Green Card Citizenship Requirements Update October: What Applicants Need to Know

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will enforce new rules for green card holders applying for citizenship starting October 20, 2025. The update brings a tougher civics test and closer review of applicants’ moral character. The changes mark one of the most significant shifts in the naturalization process in recent years.

According to a Newsweek report by Alia Shoaib, the policy aims to tighten vetting and ensure that new citizens meet higher standards. USCIS officials say the goal is to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization system and uphold U.S. values.

New Civics Test and Character Checks Under Green Card Citizenship Requirements Update October

Starting October 20, green card holders filing the N-400 application for naturalization will face the 2025 civics test. Applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly. Previously, they only needed six correct answers out of 10. The questions will continue to cover U.S. history and government but will be drawn from an updated pool of 128 items.

Special rules will remain for older applicants. People aged 65 or older who have held green cards for at least 20 years will take only 10 questions and need six correct answers to pass. Applicants still get two chances to pass the test; failing twice means their citizenship application will be denied.

Another key change is the focus on “good moral character.” USCIS officers will not only check for criminal history but also examine how applicants contribute to American society. This may include work records, community involvement, and reputation among neighbors and employers. USCIS said neighborhood investigations — rarely used since 1991 — could return in certain cases. Officers might collect letters, conduct interviews with acquaintances, or verify positive contributions to the community.

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement that American citizenship “should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation.” He added that these changes are part of a broader plan to ensure new citizens are fully assimilated and ready to contribute to the country.

Impact of the Green Card Citizenship Requirements Update October

Immigration lawyers say the stricter rules could affect applicants who have weaker English or civics knowledge. The higher passing threshold for the test may require more preparation and study. Community leaders warn that “good moral character” checks could be subjective and add extra stress for law-abiding applicants.

On the other hand, supporters of the changes say the updates will promote fairness and protect the value of U.S. citizenship. They believe a more rigorous naturalization process will strengthen public confidence and reward those who fully integrate into American life.

Green card holders planning to apply should file before October 20 if they want to avoid the new civics test and enhanced vetting. Those applying later will need to meet the updated standards and may face longer processing times if additional investigations are required.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When do the new citizenship rules take effect?

The updated requirements begin on October 20, 2025. Applications filed before that date will follow the current process.

Q2: How many civics questions must applicants now answer correctly?

Applicants must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, compared to the previous six out of 10.

Q3: Who gets special consideration under the new rules?

Applicants aged 65 or older with at least 20 years as green card holders will still take only 10 questions and must answer six correctly.

Q4: What does “good moral character” mean?

USCIS will review community involvement, reputation, and positive contributions, not just a lack of criminal history.

Q5: Can applicants fail the civics test twice?

Yes. If an applicant fails both attempts, the naturalization application will be denied.