2025 Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Civics Test: What N-400 Applicants in Windsor–Detroit Need to Know

This post answers the question: "How do the 2025 changes to the U.S. citizenship civics test and N-400 process affect me if I am a green card holder in the Windsor–Detroit region or elsewhere in the United States?"

Why the 2025 citizenship test changes matter

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new version of the civics test and a new edition of Form N-400. Fees and review practices have also changed.

These updates can affect:

- When you choose to file your N-400

- How you prepare for the civics interview

- What documents and fees you must submit

For clients in the Windsor–Detroit cross-border region, and for permanent residents across Michigan, Ontario, and beyond, understanding these changes can help you plan your path to citizenship with less stress and fewer surprises.

This guide is designed for you if:

- You are a U.S. green card holder living in Michigan or elsewhere in the United States

- You live in Canada, such as Windsor or elsewhere in Ontario, but spend time in the U.S. as a permanent resident and plan to apply for naturalization

- You are a cross-border professional who started in TN status and later became a permanent resident

- You are helping a family member apply for U.S. citizenship

We focus on practical steps and simple explanations. We also explain how our cross-border practice can support you if you live or work between Canada and the United States.

Overview of the 2025 U.S. civics test changes

USCIS now uses the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test for people who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. If you filed before that date, you stay under the older 2008 test.

Here is what changed in the civics portion of the citizenship test:

- Question pool: increased from 100 questions to 128 questions

- Number of questions asked at the interview: up to 20 oral questions

- Passing score: you must answer at least 12 questions correctly

- Early stopping rule: the officer stops asking questions once you have either 12 correct answers or 9 incorrect answers

The English reading and writing parts of the test have not changed. The main difference is that you now need to prepare for more civics questions and a longer oral test.

Special rule for older applicants

If you are 65 or older and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you may still qualify for a simplified civics test.

Under this rule, USCIS gives you:

- 10 civics questions

- From a special list of 20 questions

- You must answer at least 6 correctly

The simplified track continues under the 2025 rules, but you still need to check which set of questions applies to your case and your filing date.

New edition of Form N-400 and fees

USCIS now uses a new edition of Form N-400, dated January 20, 2025. If you mail a paper form, all pages must be from this edition or USCIS can reject your application.

Current N-400 filing fees (as of 2025):

According to USCIS, as of late 2025 the standard N-400 fees are:

- 710 dollars if you file online

- 760 dollars if you file by mail

This amount includes biometrics. You do not pay a separate biometrics fee.

Some applicants can request a reduced fee of 380 dollars based on household income. Others can request a full fee waiver. These options have their own rules and you must use the correct sections of the form and include supporting proof.

If you want to apply for a reduced fee or a fee waiver, you must file a paper application. You cannot request these options if you file online.

How your filing date affects your test

Your N-400 filing date now plays a key role.

- If you filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will usually take the older 2008 civics test

- If you file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you must take the 2025 civics test with 20 questions and the 128 question study list

Your interview date does not change which test applies. It is the filing date that matters.

This timing rule is important if you are just becoming eligible for naturalization or if you are still gathering documents. In some cases, filing sooner can keep you under the older test. In other cases, taking a few extra months to prepare for the new test and gather stronger documents may be the safer choice.

Extra focus on good moral character and background checks

USCIS has also updated how officers look at "good moral character" and background issues.

Naturalization officers now:

- Review tax history more closely

- Look at immigration history, including past visas and entries

- Review criminal records in more detail

- Pay attention to public benefits use and community involvement

In some cases, there may be extra checks or even neighborhood or workplace visits, especially if there are questions about your history.

For many applicants who have paid taxes, followed the rules, and stayed out of trouble, these changes may not cause problems. However, if you have any past criminal charges, long trips outside the United States, past immigration issues, or tax concerns, it is very important to get legal advice before you file.

At Sisu Legal, we help clients in Windsor, across Ontario, and in Michigan review their history and decide whether it is the right time to apply.

Practical tips to prepare under the 2025 rules

Here are some simple steps you can take to prepare for naturalization under the new 2025 rules.

1. Confirm which civics test applies to you

Start by checking your filing date and your eligibility date.

- If you have not filed yet, decide whether you will file now under the 2025 test or if you would have qualified earlier under the 2008 test

- If you already filed, review your USCIS receipt notice to confirm your filing date and which test applies

A lawyer can help you review your timeline and see whether you filed at the best time.

2. Use the official USCIS study materials

USCIS provides free, official study tools for both civics tests. For the 2025 civics test you can find:

- A full list of the 128 civics questions and answers

- Study guides and videos

- Practice materials for older applicants

Make sure you are studying from the correct list for your test, and that you are using current materials. Avoid outdated or unofficial lists that may not match the questions you will receive.

3. Plan extra study time

Because the 2025 civics test has more questions and a longer interview, you should plan more time to study.

Many of our clients find it helpful to:

- Study a small group of questions every day instead of trying to memorize everything at once

- Practice answering out loud in English, not just reading silently

- Ask a friend or family member to quiz them

- Use flashcards or apps that follow the official USCIS list

If English is not your first language, regular speaking practice becomes even more important.

4. Gather documents carefully

Under the updated rules, you want your N-400 package to be clean, complete, and honest.

You should:

- Collect tax returns or IRS transcripts

- Gather proof of your trips outside the United States

- Keep records of any police or court issues, even if charges were dismissed

- Organize marriage and divorce records if you are applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen

For cross-border clients who spend time in both Canada and the United States, travel records can be complex. We can help you piece together entry and exit dates and assess whether you meet the continuous residence and physical presence rules.

5. Get legal advice before you file if you have any red flags

You should speak with an immigration lawyer before filing if:

- You have any criminal history, even old or minor charges

- You have long or frequent trips outside the United States

- You have unpaid taxes, late filings, or IRS payment plans

- You previously used another name or another date of birth

- You believe you may have voted or registered to vote by mistake

Naturalization is a powerful benefit, but USCIS can also place people into removal proceedings if they discover serious problems. A careful legal review lets you understand your risks and options before you submit your application.

Special notes for Windsor–Essex and cross-border applicants

Many of our clients are Canadian citizens who lived in Windsor or elsewhere in Ontario, worked in the United States on TN or other visas, then became permanent residents through work or marriage.

For cross-border families and professionals, the 2025 changes can raise special questions such as:

- How to count time in and out of the United States if you still have strong ties to Canada

- Whether old TN or other status issues could affect naturalization

- How U.S. citizenship will affect your Canadian status and tax planning

Because our firm is focused on both Canadian and U.S. immigration, we can help you think through both sides of the border so that your citizenship plan supports your long term life and business plans.

In Summary:

- The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test applies to people who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, and includes 20 oral questions from a list of 128

- N-400 filing fees are now 710 dollars online and 760 dollars by mail, with some reduced fee and fee waiver options

- Your filing date, not your interview date, decides whether you take the older 2008 civics test or the new 2025 test

- USCIS is taking a closer look at good moral character, taxes, travel history, and past immigration issues

- Careful planning, honest disclosure, and strong preparation can make the naturalization process smoother, especially for cross-border families and professionals

Need help with your immigration or legal strategy? 

Schedule a strategy session here: https://sisulegal.com/pages/booking-immigration-law-windsor-troy