The following is a summary of the USCIS PA-2025-24: Revising Guidance on Naturalization Civics Educational Requirement. This summary was written for citizenship teachers and students.
On October 20, 2025, USCIS updated the rules for the 2025 Civics Test for citizenship. The test is based on the 2020 version but has some changes. It helps immigrants learn about U.S. history, government, and values so they can become part of American society. The update also explains what applicants need to know and understand about civics to meet the law’s requirements.
What’s Changing
If someone files for naturalization on or after *October 20, 2025**, they will take a new version of the civics test (called the 2025 Civics Test).
The new test uses a larger pool of questions: *128 possible questions**.
On the test, the applicant will be asked up to *20 questions**. They must answer correctly at least 12 of them to pass.
* The test will stop once the applicant either has enough correct answers (12) or has reached a number of wrong answers that means they cannot pass.
* The English-language test part (reading, writing, speaking) remains the same; this change is only for the civics (history/government) portion.
Why the Change Matters
USCIS says the change helps ensure applicants truly *understand** U.S. history and the form of government, not just memorize facts.
Because citizenship carries both rights *and** responsibilities, the test aims to reflect that the applicant is ready to be an engaged citizen.
What This Means for Teachers and Students
For teachers: Use this as an opportunity to build lessons that help students explain aspects of U.S. government and history — not just name facts. For example: “What does Congress do?” or “Why do we have elections?” These kinds of questions fit B1 level because they require short connected responses.
For students: Be ready to answer questions in clear, simple English. You should be able to talk about familiar topics (U.S. government, history, rights and responsibilities) and explain them in your own words.
* Practice speaking in short paragraphs, using linking words (“because”, “so”, “also”) and connecting ideas (“The President … and …, Congress … because …”).
Focus on understanding* the meaning behind facts. For example: instead of just memorizing “The President is head of the Executive Branch,” you should also understand “this means the President enforces laws made by Congress.”
* Use official study materials from USCIS — the new question pool will be available.
Important Dates & Filings
If the application for naturalization (Form N-400) is filed *on or after** October 20, 2025 → the applicant takes the 2025 Civics Test.
If filed *before** that date, the older version of the civics test applies.
* Special cases: Applicants age 65+ with at least 20 years as lawful permanent residents get a simplified version — regardless of filing date.
Citations and Sources:
Note: USCIS may also make other minor technical, stylistic, and conforming changes consistent with this update.
Citation: Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 1, Purpose and Background [12 USCIS-PM E.1]; and Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing [12 USCIS-PM E.2].
Source: USCIS PA-2025-24: Revising Guidance on Naturalization Civics Educational Requirement
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