The US has announced a tougher naturalisation civics test for green card holders, effective October 20, 2025.
The United States government will introduce a new civics test for lawful permanent residents seeking citizenship from October 20, 2025, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The 2025 Naturalisation Civics Test will be an oral exam of 20 questions selected from a pool of 128. Applicants must answer at least 12 correctly to pass, with officers ending the test once success or failure is determined.
Beyond the exam, USCIS has reintroduced tougher eligibility checks. These include stricter reviews of disability exemptions and “neighbourhood investigations” requiring letters from neighbours, employers, or colleagues to verify good moral character.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has also authorised more denaturalisation cases. Fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, or even under-reporting taxes during the application process could now result in citizenship revocation.
“The updated civics test and enhanced eligibility reviews are meant to guarantee that only those fully prepared to uphold American values and responsibilities become citizens,” USCIS said.