USCIS Citizenship Reforms: 128-Question Civics Test and GMC Review

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has put new citizenship rules into place that raise the bar for both the civics test and the “good moral character” requirement used in naturalization decisions. The policy, effective for applications filed after mid-October 2025, expands the exam to a broader set of questions and requires applicants to present stronger proof that they live responsibly and contribute to their communities. USCIS says the move brings more careful review to who becomes a U.S. citizen and sets clearer expectations for applicants in the United States 🇺🇸 and abroad.

Under the updated civics test, applicants face a bank of 128 questions on U.S. history and government and must answer 12 out of 20 correctly during the interview. The interview still includes English testing, where applicants must read, write, and speak English at a basic level. USCIS will use only the most current official answers, which can change after elections or new appointments, so relying on old materials can lead to wrong responses.

A special rule remains for older, long-time residents: people aged 65 or older with 20 or more years as permanent residents may study a set of 20 questions and need to answer 6 out of 10 correctly.

USCIS also widened the “good moral character” test. Previously many officers focused primarily on whether a person had avoided disqualifying crimes. Now, officers must review the totality of circumstances, meaning they look at an applicant’s life as a whole.

• USCIS will weigh positive factors—such as community service, family support, education, steady legal work, and tax compliance—alongside any negative issues.
• Serious crimes, false claims to U.S. citizenship, and unlawful voting remain automatic disqualifiers under existing law.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the revised approach turns the spotlight toward daily conduct and civic responsibility, not just a clean criminal record. That shift is already shaping how people prepare for interviews, with many collecting proof of volunteer hours, school records, and letters from faith leaders, employers, or local groups.

Policy Changes Overview

USCIS confirmed the 2025 civics test applies to naturalization applications filed after mid-October 2025, with a 30-day delay before exam use so applicants have time to study the new materials.

During the interview:

• An officer will ask up to 20 oral questions pulled from the 128-question set.
• Applicants must answer at least 12 correctly.
• Questions cover three main areas: American government, American history, and rights and responsibilities.
• Because some answers change with election results or appointments, USCIS expects applicants to use current official materials rather than old printouts or third-party summaries.

The agency’s view of good moral character now centers on a fuller picture of a person’s life. Officers may consider minor conduct that is not criminal if it indicates poor judgment or a pattern of disregard for rules—especially when not balanced by positive contributions.

Example: Frequent unpaid traffic fines or repeated lapses in following local rules can count against an applicant if they cannot show steps to fix the behavior, consistent tax filing, or other proof of responsible living.

At the same time, the law’s bright lines remain:

• Aggravated felonies, false claims to citizenship, and unlawful voting continue to bar naturalization.
• The policy does not erase long-standing protections for applicants who qualify for age and disability exceptions on English and civics testing, or for those who can show good cause for past mistakes and demonstrate rehabilitation.

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser called the changes “the first of many,” signaling more updates ahead. Supporters say the new model raises civic knowledge and encourages deeper community ties. Critics worry the higher testing bar and broadened character review may weigh hardest on seniors, applicants with limited English, and long-term residents living abroad.

Impact on Applicants and Next Steps

For applicants inside the U.S. and long-term residents overseas (including lawful permanent residents working in the Gulf or Asia), the message is the same: documentation matters more than ever. USCIS officers will expect organized files that show both eligibility and character.

Practical steps advised by attorneys and community groups include:

1. Keep thorough records of tax filings, lawful employment, and pay stubs.
2. Save proof of volunteer service and community involvement—hours served, roles held, or event programs that list your name.
3. Gather school records, training certificates, or diplomas that reflect education and skill-building.
4. Request letters of recommendation from community leaders, teachers, employers, or faith leaders who know you well and can speak to your conduct.
5. If you have past infractions, bring proof of completion of required classes, payment of fines, or other corrective steps, along with an honest explanation.

Applicants should also prepare for a tougher civics test experience. Officers may draw questions affected by recent elections, cabinet changes, or new laws. Using outdated flashcards can lead to avoidable errors. USCIS directs applicants to the Citizenship Resource Center for the latest materials and exam guidance, available at the official site: USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.

The formal process structure remains the same:

• Submit Form N-400
• Attend biometrics if required
• Take English and civics tests at the interview
• If approved, attend an oath ceremony

However, the evidence expected inside the file has grown. Officers will look for a consistent timeline demonstrating good moral character over the required period—usually five years, or three years for certain applicants married to U.S. citizens—and may ask follow-up questions about community activities, family support, or employment history.

For overseas applicants, residency and physical presence rules remain critical. Absences of six months or longer can disrupt continuous residence unless well documented with strong ties to the U.S. Those abroad should:

• Maintain U.S. tax filings
• Keep proof of a U.S. home or lease when possible
• Collect evidence of civic ties (remote volunteer work, donations, or virtual participation in U.S.-based groups)

Preparing Your File and Interview

Several concrete steps can help align your file with the new policy:

• Audit your records before filing. Confirm you have complete tax transcripts, W-2s or 1099s, and proof of any payment plans if you owed taxes in past years. Bring evidence of on-time payments.
• Build a clear story of community engagement. A steady pattern—even modest, regular volunteering—can carry real weight. Track dates, hours, and tasks.
• Address mistakes up front. If you had frequent traffic tickets, unpaid fines, or other problems, write a short statement, show proof of resolution, and point to recent responsible conduct.
• Use only current civics study guides. Because the civics test relies on up-to-date facts, print fresh materials shortly before your interview and practice oral answers.
• Practice English reading and writing. Daily reading aloud and writing short sentences can improve confidence for the interview portion.
• Bring organized evidence to the interview. Use labeled folders: identity, immigration history, taxes, employment, education, community service, and references.

Applicants file the Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) online or by mail. The official form and filing instructions are available here: Form N-400. USCIS encourages careful answers that match prior immigration filings. Differences in dates or jobs can lead to delays, so cross-check past forms and travel records before submission.

Local legal clinics have already adjusted their screening to add detailed questions about volunteer activities, family caregiving, and any behavior that might raise concerns under the totality of circumstances standard. Some clinics now advise clients to postpone filing briefly if they can collect stronger good moral character proof—such as two recent reference letters and verified volunteer hours—within that time.

Officers continue to have discretion. An applicant with a minor negative issue may still pass the good moral character review if strong positives are present. Example: a parent who demonstrates steady caregiving, pays taxes on time, maintains stable work, and helps in a local food bank can often overcome small past mistakes when those mistakes were resolved and have not repeated.

Advocates note USCIS kept key protections in place:

• The special civics test for older applicants with long residence
• The medical disability exception with proper documentation
• Interpreter access for eligible interviews

However, even with exceptions, officers will check for honesty, consistency, and respect for the law.

While the agency did not frame the change as political, the stricter testing and broader good moral character review mark a real shift: the process now asks applicants to show who they are—through service, responsibility, and law-abiding conduct—rather than only proving who they are not.

The agency’s message is straightforward: show your knowledge, show your record, and show the daily choices that reflect good moral character.

Practical reminders:

• Applicants who fail the English or civics test on the first try typically receive a second chance within a set window. With the expanded question bank, plan extra study time.
• Community classes, local libraries, and adult education programs often offer group practice that mirrors the interview format.
• Track any changes in federal or state leadership in the months before your interview to keep answers current.

For official study tools and civics preparation guides, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center at USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. For filing, instructions, and eligibility details, use the official application here: Form N-400.