Beginning October 20, 2025, individuals applying for U.S. citizenship through the N-400 process will face a more challenging civics exam. This change, reinstated under the Trump administration, increases both the number of study questions and the number of correct answers required to pass.

Previously, applicants were required to study 100 potential civics questions, from which they would be asked 10 during their naturalization interview. To pass, they had to answer at least 6 correctly. Under the new version of the test, applicants must now prepare for 128 questions. During the interview, they will be asked 20 questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

This is not the first time this version of the test has been introduced. The Trump administration briefly implemented a similar version of the exam in late 2020. However, it was reversed just months later by the Biden administration in early 2021, in favor of returning to the simpler 2008 version of the civics test that had been in use for over a decade.

Critics of the revised exam argue that the increased difficulty could act as a deterrent to lawful permanent residents who are eligible and otherwise motivated to become U.S. citizens. The new test requires more time, effort, and potentially access to better educational resources, which may not be equally available to all applicants. Immigration advocates suggest that this move may be part of a broader effort to limit naturalization rates, thereby reducing the number of new voters and participants in civic life.

It’s important for current green card holders considering citizenship to be aware of this change. Those who file their N-400 application before October 20, 2025, will still be allowed to take the older version of the test. After that date, all applicants will be subject to the new exam format unless future policy changes reverse the update again. Do you want to learn more about this new exam, call our office today at (915) 314-2363 to schedule a consultation today!