U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised the naturalization test and tightened parts of the citizenship process. These changes are tied to a late‑2025, multi‑step overhaul. Many green card holders who filed on or after October 20, 2025 may see the updated civics testing and more intensive vetting during their case.
USCIS has described the revisions as steps to raise “civic literacy” and strengthen “program integrity.” USCIS also announced a return to “neighborhood” investigations under policy guidance issued in 2025. These checks can include contact with neighbors, employers, or coworkers to confirm residence and eligibility factors.
What changed in the naturalization test (high level)
Under the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test described by USCIS, the question pool and interview format are more demanding than the prior 2008 version.
| Feature | 2008 Civics Test | 2025 Civics Test |
|---|---|---|
| Total question pool | 100 | 128 |
| Questions asked at interview | 10 | 20 |
| Passing score | 6 correct (60%) | 12 correct (60%) |
| Stop rule | Stop once pass or fail | Stop once 12 correct or 9 incorrect |
| Format | Oral | Oral |
The interview still tests English speaking and comprehension. Reading and writing requirements generally remain, but applicants report closer officer scrutiny of spoken English during the interview.
⏱️ Processing Time: Naturalization timelines vary widely by field office. As of January 2026, check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Times can increase due to interviews, background checks, or RFEs.
Quick reference: Form N-400
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Form number | Form N-400 |
| Full name | Form N-400, Application for Naturalization |
| Purpose | Apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization |
| Current fee | Verify at uscis.gov/fees (fees can change) |
| Biometrics | Often required if USCIS schedules it |
| Where to file | File online at my.uscis.gov or mail per N-400 instructions |
| Typical processing | Varies by local field office; check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ (as of January 2026) |
💰 Current Fee: USCIS fees change. Confirm the Form N-400 fee and any biometrics requirement at uscis.gov/fees. Paying the wrong amount can cause rejection.
Who should file Form N-400
File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization if you are a lawful permanent resident and you want to become a U.S. citizen. Most applicants apply under the 5‑year rule. Some apply under the 3‑year rule through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
The revised naturalization test and related process updates may affect cases filed on or after October 20, 2025, depending on USCIS implementation details and your interview date.
Eligibility requirements (plain‑language checklist)
USCIS reviews eligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Common requirements include:
- You are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- You meet the continuous residence requirement.
- You meet the physical presence requirement.
- You lived in the USCIS district or state where you file for the required period.
- You can read, write, and speak basic English, unless exempt.
- You pass the civics test, unless exempt.
- You show good moral character for the required statutory period.
- You show attachment to the U.S. Constitution and willingness to take the Oath.
Certain arrests, taxes, travel patterns, or long absences can raise issues. Some issues require legal advice before filing.
Step‑by‑step: how to file Form N-400
Follow the steps in this order. It reduces rejections and interview delays.
- Confirm your eligibility category
– Most applicants use the 5‑year permanent resident category.
– Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify under the 3‑year category.
– Some applicants qualify through U.S. military service.
- Create a document file
– Collect identity, travel, marriage, and selective service records.
– Gather proof for any name changes.
– Pull tax transcripts or copies of returns if needed.
If you filed on or after Oct 20, 2025, allocate extra study time for the 20-question civics interview and use the official USCIS study materials to prep ahead of your appointment.
- Prepare for the revised civics interview
– Use USCIS study materials.
– If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, study for the larger question bank.
– Plan for 20 oral civics questions at the interview.
- Complete Form N-400 carefully
– Use your legal name and consistent addresses.
– List all trips outside the U.S. exactly.
– Disclose citations, arrests, and charges, even if dismissed.
- Choose online filing or mail filing
– Online filing is done through my.uscis.gov.
– Mail filing requires the correct lockbox address from the instructions.
- Pay the correct fee
– Pay exactly what USCIS lists on uscis.gov/fees.
– If you request a fee waiver, file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, if eligible.
Be truthful and thorough in disclosures. Neighborhood checks and stricter vetting can trigger RFEs or delays if records are missing, inconsistent, or incomplete.
- Attend biometrics if scheduled
– USCIS may reuse biometrics or schedule an appointment.
– Missing biometrics can delay or deny the case.
- Attend the naturalization interview
– Bring originals and requested evidence.
– Expect English and civics testing at the interview.
- Receive a decision
– USCIS may approve, continue for more evidence, or deny.
– If continued, respond by the deadline with complete documents.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
– After approval, USCIS schedules the oath ceremony.
– You become a U.S. citizen only after the oath.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Omitting trips, arrests, or citations. USCIS often sees records in background checks. Incomplete disclosures can trigger delays or denial.
Required supporting documents (what to prepare)
USCIS requirements depend on your answers. These are common items.
Identity and status
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Permanent Resident Card (front and back) | Yes | Include clear copy |
| Government-issued photo ID | Often | Bring original to interview |
| Passport(s) and travel documents | Often | Useful for travel history |
Residence, marriage, and family (as applicable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | If filing under 3-year rule | Bring original to interview |
| Proof spouse is U.S. citizen | If filing under 3-year rule | Passport, birth cert, or naturalization cert |
| Divorce decrees / annulments / death certificates | If applicable | For all prior marriages |
| Evidence of marital union | If filing under 3-year rule | Joint lease, taxes, bank accounts |
| Court order for legal name change | If applicable | Also update documents when possible |
Selective Service (as applicable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selective Service registration proof | If required | For many males who lived in U.S. ages 18–26 |
Criminal, citation, and court disposition records (as applicable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified court dispositions | If any arrests/charges | Include dismissed and expunged matters |
| Probation/parole completion proof | If applicable | Bring official documents |
Taxes and support (as applicable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tax transcripts or returns | Often requested | Especially if you owe taxes or used payment plans |
| Proof of child support or alimony payments | If applicable | Nonpayment can affect good moral character |
Medical disability exception (limited)
USCIS may review medical waivers more strictly.
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions | If requesting exception | Must be completed by qualified medical professional |
How the stricter vetting can affect your case
USCIS policy updates described in 2025 include more active verification measures.
Neighborhood investigations
USCIS may conduct in‑person or third‑party checks. Officers may contact:
– Neighbors or building staff
– Employers or coworkers
– Others who can confirm residence and daily life
These checks are meant to confirm residence, good moral character, and attachment to constitutional principles.
“Affirmative” good moral character evidence
Applicants may be asked for more than a simple statement of no criminal record. Practical examples include:
– Community involvement records
– Employer verification letters
– Volunteer confirmation letters
Only submit truthful evidence that you can verify.
Disability waivers
If you seek an English or civics exception through Form N-648, expect detailed review. Weak medical support can lead to delays or denial.
✅ Pro Tip: If your case has long travel, tax issues, or any arrests, assemble certified records before you file. Waiting can delay the interview.
Common mistakes that cause delays or denials
- Wrong fee or incorrect payment method for mailed filings.
- Address history gaps or overlapping dates.
- Travel dates that do not match passport stamps.
- Failure to list all citations or arrests, even if dismissed.
- Incomplete proof for the 3‑year marriage category.
- Weak or inconsistent Form N-648 medical documentation.
- Ignoring an RFE deadline or submitting partial responses.
RFEs, background checks, and interview reschedules are common reasons cases run longer.
Official USCIS links for Form N-400 and study materials
- Forms page (download and instructions): https://www.uscis.gov/forms
- Naturalization study materials: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources
- USCIS Newsroom (policy announcements): https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom
Practical next steps (January 5, 2026)
- Download Form N-400, Application for Naturalization from uscis.gov/forms and read the form instructions end‑to‑end.
- Build your document packet using the checklist tables above. Add certified court and tax records if relevant.
- Study for the revised naturalization test, especially if you filed on or after October 20, 2025. Use the official USCIS civics resources.
- File online at my.uscis.gov or mail your packet to the address in the N-400 instructions.
- Track your receipt and case status in your USCIS online account. Check time estimates at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
Check processing times online before and after your interview, and verify the exact N-400 fee and biometrics requirements on USCIS sites to avoid payment or filing errors.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.
The U.S. citizenship process underwent a major overhaul in late 2025. Key changes include a more demanding 128-question civics test, a 20-question interview format, and the reinstatement of neighborhood investigations to verify applicant data. Eligible green card holders must demonstrate English proficiency, continuous residence, and good moral character while navigating updated USCIS policies and potentially longer processing times at local field offices.
