Green Card Citizenship Test Changes in 2025: What’s New, Who’s Affected, and How to Prepare

The green card citizenship test changes took effect this week, reshaping how many lawful permanent residents will be evaluated for naturalization. Beginning October 20, 2025, applicants who file Form N-400 on or after that date will take the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, a revised version that expands study material and slightly raises the bar for passing—without changing the underlying English requirements.

What exactly changed in the citizenship civics test

• Bigger question bank: The civics study list increases from 100 to 128 questions.

• More asked at the interview: Officers now ask up to 20 civics questions (previously up to 10).

• New passing threshold: You must answer at least 12 out of 20 correctly to pass the civics portion.

• Oral, not multiple-choice: The interview remains an oral Q&A; there’s no multiple-choice format.

• Content refresh: The list emphasizes core U.S. history and government. Some items tied to current officeholders will continue to change with elections and appointments.

These changes apply only to applicants who filed N-400 on or after Oct. 20, 2025. If you filed before that date and are still in process, you remain on the 2008 test (10 questions asked; pass with 6 correct), unless you choose to withdraw and refile—which rarely makes sense.

What didn’t change

• English test requirements: Applicants still demonstrate speaking, reading, and writing at a basic level during the interview. Typical benchmarks remain: read 1 of 3 sentences correctly and write 1 of 3 sentences correctly.

• Interview format: The civics and English assessments occur during the same interview with a USCIS officer.

• Free study tools: Official flash cards, pocket guides, audio, and practice materials continue to be available.

Exemptions and special considerations

The longstanding exemptions still apply under the 2025 update:

• 50/20 and 55/15 English exemptions: If you are 50 or older and have held a green card for 20+ years, or 55 or older with 15+ years, you are exempt from the English requirement and may take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter.

• 65/20 special civics consideration: Applicants 65 or older with 20+ years as permanent residents receive a shorter set of civics study questions and may test in their language.

• Medical disability exceptions (Form N-648): Certain disabilities can waive or modify the English/civics requirements when properly documented.

If you qualify for any of these, the 2025 shift does not make your path harder; your exemption or modification still governs how you’re tested.

Why the change matters for green card holders

• Preparation time may increase: With 128 questions in scope, plan a longer study runway, especially if you juggle work and family.

• Interview pacing: Being asked up to 20 questions means endurance matters—practice sustained recall, not just quick drills.

• Civics answers that update: Some answers (for example, the names of elected officials) change over time. Always study the current officeholders for your interview date.

If you’re filing soon: timing and strategy

• Filed on or after Oct. 20, 2025? You’re on the 2025 test. Build a study plan for 128 questions and 12-of-20 correct to pass.

• Filed before Oct. 20? You remain on the 2008 test unless you voluntarily change your filing (not advised solely to switch tests).

• Close call on dates? Use your USCIS receipt notice to confirm your official filing date; that controls which version applies.

Study plan you can start today

1. Segment the 128 into 4–6 topic blocks (Founding documents, branches of government, rights/responsibilities, elections, history, geography/civics basics).

2. Active recall > passive reading: Use flash cards out loud; simulate the officer’s oral questioning.

3. Spaced repetition: Short, daily sessions beat marathon crams—aim for 20–30 minutes twice a day for two months.

4. Current officials check: The week of your interview, update answers for offices that change (e.g., your governor, House representative, Senate Majority Leader).

5. English warm-ups: Read and write sample sentences daily. If eligible for an English exemption, focus effort on civics in your language.

Common questions about the 2025 update

• Is the test “harder”? The format raises the number of possible questions and those asked at the interview, so it demands broader mastery. The pass bar (12/20) is proportional, not draconian.

• Will previously passed English scores carry over if I fail civics? Yes—if you fail only one portion, you’ll typically retest that portion within the retest window.

• Do children take this test? The civics/English tests apply to naturalization applicants, not derivative or automatic citizens through parents.

The green card citizenship test changes now in force expand the study set to 128 civics questions, increase interview questions to 20, and set a 12-correct passing mark—while keeping the English standards and existing exemptions intact. If you filed after Oct. 20, 2025, adjust your study plan accordingly; if you filed earlier, you remain on the 2008 framework. Either way, consistent practice and up-to-date info on current officeholders are the keys to passing with confidence.