Overview

• Applications filed on or after October 20, 2025 move to a civics exam drawn from 128 questions, with up to 20 asked at the interview and a 12‑correct passing threshold, and applicants get only two attempts.
• The 65/20 accommodation remains for long‑term elderly residents, allowing applicants 65 or older with at least 20 years as permanent residents to study a reduced, starred subset and take the test in their preferred language.
• USCIS says officers will place greater weight on the good‑moral‑character requirement, including soliciting testimony from employers, neighbors or coworkers and reviving community investigations not used since 1991.
• Because some answers depend on current officeholders, applicants are advised to verify information shortly before the interview, including the U.S. senators for their state, using USCIS test updates and the Senate’s official roster.
• USCIS also outlined updates for veteran applicants, stating petitions filed after August 1, 2024 without an honorable separation will be rejected, earlier filings will be evaluated, CBP will no longer host naturalization steps at ports of entry, and veterans abroad must secure a visa or parole to appear for interviews.