US Citizenship Test 2025 Changes: New Questions, Harder Rules, and Passing Requirements Explained

The United States is making major changes to the citizenship process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed this week that the naturalization test will be longer and harder. The update comes as part of a wider review of how immigrants qualify for citizenship.

The new test will expand to 128 possible questions. Applicants will now face 20 questions instead of 10. To pass, they must answer at least 12 correctly. Officials say the change will strengthen standards and ensure applicants know U.S. history, civics, and English.

Details of the New Citizenship Test Changes

The naturalization test has been part of U.S. immigration law for more than a century. The 2025 update closely mirrors a version first introduced in 2020 under the Trump administration. According to USCIS, about 75% of the test questions remain the same. The other 25% cover new material.

New questions include topics about President Dwight Eisenhower, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and the Federalist Papers. There is also a question about the 10th Amendment, which focuses on states’ rights. The test will still be given orally during the naturalization interview.

Applicants must still prove they have lived in the U.S. lawfully for three to five years. They must also show they can read, write, and speak English. These rules are unchanged. According to Reuters, officials insist the longer test will not be an unfair barrier. Instead, they say it ensures future citizens are fully prepared.

Why the Citizenship Test Matters

The test is often seen as a final step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Passing it grants rights such as voting, applying for federal jobs, and sponsoring family members. Failure can delay or block an applicant’s citizenship journey.

The previous standard required six correct answers out of ten. Critics said the 2020 version made the process harder for older applicants and those with less formal education. The Biden administration had rolled back that version in 2021. But USCIS now says concerns about fairness were not supported by evidence.

Officials believe the new exam better reflects U.S. values and history. “American citizenship is sacred,” said USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. He argued that the changes will guarantee that new citizens are fully committed to American principles.

Future Changes to the Naturalization Process

The agency confirmed that this is only the beginning. The longer test is described as the “first of many” changes. More updates to the naturalization process are expected in the coming months. These could include new rules on interviews, English skills, or documentation.

Immigration experts say the move signals a shift toward tougher standards. They note that the test is now closer to what was proposed five years ago. While some advocacy groups may raise concerns, the government says the process will remain fair and transparent.

The US citizenship test update will affect thousands of applicants each year. The changes are set to make the exam longer, stricter, and more detailed.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the main change in the US citizenship test?

The test now has 20 questions instead of 10. Applicants must get 12 right to pass.

Q2: How many questions are in the study pool?

There are 128 questions in total. Officers will choose 20 during the interview.

Q3: What new topics are covered in the test?

New questions include the Federalist Papers, Dwight Eisenhower, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and the 10th Amendment.

Q4: Will all 20 questions be asked?

No. Officers can stop once it is clear the applicant has passed or failed.

Q5: Do the English and residency rules change?

No. Applicants must still show they can read, write, and speak English, and prove three to five years of lawful residence.