US Citizenship Test Changes: Higher Bar for Naturalization Effective October 2025
This significant update to the naturalization civics test raises the bar for aspiring U.S. citizens, adding another layer of complexity to the long-term immigration journey for skilled professionals and their families.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about latest H1B news, policy updates and and other developments.
Article Summary
USCIS has announced new, more challenging rules for the naturalization civics test, effective October 20, 2025. Applicants will need to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly from an expanded pool of 128 questions, double the previous passing score. These revisions aim to ensure a deeper understanding of US civics, impacting those who file applications on or after the specified date.
Original Article: financialexpress.com
[ Sentiment: negative | Tone: factual ]
This summary and analysis were generated by TheNewsPublisher's editorial AI. This content is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
[ Sentiment: negative | Tone: factual ]
This summary and analysis were generated by TheNewsPublisher's editorial AI. This content is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
TNP AI: Key Insights
For skilled professionals and their families on the path to permanent residency and ultimately citizenship, these new rules mean a substantially increased preparation burden. The shift from a 10-question test requiring 6 correct answers to a 20-question test requiring 12 correct answers from an expanded pool signifies a more rigorous assessment of civic knowledge, potentially extending the naturalization timeline for some.
This change, effective October 20, 2025, reverses a previous simplification, highlighting a trend towards more stringent requirements in the US immigration system. While not directly impacting H-1B or Green Card processing, it underscores the continuous need for thorough preparation and awareness throughout every stage of the immigration process, from initial visa application to final naturalization.