Green Card Citizenship Test Changes: New 2025 Rules Explained

Green card holders aiming for U.S. citizenship will now face a tougher path under new rules that took effect on October 20, 2025. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially implemented the updated 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, introducing a more challenging exam and stricter eligibility assessments for applicants filing Form N-400 on or after this date.

This marks the most significant overhaul of the citizenship test in over a decade, as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten the naturalization process. Experts say the new standards will require applicants to show deeper knowledge of U.S. history and government, stronger English language skills, and proof of good moral character.

What Has Changed in the Green Card Citizenship Test

The biggest change to the naturalization process is the updated civics exam. Previously, applicants had to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly, with questions drawn randomly from a pool of 100. Under the new 2025 test, the question pool has expanded to 128, and applicants will now face up to 20 questions. To pass, they must correctly answer 12 of those questions.

The testing format has also changed. If an applicant answers 12 questions correctly before all 20 are asked, the interview ends early with a pass. However, if they miss 9 questions before reaching 12 correct answers, the interview ends immediately with a fail. The test remains pass/fail, but the increased difficulty means fewer applicants are expected to pass on their first try.

Applicants who fail the test can retake it once. If they fail again, their application for citizenship will be denied. Those who filed their Form N-400 before October 20 will still follow the previous 2008 test rules.

Special considerations still exist for older immigrants. Applicants aged 65 and older who have held green cards for at least 20 years will take a modified version of the test. This version includes 10 questions chosen from a 20-question bank, and they must answer 6 correctly to pass.

Some of the new questions will reflect updated information about U.S. government officials, recent elections, and changes in law. The expanded question pool now covers more advanced topics in U.S. history, government structure, and national symbols, making preparation more demanding.

Why the Citizenship Process Is Becoming Tougher

The tougher test is part of a broader shift in how the U.S. approaches naturalization. USCIS will now place more emphasis on moral character checks, including requiring applicants to show they embody “American values” and meet higher standards of civic responsibility. Neighborhood interviews and background reviews, reintroduced under the Trump administration, will also be used to verify applicants’ eligibility.

Officials say these changes are intended to ensure that new citizens are committed to the country’s values and fully prepared to participate in civic life. A USCIS spokesperson said that American citizenship “should only be reserved for individuals who embrace our values and principles as a nation” and that the updated test will help ensure new citizens are “fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness.”

Critics, however, warn that the changes could make the path to citizenship too difficult for many eligible immigrants. Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the government has cut funding for English and civics education programs, which could leave many applicants unprepared for the tougher test. She also warned that the increased emphasis on moral character assessments could reduce the number of successful naturalizations overall.

Former U.S. Immigration Service director Doris Meissner echoed those concerns, saying the framing of the new policies “casts doubt on people’s eligibility” and implies that many applicants “may not be good Americans.”

These changes also reflect a return to policies first proposed during Trump’s first term, when a revised version of the civics test was briefly introduced before being rolled back by the Biden administration. Now, with the Trump administration back in power, a stricter version of the test has been reinstated.

For green card holders, the message is clear: preparation is more important than ever. With a larger question pool, higher passing requirements, and increased scrutiny of applicants, the new citizenship test is set to become one of the most challenging steps in the immigration process.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are the main green card citizenship test changes?

The civics question pool has expanded from 100 to 128 questions. Applicants now face up to 20 questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

Q2: When did the new test take effect?

The new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test took effect on October 20, 2025, for applicants filing Form N-400 on or after that date.

Q3: Are there any exceptions for older applicants?

Yes. Applicants aged 65 and older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years will take a shorter version with 10 questions and must answer 6 correctly.

Q4: What happens if someone fails the test?

Applicants can retake the test once. Failing twice results in denial of the citizenship application.

Q5: Why is the test being changed?

Officials say the tougher test ensures new citizens fully embrace U.S. values and understand the country’s government and history. Critics argue it may make naturalization harder for many eligible immigrants.