The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will roll out a new civics test for naturalization applicants on October 20, 2025. This initiative is part of broader reforms to strengthen the integrity of the citizenship process.
The updated test, which evaluates knowledge of American history, government, and civic responsibilities, reflects Washington’s push. They aim to ensure that new citizens have a stronger grounding in the country’s democratic values.
From October 20 onward, applicants filing the Form N-400 will be subject to the new exam, while those who file before that date will continue with the older 2008 version. This cutoff provides certainty for applicants already in the system, avoiding a mid-process switch.
The new format introduces a pool of 128 questions. Each applicant is asked 20 during an oral interview. The test ends as soon as 12 questions are answered correctly. It fails automatically after 9 incorrect responses. For long-term residents aged 65 or older with at least 20 years of permanent residency, the exam remains less demanding. They answer 10 questions from a pool of 20, with 6 correct answers required to pass.
To ease preparation, USCIS has updated its Citizenship Resource Center with free study materials tailored to the 2025 exam, while keeping the 2008 resources available for those still eligible. This dual track ensures that applicants are not disadvantaged by the timing of their application.
What it Means For Nigerians
For Nigerians and other Africans, the changes are particularly significant. Immigrants from the continent have been among the fastest-growing groups of naturalization applicants in the United States. Nigeria consistently ranks among the top 10 source countries.
Many African applicants are professionals and students who settle permanently, making U.S. citizenship an important pathway for securing careers, family stability, and political participation. The new civics test, coupled with expanded background checks, could lengthen preparation times. It may make the process more demanding. Nevertheless, the availability of official study guides and the special provisions for older residents should help soften the impact.
By raising the bar for civic knowledge and reinforcing broader eligibility checks, the U.S. government is reshaping the path to citizenship at a time of heightened political focus on immigration policy. For African migrants eyeing U.S. citizenship, the stakes have become higher—and preparation more critical.
