The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test and USCIS Neighborhood Investigations

USCIS changed the naturalization process in 2025: a longer civics test for new applicants and the return of neighborhood investigations. This guide explains both changes, who is affected, and what options exist when an N-400 stalls.

The 2025 civics test

Every naturalization applicant must show knowledge of U.S. history and government unless an exception applies (8 U.S.C. § 1423). On September 17, 2025, USCIS announced that it would administer a 2025 version of the civics test, a modified form of the test briefly used in 2020 and 2021. The 2025 test draws from a pool of 128 questions. The officer asks up to 20 and stops as soon as the applicant answers 12 correctly (a pass) or 9 incorrectly (a fail). The prior 2008 test used 100 questions, asked 10, and required 6 correct answers.

Which test you take depends on your filing date. USCIS states that the 2025 test applies to applicants who file on or after October 20, 2025; those who filed earlier take the 2008 test. One law-firm summary published in October 2025 described the cutoff as October 17, so applicants filing close to that date should confirm with USCIS which version will be used. Special rules still apply to older long-term residents, who may be tested in their language on a smaller set of questions.

Preparation materials, including the official question lists, are on the USCIS "Study for the Test" page linked in the sources. Our step-by-step overview of the naturalization process and our checklist of common N-400 filing mistakes cover the rest of the application.

Neighborhood investigations are back

INA § 335 (8 U.S.C. § 1446) authorizes USCIS to conduct a personal investigation of a naturalization applicant, including in the neighborhoods where the applicant has lived and worked. For decades the agency relied mainly on fingerprint and name checks. In August 2025 USCIS issued a memorandum reinstating neighborhood investigations, and a separate August 15, 2025 memorandum directed officers to evaluate good moral character through a "rigorous, holistic" review that considers positive contributions as well as negative conduct. USCIS describes the investigations as discretionary and case-specific.

In practice, applicants may be asked for contact information for employers, neighbors or community members who can speak to their residence and character. Accurate addresses and employment history on Form N-400 matter more than ever. How criminal history and other conduct are weighed under the August 2025 approach is covered in our article on the good moral character memo.

What to do if the case stalls

Additional investigations can add time. Two distinct situations deserve attention:

• No interview scheduled. If an N-400 sits for a long period without an interview, an applicant may consider a federal lawsuit for unreasonable delay. This overview of N-400 mandamus when no interview has been scheduled explains the approach.
• Interview completed, no decision. Section 336(b) of the INA (8 U.S.C. § 1447(b)) gives a specific remedy: if USCIS fails to decide within 120 days after the examination, the applicant may ask the federal district court to decide the application or remand it with instructions. This guide to the 120-day rule under § 1447(b) explains how that works.

Before suing, document every inquiry and confirm that you responded to any request for evidence. Our article on reasons to file a writ of mandamus for a stalled N-400 discusses timing considerations.

Exceptions and accommodations

The law exempts some long-term residents from the English requirement. Applicants who are 50 or older with 20 years as permanent residents, or 55 or older with 15 years, may take the civics test in their own language with an interpreter. Applicants who are 65 or older with 20 years as permanent residents receive special consideration, including a smaller set of civics questions. Applicants with a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment that prevents them from meeting the requirements may request an exception with Form N-648, completed by a licensed medical professional; USCIS has indicated it will review these requests closely.

How to prepare

• Confirm which version of the test applies to your filing date.
• Study the official question list and the updated answers that depend on current officeholders.
• Practice answering out loud in English, since the test is oral.
• Bring every document listed in your interview notice, including proof of any address and employment history you reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which civics test will I take?

It depends on when you filed Form N-400. USCIS applies the 2025 test to applications filed on or after October 20, 2025 and the 2008 test to earlier filings.

How many questions must I answer correctly?

On the 2025 test, 12 of up to 20 questions. The officer stops once you reach 12 correct or 9 incorrect answers.

Will USCIS visit my neighbors?

Possibly. Neighborhood investigations are discretionary and decided case by case. Keep your N-400 addresses and employment history accurate and complete.