New U.S. Citizenship Test Questions:What You Need to Know Before October 20

If you are planning to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, it’s important to understand that USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has officially released new questions for the citizenship test. These changes will take effect starting October 20, and they will impact all future applicants who submit their applications on or after that date. In this guide, we explain the new rules, how the citizenship test is changing, and what you should do now to prepare and protect your chances of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Key Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Test

1. Increase in Civics Questions ● The number of civics questions has been increased from 100 to 128.

● During the interview, applicants will now be asked 20 questions instead of 10.

● To pass, you must answer at least 12 out of the 20 questions correctly.

Previously, applicants only needed to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly, so this is a significant change.

2. English Language Portion Remains the Same The English reading and writing sections of the citizenship test are not changing. Applicants will still be required to:

● Read one sentence in English out loud, and ● Write one sentence in English correctly

When Do the New Rules Start?

These changes will apply to all naturalization applications (Form N-400) that are submitted on or after October 20. ● If your application is received before October 20, you will take the current test with 100 questions and need to correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions to pass. ● If your application is received on or after October 20, you will be required to take the new 128-question test and correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions.

Why You Should Apply Before October 20

Applying before October 20 allows you to:

● Take the easier version of the test (only 100 questions).

● Reduce the number of questions you need to answer correctly (6 out of 10).

● Avoid last-minute stress as USCIS transitions to the new rules.

If you have been considering applying for U.S. citizenship, now is the time to act.

How to Prepare for the New Citizenship Test

Whether you apply before or after October 20, proper preparation is key. Here are some recommended steps:

✅ Study Official USCIS Materials

Download the official USCIS Civics Test Study Guide directly from uscis.gov. This resource includes all possible questions and answers.

✅ Practice Regularly

● Review a few questions each day.

● Take practice tests available online.

✅ Work with an Immigration Attorney

A certified immigration attorney can guide you through the process, help you prepare for your naturalization interview, and ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Final Recommendation

If you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, submit your application as soon as possible—before October 20—to avoid the new, more challenging civics test.

For official information and study materials, visit: www.uscis.gov/citizenship.