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In case you haven’t heard the big news, USCIS finally announced today that it will be implementing a new test for naturalization applicants. This follows on the heels of significant policy changes to the citizenship process intended to essentially make the process harder by thoroughly investigating applicants’ fitness to be a US Citizens and incorporating neighborhood background checks. Beginning October 20, 2025, citizen applicants in Newark and across the United States will face a tougher history test. Below are answers to the most common questions Newark immigrants are asking.
A: USCIS will administer the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test to applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. If you file before that date, you take the 2008 civics test.
A: The civics question bank increases to 128 questions. At the interview, officers will ask up to 20 civics questions and you must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. Once you answer the requisite number of questions correctly (or incorrectly), the test will conclude. English reading, writing, and speaking requirements remain the same.
A: Yes. USCIS applies the 2008 civics test to N-400 applications filed before October 20, 2025, and the 2025 civics test to applications filed on or after that date.
A: Interviews proceed similarly, but the officer will stop the civics portion once a pass or fail is certain (for example, after 12 correct answers). Expect up to 20 civics questions instead of 10.
A: Applicants age 65 or older with 20+ years residence as green card holders receive special consideration: a shorter civics set (10 questions from a limited pool of 20) and must answer 6 correctly to pass. Applicants who file before October 20 will take the old test; those who file after October 20 can choose to take either the 2008 or 2025 test.
A: Study all 128 USCIS civics questions, practice answering 20 in a row, and aim for 12 correct. Continue practicing English reading, writing, and speaking. Consider local Newark resources like library ESL classes and community prep programs.
A: If you are fully ready—documents, English, and civics—filing before October 20, 2025 keeps you on the 2008 test format. If you need more preparation time, filing after that date is fine—as long as you are prepared to take the harder test with the higher 12-correct answer threshold.
A: Lee & Garasia, LLC serves Newark and Northern New Jersey with naturalization strategy, personalized interview prep, and interview representation with an immigration attorney. Local libraries and community organizations also offer ESL and civics classes.
A: Applicants should bring their ID or driver licenses, green card, tax transcripts, proof of continuous residence and physical presence, evidence of good moral character, travel history, and any court or disposition records, if applicable.
A: No. The Notice of Implementation does not change the English reading, writing, or speaking requirements. The major changes are in the civics portion. But stay tuned as we anticipate further developments in the next few months.
Bottom Line for Applicants Who Will Be Taking the N-400 Test in Newark
If you want to take the substantially easier test with the 100-question pool, file your application before October 20, 2025. Otherwise, be prepared to take the new 2025 version.