The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), commonly known as the Immigration Bureau, announced on Wednesday (September 17th) that the 2025 version of the “Naturalization Civics Test” will soon be implemented for those applying for citizenship starting in mid-October.
The new test consists of a bank of 128 questions with standardized answers provided for applicants to prepare in advance. Permanent residents aged 65 and above who have resided in the U.S. for at least 20 years only need to study 20 questions marked with an asterisk (*) and can choose to take the test in their native language.
During the test, immigration officers will randomly select 20 questions from the bank to orally ask the applicants. Applicants must correctly answer at least 12 questions to pass the test verbally. Once the applicant answers enough questions correctly (or incorrectly) to meet the passing (or failing) criteria, the questioning will stop.
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for USCIS, mentioned that the new test will help ensure that those granted citizenship in the end can “fully integrate into American society and contribute to the greatness of America”.
He also stated, “American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship globally and should only be granted to foreigners who can fully embrace our country’s values and principles”.
The USCIS has been using the 2008 version over the past few years. The Biden administration decided to utilize the 2020 version of the test as they were concerned that the 2020 version crafted by the Trump administration might “unintentionally create potential barriers in the naturalization process”. The 2025 version incorporates elements from the 2020 version and includes an additional 28 questions in the question bank. Furthermore, due to electoral or personnel changes, answers to some questions might be updated.
The following 20 questions are extracted from the new test question bank:
1. The U.S. Constitution begins with “We the People”. What does “We the People” refer to in this context?
– Self-government
– Popular sovereignty
– Consent of the governed
– People should govern themselves
– Example of a social contract
2. How is the U.S. Constitution amended?
– By amendments
– Through the amendment process
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