you filed before that date, you take the 2008 test: 10 questions from a 100-question bank, 6 correct to pass. A long-standing exception is preserved: applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 or more years are tested on 10 questions from a specially selected bank of 20. The change affects only the civics portion of the naturalization test — the English reading, writing, and speaking requirements stay the same.

How it got here

  1. Jan 20, 2025 President Trump signs Executive Order 14161, "Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats" (published Jan. 30, 2025; 90 FR 8451), directing review of how immigration programs promote assimilation and civic understanding.
  2. Sep 18, 2025 USCIS publishes the Federal Register "Notice of Implementation of 2025 Naturalization Civics Test" (90 FR 45047; Doc. 2025-18050), announcing the expanded oral test (20 of 128 questions, 12 to pass).
  3. Oct 20, 2025 The 2025 civics test takes effect via a USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 12) update. It applies to all Form N-400 applications filed on or after this date; earlier filings keep the 2008 test.

What to watch next

No decision is pending — the test is already operative. Which version you take is fixed by your N-400 filing date: on or after October 20, 2025 means the 2025 test; before that date means the 2008 test. Watch for any USCIS updates to the 128-question bank or further Policy Manual changes.

Official sources

This page is general information about ongoing litigation, not legal advice. A case’s status can change with a single ruling, and outcomes can turn on facts specific to each person. For advice on a specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.