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Anyone pursuing U.S. citizenship will face a significantly longer and more demanding naturalization test starting in 2026. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on September 17, 2025, a redesign of the civics exam, expanding the question bank from 100 to 128 items and raising the number of correct answers required to pass. The change is part of the test’s decennial review and affects both the civics content and the English assessment.
The new version raises the level of preparation required and particularly impacts applicants with less formal education or limited English proficiency. For those already in the naturalization queue, understanding the difference between the current and new formats is critical when choosing the best interview scheduling window.
What changes in the civics test
The traditional civics exam, based on the 2008 version, draws from a bank of 100 questions covering U.S. history, government, geography, and constitutional rights. During the interview, the USCIS officer asks up to 10 questions, and the applicant must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
The new format significantly expands this scope. The question bank grows to 128 items; during the interview, the officer asks 20 questions and requires 12 correct answers to pass. This means applicants must demonstrate broader command of the material, without the lenient margin built into the previous format.
The minimum passing rate remains at 60%, but the absolute number of questions doubles, reducing the possibility of passing through luck or superficial memorization. In practice, this requires systematic study of the full question bank.
English assessment becomes more practical
Currently, the English test measures three skills: reading a sentence aloud, writing a sentence dictated by the officer, and informal conversation during the interview to confirm the ability to understand and respond in English.
The redesign introduces a new oral component: image description. Applicants view photographs of everyday American life and must describe what they see in English. USCIS frames the change as a way to measure fluency in real-world situations, going beyond memorized responses. Reading and writing remain, but with greater clarity requirements.
Who must take the test
The naturalization exam applies to lawful permanent residents who have met the requirements of INA Section 316, including:
- Five continuous years as a permanent resident, or three years when married to a U.S. citizen
- Physical presence for at least half of that period
- Demonstrated good moral character
- Basic knowledge of the English language
- Understanding of U.S. history and government
Specific exemptions exist for elderly applicants with long-term residency (the 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20 rules), who may take the civics exam in their native language or answer a simplified version with only 20 questions.
When the new format takes effect
USCIS adopted a phased rollout. The 2025 version began a staged implementation throughout 2025 and 2026, during a pilot period before full deployment. Applicants who filed Form N-400 before the USCIS-designated cutoff date continue taking the exam under the 2008 version.
To confirm which version applies to your case, it is essential to check the N-400 filing date and the interview notice sent by USCIS. The field office where the interview will take place follows specific rules regarding the transition between versions.
Return of neighborhood interviews
Alongside the test redesign, USCIS has reinstated a historical practice that had fallen out of use: interviews with neighbors, coworkers, and close contacts of the applicant. These interviews are part of the verification process for good moral character and continuous residence, which are central requirements for naturalization.
The measure represents an additional layer of scrutiny. Neighbors may be asked how long they have known the applicant, about their reputation in the community, and whether they have observed any behavior inconsistent with the required standards. Applicants should be prepared for this verification to occur without prior notice.
How to prepare for the 2025 version
USCIS officially publishes the 2025 question bank on its website, with audio versions, flashcards, and free study materials. Recommended steps include:
- Downloading the complete official question bank from the USCIS portal, avoiding outdated third-party materials
- Studying the full bank, not just sample questions, given the addition of 28 new items
- Practicing conversational English with a focus on describing everyday images
- Reviewing federal, state, and local government operations, including the names of current officeholders
- Simulating interviews with a timer to get comfortable with the pace of 20 questions
Financial impact and timelines
The Form N-400 filing fee in 2026 is $760 when submitted by paper or $710 online, per the USCIS fee schedule updated in April 2024. Some low-income applicants may request a fee waiver using Form I-912.
Processing times vary by field office, but the national average runs approximately 6 to 12 months between the N-400 filing and the interview. The test redesign may pressure these timelines in the early months as officers adapt to the new format.
The redesign raises the bar and demands consistent preparation. For many eligible applicants in 2026, the strategic decision comes down to whether it is worth filing the N-400 before full implementation or planning further ahead to master the new version.
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.
