(U.S.) The new USCIS director, Joseph Edlow, is moving quickly to make the U.S. citizenship test harder and change the H-1B visa program. These changes, announced in August 2025, echo policies from President Trump’s time in office. Edlow says the current test is too easy and wants to make sure new citizens really understand American history, government, and English. He also wants to change how H-1B visas are given out, focusing on higher salaries and national interests.
Tougher Citizenship Test Proposed
Right now, people applying for U.S. citizenship must study 100 civics questions and answer 6 out of 10 correctly during an interview. The questions are chosen at random, and the answers are given orally. Edlow wants to bring back the Trump-era test, which required applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly. This would mean more questions and a higher passing score. He believes this will make sure new citizens have a deeper understanding of what it means to be American.
Edlow also wants to test English skills more thoroughly. At the moment, applicants must read and write a few sentences in English. The USCIS director says this is not enough. He wants English proficiency to be checked throughout the entire interview, not just in isolated tasks. According to Edlow, this will better match what Congress intended when it set the rules for becoming a citizen.
These changes come after a failed attempt to redesign the citizenship test earlier in 2025. That effort was stopped because many people said the new test would be too hard and would keep some immigrants from becoming citizens. For now, the 2008 version of the test is still in use, but Edlow’s push for a stricter test signals that a big change is coming soon.
H-1B Visa Program Overhaul
The H-1B visa program gives 85,000 work permits each year to foreign professionals, mostly in technology and other skilled fields. Edlow wants to change how these visas are given out. Right now, the government uses a lottery to pick who gets an H-1B visa. Edlow supports a new system that would give priority to people offered the highest salaries. This would help high-wage employers and make sure the program supports the U.S. economy.
The goal is to stop companies from using H-1B visas to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Instead, the program would help fill jobs that really need special skills. Edlow’s plan would move away from the random lottery and use a weighted system that favors higher-paid positions. This is part of a larger plan to change immigration rules and focus on national security and economic needs.
Operational and Policy Context
Edlow has also talked about the growing backlog of immigration cases at USCIS. He says this is a national security problem and promises to speed up processing times without making the system less secure. The naturalization process in 2025 already includes stricter background checks, such as looking at social media, longer wait times, and updated application forms. For example, people applying for citizenship must use Form N-400, which can be found on the official USCIS website.
Applicants still need to meet the usual requirements to become a citizen. These include living in the United States 🇺🇸 as a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), staying in the country most of the time, and showing good moral character. The proposed changes to the citizenship test and H-1B visa program are expected to make the process harder for some, but supporters say they will help protect the country and make sure new citizens and workers are well-prepared.
Stakeholders and Perspectives
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow is leading these changes, saying they are needed to match what Congress wants and to keep the country safe. However, not everyone agrees. Some critics say making the citizenship test harder will create new barriers for immigrants, especially those who have less education or struggle with English. They worry this could slow down the number of people becoming citizens.
Employers and groups that support immigrants are also worried about the H-1B visa changes. They say that giving priority to higher salaries could hurt younger workers or smaller companies that can’t pay as much as big corporations. These groups argue that the changes could make it harder for talented people to come to the United States 🇺🇸 and contribute to the economy.
On the other hand, supporters of the reforms say they will protect American workers and make sure immigrants who come to the United States 🇺🇸 are ready to help the country grow. They believe that a tougher citizenship test and a new H-1B system will make the process fairer and more in line with national interests.
Future Outlook and Practical Implications
The new citizenship test is expected to be rolled out soon, with USCIS signaling a return to the Trump-era format before the end of 2025. The H-1B visa changes are also likely to become official through new rules, possibly including a system that favors higher salaries. These changes could mean that people applying for citizenship will need to spend more time studying and preparing for the test. At the same time, companies looking to hire foreign workers may need to offer higher pay to improve their chances of getting an H-1B visa.
For immigrants, these changes mean it’s more important than ever to prepare carefully. Those planning to apply for citizenship should start studying U.S. history, government, and English as soon as possible. People interested in the H-1B visa should look for jobs that offer competitive salaries and work with employers who understand the new rules.
Official Resources and Next Steps
Anyone affected by these changes should check the USCIS official website for the latest updates on policy and procedures. The site provides information on the citizenship test, H-1B visa program, and all required forms. For legal advice or help with applications, specialized immigration law firms can offer guidance.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these policy shifts under Director Edlow reflect a broader move toward stricter standards and a focus on national priorities. The changes are likely to have a big impact on immigrants, employers, and the U.S. workforce.
Actionable Takeaways
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Citizenship applicants: Start preparing for a tougher test by studying U.S. civics and improving English skills.
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H-1B hopefuls: Seek jobs with higher salaries and work with employers who understand the new selection process.
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Employers: Review hiring practices and be ready to offer competitive pay for foreign talent.
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All stakeholders: Stay informed by checking official government resources and seeking legal help if needed.
These upcoming changes show that immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸 is shifting toward higher standards and greater scrutiny. By staying prepared and informed, applicants and employers can better handle the new requirements and succeed in their immigration goals.
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