School Districts Start Using U.S. Citizenship Test in Classrooms

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has halted its planned naturalization test redesign and will continue using the 2008 test, the agency confirmed in January 2025. There is no federal rule requiring school districts to give the USCIS test to students.

What happened and why it matters

USCIS ended the redesign after a public comment period that drew more than 1,300 responses, most opposed to the proposed changes. The redesign would have:

• Replaced the oral civics questions with multiple-choice items.
• Added a speaking task requiring applicants to describe photos.

Critics warned these changes could raise barriers for people with lower literacy and for older adults learning English later in life. USCIS agreed and stopped the effort, keeping the existing format in place.

Important: Applicants preparing for citizenship in 2025 should continue studying the 2008 version. No new content or format took effect in 2024 or 2025.

Current test format (what remains the same)

The familiar USCIS testing process is unchanged:

• The civics test uses a pool of 100 questions.
• An officer asks up to 10 questions during the interview.
• An applicant must answer at least 6 correctly to pass the civics portion.
• The English test checks reading, writing, and speaking via a normal interview and short reading/writing tasks.
• Civics questions are still asked out loud—there is no multiple-choice section.

Federal vs. state/local education rules

There is no federal rule linking K–12 education to the naturalization test. Some states and districts have created civics requirements that mirror parts of the USCIS test (often for graduation), but these are state or local decisions, not part of the federal immigration process.

• No major state or district announced a new mandate in 2024 or 2025.
• Recent debate has focused on the federal naturalization process, not school policy.

Educators should be clear with families:

• The USCIS test is only for naturalization applicants—not a federal graduation requirement.
• If a school uses a civics test, that comes from local or state policy; consult your state’s Department of Education for details.

Reactions and implications

Advocates welcomed stopping the redesign. Key concerns included:

• Multiple-choice could reward test-taking strategies rather than real knowledge.
• The speaking task (describing photos) might confuse applicants who use everyday English rather than naming objects.
• Analysis by VisaVerge.com found broad pushback reflecting a shared view: any future changes must not create new obstacles for long-time residents pursuing citizenship.

Direct effects by group:

• Immigrants: Less uncertainty and no need to learn a new format.
• Community groups & libraries: Continued use of existing lesson plans and volunteer training—saves time and money.
• Employers: More predictable timelines for employees applying for citizenship.
• Schools: No new federal tie to the USCIS test; civics education choices remain state and local matters.

Practical steps for applicants (what to do now)

1. Use the official USCIS study materials for the 2008 test. The 100 civics questions, vocabulary lists, and practice tools are available in many languages.
2. Practice speaking and listening through simple daily conversations; the interview checks basic communication, not perfect grammar.
3. Learn key dates and names for civics topics like branches of government, rights in the Bill of Rights, and responsibilities such as jury duty.
4. Bring documents that match your application answers to reduce confusion during the interview.

Additional recommended actions:

• Download and review Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) from the USCIS website before filing.
• File online or by mail; an online account helps track case updates and appointment notices.
• Keep a folder with your green card, travel history, tax records, and any court documents to ensure answers match during the interview.
• Ask about free or low-cost classes at adult schools, community colleges, or local nonprofits.

The application process (step-by-step)

1. Check eligibility (permanent residence time, physical presence, and good moral character).
2. File Form N-400 (online or by mail).
3. Attend biometrics if scheduled.
4. Go to the interview and take the English and civics tests.
5. If approved, receive an oath ceremony notice (many ceremonies now include easy voter registration).

For full official guidance, see the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center on the USCIS website.

Common questions from workshops

• What if I’m older or have a disability?
  • Some applicants qualify for accommodations. Certain older applicants with long-term residence can take a simpler civics test in their native language. Others may qualify for exemptions for medical conditions. Talk to a legal professional early to determine eligibility and what documentation or doctor forms you may need.
• What if I fail part of the test?
  • USCIS allows one retest on the part you failed, usually within 60–90 days. Focus practice on the areas that were difficult and consider working with a partner or tutor.

Policy outlook and timeline

USCIS indicated no immediate plans to revisit a redesign. If changes are proposed in the future, the agency would likely:

• Run a pilot, and
• Collect public input before deciding.

This means applicants and service providers can rely on current materials through 2025.

Example scenario

Maria, a 63-year-old permanent resident living in the U.S. for 20 years, attends weekly library classes using the 2008 civics list and simple role-plays. After the January 2025 announcement, she doesn’t need new books or drills, keeps her routine, gains confidence, and passes both parts on her first try. For many like Maria, stability in the test helps more than any new format would.

Final reminders

• As of August 2025, there’s no federal move to tie high school graduation to the USCIS naturalization test. Parents should check with their state education department if they hear rumors about new requirements.
• If a state or district sets a local civics test, it does not affect the federal naturalization process.

To start or continue your application, see Form N-400 on the USCIS website: Application for Naturalization. Official test materials and updates are available in the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.