Proposed Citizenship Test Changes Could Disrupt Naturalization Support Organizations

The nation’s citizenship test is headed for its biggest shake-up in years, with USCIS Director Joseph Edllo saying the current exam is “too easy” and signaling a push to restore tougher standards that resemble the 2020 test format. While no rollout date has been set, a formal proposal is expected later in 2025, followed by a pilot phase. Community groups that prepare immigrants for naturalization are bracing for deeper civics content and a broader English check that could demand more class time, staff training, and funding.

Policy changes overview

Edllo’s plan would move the civics section closer to the 2020 test format by:

• Expanding the civics question bank from 100 to 128 questions.
• Raising the passing bar to 12 correct answers out of 20 questions.
• Adding more complex, layered questions so short-term memorization is less effective and real civic knowledge matters more during the interview.

Supporters say this could better reflect readiness for citizenship; critics warn it could shut out people who already struggle with formal tests.

Proposed changes to the English component

The English portion would also become tougher. Instead of the current routine—reading one sentence, writing one sentence, and answering basic questions from the naturalization application—USCIS could require a fuller language review.

Ideas under discussion include:

• Describing photos of everyday situations as part of the interview.
• A broader check of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• More real-life prompts to test practical English usage.

USCIS Director Joseph Edllo has not finalized the scope, but he has made clear he wants a stronger measure of real-life English ability in the interview room.

Current rules remain until changed

For now, the current format remains in place. As of August 2025, applicants must:

• Answer 6 out of 10 civics questions correctly from a list of 100.
• Complete the basic reading and writing tasks during the interview.
• Have officers confirm application answers and assess simple conversation as they have for years.

No official notice has changed these rules yet.

Edllo has said a formal proposal could arrive later this year, followed by a trial before nationwide rollout. That two-step approach—proposal and pilot—gives organizations time to adjust curricula before the test becomes mandatory for everyone, but it also prolongs uncertainty for planning classes and printing updated study guides.

This debate follows a major reversal in December 2024, when USCIS scrapped a prior trial redesign after receiving more than 1,300 public comments, most opposing the changes. The agency kept the long-standing 2008 version, saying the trial model risked new barriers for applicants with lower literacy or less formal education. The earlier trial had featured multiple-choice civics questions and a photo description task in English—elements many adult learners and service providers said would not fit how older students study and remember information.

Impact on applicants and service providers

The latest push to toughen the exam brings the same concerns back to the center. Advocacy groups warn a harder citizenship test could disproportionately affect:

• Older immigrants
• People with limited schooling
• Refugees and asylees whose education was disrupted

In classrooms built around oral practice and repetition, a larger, deeper question bank can overwhelm students who already juggle work, family, and evening English classes.

Practical effects for organizations

• Expanded civics content means longer courses and more teaching hours.
• Broader English checks require new lesson plans, more speaking drills, and mock interviews using real-life prompts (e.g., describing weather, food, or daily routines).
• Staff training on the updated exam flow will be necessary.
• New materials will be required to cover a potential 128-question bank.

Timing and filing considerations

Most urgent is the timing question. Applicants who file before any change takes effect will likely take the current test, even if their interview occurs after the new version rolls out. That makes early filing a smart move for people who worry about a harder exam—especially those with lower literacy or test anxiety.

Counselors should review client readiness now and, where appropriate, encourage prompt filing.

Heightened screening in 2025

Background checks in 2025 include tougher reviews of criminal and immigration records and may extend to social media history. Small mistakes—missing documents, unclear travel histories, or unanswered requests—can slow cases or lead to denials. Programs that help with forms must:

• Double-check every page.
• Prepare clients for detailed officer questions during the interview.

Timeline, forms, and what to watch

The current process still applies:

1. Submit Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
2. Attend biometrics appointment.
3. Complete the interview and testing.
4. If approved, take the Oath of Allegiance.

Processing times have grown this year because of backlogs and stricter screening, so starting early can help.

• Access official study tools and updates through the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship
• Use the official Form N-400 at https://www.uscis.gov/n-400 when filing to avoid errors or outdated versions.

Edllo’s plan to restore features of the 2020 test format will likely draw strong responses from the same stakeholders who weighed in last time. Public comments drove the December 2024 reversal, and they could shape the final design again in 2025. Expect national legal aid networks, immigrant-led groups, and literacy programs to argue that fairness must include test access for adults who learn best through oral practice and repetition.

Supporters of a tougher exam counter that:

• Citizenship is a serious commitment.
• Applicants should show deeper knowledge of U.S. history and government.
• Stronger English skills are necessary for daily life.
• A broadened English check (photo prompts, wider speaking review) better reflects real-world language use.

VisaVerge.com reports organizations are already adjusting lesson plans in case the higher bar arrives, even without a final date. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, many plan to add civics practice beyond memorization—such as short readings about landmark court cases, checks and balances, and federal-state roles—followed by verbal summaries to build both content knowledge and English fluency.

Recommendations for students preparing now

A few practical steps can help right away:

• Focus on the current 100 civics questions while monitoring trusted channels for change notices.
• Practice short, clear explanations in English about everyday topics: work, family, weather, food, and local community.
• Bring all documents to the interview and be prepared to discuss the answers on your Form N-400.

Important: No one should delay filing just to wait for a new test that may be harder. If you meet the eligibility rules today—years as a lawful permanent resident, continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character—consider applying soon. A timely application could lock in the present standards and reduce the risk of extra classes or repeated attempts later.

Key items to watch as the proposal moves forward

• The exact civics question count and passing score.
• The final English tasks to be included in the interview.
• Transition rules for applicants who file before but test after any change.

These will determine how much new study time families, workers, and seniors will need—and how community programs set schedules, budgets, and classroom plans for the rest of the year.