Category: US Citizenship

US Citizenship Naturalization

Naturalization: Becoming a US citizen

To become a Citizen of the United States, The eligibility requirements are:

You must be a lawful permanent resident.

You must be 18 years or older

You must have continuous residence in the USA and be of good moral character

 

For my clients who got their green cards through marriage. The continuous residence period is only 3 years. And we can start the naturalization process even before that, three months earlier. So that it may be possible to be sworn in as a US citizen on the exact three year anniversary of the start of your permanent residence.

Other green card holders, those not married to US citizens must wait till they have accrued 5 full years of permanent residence.

The next eligibility requirement is that you confirm you have “Attachment” to the US Constitution

The Constitution is the document that sets up how U.S. Government and laws of the US work.

Attachment means you agree with the Constitution�s principles, and you will support and defend them.

Finally, you must demonstrate knowledge of English and US Civics.

If you are married to a US citizen, once you have reached 2 years and 9 months of permanent residency, or if not married to a US citizen, you have reached 5 years of permanent residency we submit the application for Naturalization to USCIS.

The application includes evidences of your eligibility.

And just like when we worked earlier to obtain your fiance or spouse visa and adjustment of status. I will provide you with a detailed and personalized list of the photos, documents and evidences needed for your shoebox.

You’ll not hear from USCIS for a while, but eventually they will schedule you for a formal Interview and tell you where and when to go.

You’ll want to bring to the interview, the appointment notice, your green card, your passports, and US id’s, as well as the evidence portion from the application we submitted, which will have all the supporting and evidence documents that might be needed.

At the start of the interview, the USCIS officer goes over your application in front of you, and asks questions about what you have submitted.

He’ll ask your name, address, where you come from, marital history, travel history, etc. He is just confirming that you know what’s been stated on the application and that and still stick with what you said. And during this Q + A your ability to speak English is measured.

When satisfied, he’ll ask for you to sign the application again.

Then on to the Civics and English reading and writing tests. You have already passed the English speaking portion.

You are shown three sentences, and asked to read one out loud.

Then you are shown three sentences and asked to write a copy of one.

The vocabulary words used are all very basic and available for study at the USCIS website or from your VisaCoach account page.

The civics test consists of 100 possible questions. The officer may ask up to 10 (chosen randomly) and to pass, you must get at least 6 right.

Study materials are also available at USCIS or your VisaCoach account page. The only marginally tricky issue, is that everytime there is an election, a half dozen of the answers change: for example who is the President,who is your local Senator, who is your state’s Governor, and so on.

At the end of the interview the officer lets you know you passed, and that the next step will be your swearing in ceremony.

Depending on where you live the oath taking ceremony will be scheduled after a few months. If you are married to a US citizen and applied right at the 2 year, 9 month mark, you will have to wait at least until your 3 year Green card anniversary has passed.

The Naturalization swearing-in ceremony is a big affair. Typically a few hundred immigrants will be sworn in at the same time, and various elected officials, judges, prominent individuals attend to give speechs and welcome the brand new US Citizens.

After your oath ceremony you are officially a US citizen and have all the rights and responsibilities that come with.

Previously, as a Lawful Permanent Resident you could apply to sponsor your spouse or child for immigration to the USA, but no one else.

Now as a US citizen, you can Also sponsor a fiance, your parents, and your siblings for immigration.

And of course, VisaCoach is available to help you make it happen

By Fred Wahl
the VisaCoach

K1 Fiance visa steps to US Citizenship

K1 Fiance to US Citizen in 6 Steps

I speak to a lot of callers who think that once their fiance arrives in the USA and they get married that the fiance automatically becomes a US citizen. Sorry, this is not true. So here I will try to clarify the steps, starting from long distance romance through Naturalization when your fiance can finally become a US Citizen.

 

Step 1: Find Her or Him

The process starts with you falling in love with someone who was born and lives outside the USA. While it is pretty easy to meet someone using the internet and it is pretty easy again for a US citizen to travel wherever he likes in the world it turns out it’s not so easy to bring your new love to live with you permanently in the USA. So this requires the next step. Continue reading “K1 Fiance visa steps to US Citizenship”

How to Apply for US Citizenship

Applying for US Citizenship

Generally, a person who aims to naturalize will have first to become a permanent resident.

Becommng a US citizen, you obtain numerous rights that in fact permament residents or others would not have, this includes the right to vote.

To qualify for naturalization, you need to first meet particular requirements.

What are Naturalization’s basic requirements?

Continue reading “How to Apply for US Citizenship”

USCIS: New Filing Fees Effective October 2

 

USCIS has finally confirmed it’s new fee schedule. It takes effect in less than two months, on October 2, 2020. And that is not a lot of time to prepare a solid application.

If you are considering applying for US citizenship, you should submit asap (before October 2) and avoid a 61% price increase ($445).

If applying for for Adjustment of Status for a Child you can avoid a 51% increase ($380).

If applying for Work or Travel Authorization (at same time as Adjustment of Status) you can still get these Free of Charge ($0 !!). Currently Work Authorization and Travel Authorization applications when submitted at same time as Adjustment of Status need no filing fee, they are included “Free of Charge” as part of the adjustment of status process. But, starting October 2 they cost $545 and $585 respectively.

For Fiance and Spouse visas the change is marginal, only $25. Up $25 for fiancee visas, down $25 for spouse and relative visas.

USCIS: Filing Fees Go up on October 2

New Fees: Effective October 2, 2020
Old Filing Fee New Filing Fee Change
Fiance Visa $535 $510 –  $25
Spouse Visa $535 $560 + $25
Concurrent Filing $1,760 $1,690 – $70
Adjustment of Status (Adult)
Adjustment of Status (Child)
with Work Authorization
with Travel Permission		 $1,225
$   750
$       0
$       0		 $1,130
$1,130
$   545
$   585		   – $95
+ $380
+ $545
+ $585
Removal Conditions on Residence $680 $ 760 + $80
US Citizenship $725 $ 1,170 + $445
Relative Visa
(Child, Parent, Sibling)		 $535 $ 560 + $25

Click here for the FULL schedule of new USCIS fees

US Citizenship $445 Fee Increase apply before October 2

Apply for US Citizenship Save $445

 

The filing fee to become naturalized as a US citizen is increasing by 61%, up $445,  from $725 to $1,170,

The new fee starts on October 2, 2020

If you have met the eligibility requirements to become a citizen, apply now and avoid the price jump.

The primary requirement is that you have been a lawful resident of the United States for a few years.

If you married a US citizen, and have been married to that US citizen for at least two years
and nine months during your permanent residency, then you are eligible to apply.

Or if you are not married to a US citizen, or were and are now divorced,then you are eligible to
apply after 5 years of permanent residency.

In the case of a spouse of a US citizen, if your green card came from the marriage,
then after two years of residence you had to apply for removal of conditions.

This process sometimes is pretty slow, and often takes more than a year before you
get your permanent green card, the so called ten year green card.

As long as you have accrued two years and nine months of lawful residence, even though your final,
and permanent, green card has not yet been approved and issued.

You do NOT have to wait. You can begin the application for naturalization, right now.

Besides the requirement on residency, the following eligibility requirements must also be met

One: You must be 18 years or older

Two: You must be of good moral character

Three: You agree to support and defend the the principles of the US Constitution

Four: You can speak and read English

Five: Finally you must pass a simple multiple choice test on US Civics.

At the end of the interview the officer
lets you know you passed, and that the next
step will be your swearing in, naturalization ceremony.

After your this ceremony you are officially a US citizen
and have all the rights and responsibilities that
come with.

You can vote, get a US passport, and sponsor fiance, parents
and siblings for immigration to join you in the USA.

Eligibility Requirements for US Citizenship

To become a US citizen from a Lawful Resident, requires meeting requirements of residence, age, language, moral character, as well as a knowledge of US history and civics. The foreign spouse of a US Citizen is eligible to apply for naturalization much sooner than an intending immigrant who is not currently married to a US Citizen.

The primary requirement is that you have been a lawful resident of the United States for a few years.

If you married a US citizen, and have been married to that US citizen for at least two years
and nine months during your permanent residency, then you are eligible to apply.

Or if you are not married to a US citizen, or were and are now divorced,then you are eligible to
apply after 5 years of permanent residency.

In the case of a spouse of a US citizen, if your green card came from the marriage,
then after two years of residence you had to apply for removal of conditions.

This process sometimes is pretty slow, and often takes more than a year before you
get your permanent green card, the so called ten year green card.

As long as you have accrued two years and nine months of lawful residence, even though your final,
and permanent, green card has not yet been approved and issued.

You do NOT have to wait. You can begin the application for naturalization, right now.

Besides the requirement on residency, the following eligibility requirements must also be met

One: You must be 18 years or older

Two: You must be of good moral character

Three: You agree to support and defend the the principles of the US Constitution

Four: You can speak and read English

Five: Finally you must pass a simple multiple choice test on US Civics.

At the end of the interview the officer
lets you know you passed, and that the next
step will be your swearing in, naturalization ceremony.

After your this ceremony you are officially a US citizen
and have all the rights and responsibilities that
come with.

You can vote, get a US passport, and sponsor fiance, parents
and siblings for immigration to join you in the USA.

This was Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach

US Citizenship Civics Test reverts back to simpler pre-2020 version

Biden makes US Citizenship Test Easier

President Biden has discarded the 2020 US naturalization Civics test created under President Trump, and reverted the test used for US citizenship to the earlier, simpler version that has been used by USCIS since 2008.

Towards the end of President Trumps term of office, USCIS under direction from
the White House revamped the Civics Test that applicants
for naturalization to US Citizenship had to pass.

The old test originally created in 2008 relied on 100 simple multiple choice questions.

The new 2020 test required verbal descriptive answers, about American history,
political structure, and the applicant’s intent to be a “good American”.

Whether or not an applicant actually passed the test became became subject to interpretation by the USCIS testing officer.

It became the officers discretion on whether to pass or fail.

This was all in an effort by the Trump Administration to restrict immigration,
by enforcing stricter, more subjective standards

Good news, especially for nervous or shy applicants, the more straightforward test is back

Once again only 6 ot 10 multiple choice questions need to be correct

, and all questions and their correct answers are posted at USCIS’s website to be studied and memorized in advance of the Citizenship interview and testing.

This was Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach

 

Foreign Spouse Apply for US Citizenship

When can the Foreign Spouse of a US Citizen apply for Naturalization and become a US Citizen?

You fell in love with someone who lives outside the country. Then, went through the slow and complicated process to help her or him immigrate to the USA on a fiancé or spouse visa.

Later there was the process to apply for your spouse’s lawful permanent residency and green card.

As a Lawful permanent resident your spouse can continue to live in the USA for as long as he or she wants.

And can live here without ever becoming a US citizen.

However your partner can consider becoming a US citizen. This has benefits such as spouse can get a US passport and travel wherever you can go with your US passport.  Your spouse can also vote.

If your spouse is interested in becoming a US citizen, and wants to become one just as soon as he or she is eligible to apply, this video is you.

How soon can your Foreign Spouse apply for US Citizenship?

You are a US citizen and your spouse is a lawful permanent resident.  As early as the day of his or her third anniversary of being granted lawful residency, your spouse is eligible to be sworn in for citizenship.

And in practice many immigrants view it as a matter of pride, to become a US citizen, just as soon as they can. USCIS respects and encourages this eagerness to become “one of us”. So they welcome your spouse to submit his or her application as early as 90 days before the third anniversary.

And in many cases if processing goes smoothly, your partner can get sworn
in as a US citizen as early as on or immediately after the anniversary.

When your partner was issued his or her first green card, if your marriage was less than two years old at that time, your spouse wasn’t given a regular green card, instead was given a temporary, or “conditional” green card.

This green card was only good for two years. Basically US immigration waits to find out how it goes with your marriage.

Just before the conditional green card expires, you and your spouse applied once again to USCIS. This time the application was called “removal of conditions on residency”

When USCIS works quickly and smoothly, the permanent, “unconditional” green card, would be issued within a year of applying, and your spouse would have her or his new green card approved and in-hand well before the time he or she would be eligible to apply for US citizenship.

But currently due to Covid and other factors, USCIS is taking quite a long time to issue the unconditional green card. Now it’s often taking as long as two years.

Does your spouse need to wait for the upgraded green card to be issued
before applying for citizenship?

Does your spouse need to wait potentially much longer than three years?

The good news is “No”, your spouse does not have to wait.

As long as the application to remove conditions was submitted on time,
with the proper evidence, then regardless of whether the case has been approved or still in process, your spouse can apply once the 2 year 9 month
benchmark has been reached.

And because USCIS processing is so slow, and their backlogs are so full, it appears that they are really happy that your partner does not wait for the removal application review to be over, instead they welcome to process citizenship, cause if they approve citizenship, the removal case becomes irrelevant and they can close two cases from their backlog with one stroke at one time

Most of my VisaCoach clients do exactly this. We apply for removal on time,
as that is a fixed requirement in order to extend permission to remain in the USA as a lawful resident, then about 9 months later we apply for US citizenship. My client is usually sworn in close to the three year residency mark, and skipped getting a second green card.

This was Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach,  here to personally guide you on this journey.

 

2025 Naturalization Civics Test Questions

 

Below are the test questions themselves. They have changed from the earlier set of questions. Note: that the answers about your local and National elected official is subject to change and should be verified at the time you prepare for your test.

2025 U.S. Citizenship Civics Test

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

A: Principles of American Government

1. What is the form of government of the United States?
• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy

2. What is the supreme law of the land? *
• (U.S.) Constitution

3. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
• Forms the government
• Defines powers of government
• Defines the parts of government
• Protects the rights of the people

4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
• Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• (Example of) social contract

5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
• Amendments
• The amendment process

6. What does the Bill of Rights protect?
• (The basic) rights of Americans
• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States

7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? *
• Twenty-seven (27)

8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.

9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
• Declaration of Independence

10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government

11. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
• Declaration of Independence

12. What is the economic system of the United States? *
• Capitalism
• Free market economy

13. What is the rule of law?
• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.

14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Federalist Papers
• Anti-Federalist Papers
• Virginia Declaration of Rights
• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
• Mayflower Compact
• Iroquois Great Law of Peace

15. There are three branches of government. Why?
• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers

B: System of Government

16. Name the three branches of government.
• Legislative, executive, and judicial
• Congress, president, and the courts

17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
• Executive branch

18. What part of the federal government writes laws?
• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature
• Legislative branch

19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
• Senate and House (of Representatives)

20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress. *
• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget

21. How many U.S. senators are there?
• One hundred (100)

22. How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
• Six (6) years

23. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or
the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. senators.]

24. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
• Four hundred thirty-five (435)

25. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
• Two (2) years

26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
• To more closely follow public opinion

27. How many senators does each state have?
• Two (2)

28. Why does each state have two senators?
• Equal representation (for small states)
• The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

29. Name your U.S. representative.
• Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide
the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting)
representatives in Congress.]

30. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? *
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

31. Who does a U.S. senator represent?
• Citizens of their state
• People of their state

32. Who elects U.S. senators?
• Citizens from their state

33. Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
• Citizens in their (congressional) district
• Citizens in their district
• People from their (congressional) district
• People in their district

34. Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
• Citizens from their (congressional) district

35. Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
• (Because of) the state’s population
• (Because) they have more people
• (Because) some states have more people

36. The President of the United States is elected for how many years? *
• Four (4) years

37. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
• (Because of) the 22nd Amendment
• To keep the president from becoming too powerful

38. What is the name of the President of the United States now? *
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.

39. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? *
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.

40. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
• The Vice President (of the United States)

41. Name one power of the president.
• Signs bills into law
• Vetoes bills
• Enforces laws
• Commander in Chief (of the military)
• Chief diplomat
• Appoints federal judges

42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
• The President (of the United States)

43. Who signs bills to become laws?
• The President (of the United States)

44. Who vetoes bills? *
• The President (of the United States)

45. Who appoints federal judges?
• The President (of the United States)

46. The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
• President (of the United States)
• Cabinet
• Federal departments and agencies

47. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
• Advises the President (of the United States)

48. What are two Cabinet-level positions?
• Attorney General
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Secretary of War
• Vice-President
• Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
• Administrator of the Small Business Administration
• Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
• Director of the Office of Management and Budget
• Director of National Intelligence
• United States Trade Representative

49. Why is the Electoral College important?
• It decides who is elected president.
• It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.

50. What is one part of the judicial branch?
• Supreme Court
• Federal Courts

51. What does the judicial branch do?
• Reviews laws
• Explains laws
• Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
• Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution

52. What is the highest court in the United States? *
• Supreme Court

53. How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
• Nine (9)

54. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
• Five (5)

55. How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
• (For) life
• Lifetime appointment
• (Until) retirement

56. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
• To be independent (of politics)
• To limit outside (political) influence

57. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.

58. Name one power that is only for the federal government.
• Print paper money
• Mint coins
• Declare war
• Create an army
• Make treaties
• Set foreign policy

59. Name one power that is only for the states.
• Provide schooling and education
• Provide protection (police)
• Provide safety (fire departments)
• Give a driver’s license
• Approve zoning and land use

60. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
• (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

61. Who is the governor of your state now? *
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]

62. What is the capital of your state?
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a
capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]

C: Rights and Responsibilities

63. There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).

64. Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
• Citizens
• Citizens of the United States
• U.S. citizens

65. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom to petition the government
• Freedom of religion
• The right to bear arms

66. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? *
• The United States
• The flag

67. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
• Give up loyalty to other countries
• Defend the (U.S.) Constitution
• Obey the laws of the United States
• Serve in the military (if needed)
• Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• Be loyal to the United States

68. How can people become United States citizens?
• Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
• Naturalize
• Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)

69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
• Vote
• Run for office
• Join a political party
• Help with a campaign
• Join a civic group
• Join a community group
• Give an elected official your opinion (on an issue)
• Contact elected officials
• Support or oppose an issue or policy
• Write to a newspaper

70. What is one way Americans can serve their country?
• Vote
• Pay taxes
• Obey the law
• Serve in the military
• Run for office
• Work for local, state, or federal government

71. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
• Required by law
• All people pay to fund the federal government
• Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
• Civic duty

72. It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
• Required by law
• Civic duty
• Makes the draft fair, if needed

AMERICAN HISTORY

A: Colonial Period and Independence

73. The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
• Freedom
• Political liberty
• Religious freedom
• Economic opportunity
• Escape persecution

74. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? *
• American Indians
• Native Americans

75. What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
• Africans
• People from Africa

76. What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
• American Revolution
• The (American) Revolutionary War
• War for (American) Independence

77. Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
• High taxes
• Taxation without representation
• British soldiers stayed in Americans’ houses (boarding, quartering)
• They did not have self-government
• Boston Massacre
• Boston Tea Party (Tea Act)
• Stamp Act
• Sugar Act
• Townshend Acts
• Intolerable (Coercive) Acts

78. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? *
• (Thomas) Jefferson

79. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
• July 4, 1776

80. The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
• (Battle of) Bunker Hill
• Declaration of Independence
• Washington Crossing the Delaware (Battle of Trenton)
• (Battle of) Saratoga
• Valley Forge (Encampment)
• (Battle of) Yorktown (British surrender at Yorktown)

81. There were 13 original states. Name five.
• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

82. What founding document was written in 1787?
• (U.S.) Constitution

83. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius

84. Why were the Federalist Papers important?
• They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
• They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.

85. Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.
• Founded the first free public libraries
• First Postmaster General of the United States
• Helped write the Declaration of Independence
• Inventor
• U.S. diplomat

86. George Washington is famous for many things. Name one. *
• “Father of Our Country”
• First president of the United States
• General of the Continental Army
• President of the Constitutional Convention

87. Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.
• Writer of the Declaration of Independence
• Third president of the United States
• Doubled the size of the United States (Louisiana Purchase)
• First Secretary of State
• Founded the University of Virginia
• Writer of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom

88. James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.
• “Father of the Constitution”
• Fourth president of the United States
• President during the War of 1812
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers

89. Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.
• First Secretary of the Treasury
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
• Helped establish the First Bank of the United States
• Aide to General George Washington
• Member of the Continental Congress

B: 1800s

90. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
• Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

91. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War

92. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
• The Civil War

93. The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
• (Battle of) Fort Sumter
• Emancipation Proclamation
• (Battle of) Vicksburg
• (Battle of) Gettysburg
• Sherman’s March
• (Surrender at) Appomattox
• (Battle of) Antietam/Sharpsburg
• Lincoln was assassinated.

94. Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one. *
• Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• Saved (or preserved) the Union
• Led the United States during the Civil War
• 16th president of the United States
• Delivered the Gettysburg Address

95. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
• Freed the slaves
• Freed slaves in the Confederacy
• Freed slaves in the Confederate states
• Freed slaves in most Southern states

96. What U.S. war ended slavery?
• The Civil War

97. What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States,
and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?
• 14th Amendment

98. When did all men get the right to vote?
• After the Civil War
• During Reconstruction
• (With the) 15th Amendment
• 1870

99. Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s.
• Susan B. Anthony
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• Sojourner Truth
• Harriet Tubman
• Lucretia Mott
• Lucy Stone

C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information

100. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

101. Why did the United States enter World War I?
• Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships
• To support the Allied Powers (England, France, Italy, and Russia)
• To oppose the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria)

102. When did all women get the right to vote?
• 1920
• After World War I
• (With the) 19th Amendment

103. What was the Great Depression?
• Longest economic recession in modern history

104. When did the Great Depression start?
• The Great Crash (1929)
• Stock market crash of 1929

105. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
• (Franklin) Roosevelt

106. Why did the United States enter World War II?
• (Bombing of) Pearl Harbor
• Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
• To support the Allied Powers (England, France, and Russia)
• To oppose the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan)

107. Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
• General during World War II
• President at the end of (during) the Korean War
• 34th president of the United States
• Signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (Created the Interstate System)

108. Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?
• Soviet Union
• USSR
• Russia

109. During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
• Communism
• Nuclear war

110. Why did the United States enter the Korean War?
• To stop the spread of communism

111. Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?
• To stop the spread of communism

112. What did the civil rights movement do?
• Fought to end racial discrimination

113. Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one. *
• Fought for civil rights
• Worked for equality for all Americans
• Worked to ensure that people would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”

114. Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?
• To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait

115. What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States? *
• Terrorists attacked the United States
• Terrorists took over two planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City
• Terrorists took over a plane and crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia
• Terrorists took over a plane originally aimed at Washington, D.C., and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania

116. Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
• (Global) War on Terror
• War in Afghanistan
• War in Iraq

117. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
• Apache
• Blackfeet
• Cayuga
• Cherokee
• Cheyenne
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Creek
• Crow
• Hopi
• Huron
• Inupiat
• Lakota
• Mohawk
• Mohegan
• Navajo
• Oneida
• Onondaga
• Pueblo
• Seminole
• Seneca
• Shawnee
• Sioux
• Teton
• Tuscarora
For a complete list of tribes, please visit bia.gov.

118. Name one example of an American innovation.
• Light bulb
• Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine)
• Skyscrapers
• Airplane
• Assembly line
• Landing on the moon
• Integrated circuit (IC)

SYMBOLS AND HOLIDAYS

A: Symbols

119. What is the capital of the United States?
• Washington, D.C.

120. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? *
• (Because there were) 13 original colonies
• (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies

122. Why does the flag have 50 stars?
• (Because there is) one star for each state
• (Because) each star represents a state
• (Because there are) 50 states

123. What is the name of the national anthem?
• The Star-Spangled Banner

124. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
• Out of many, one
• We all become one

B: Holidays

125. What is Independence Day?
• A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain)
• The country’s birthday

126. Name three national U.S. holidays. *
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

127. What is Memorial Day?
• A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service

128. What is Veterans Day?
• A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military
• A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)

🧾 Quick Links

✅ 2025 Naturalization Civics Test (what you need to know)
✅ 2025 US Civics Test Study Guide

 

2025 Naturalization Civics Test What You Need to Know

What’s Changing & When It Takes Effect

Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will begin using the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. This is based on the 2020 version of the civics test, with some procedural updates.

If you file Form N‑400 (Application for Naturalization) on or after that date, you’ll take the 2025 civics test. If you filed before that date (or less than 30 days after the Federal Register notice), you’ll still use the older 2008 version.

Key Differences: 2008 vs 2025 Test

Feature 2008 Civics Test 2025 Civics Test
Number of questions in the study bank 100 questions 128 questions
Number of questions asked in the test Up to 10 questions Up to 20 questions orally asked from the 128 bank
Number correct needed to pass 6 out of 10 correct answers Must answer 12 correctly out of 20 to pass
Failure condition** If you get more than 4 wrong (i.e. fewer than 6 correct) If you answer 9 questions incorrectly before you’ve got 12 correct, test ends in a fail.
Special provision for applicants age 65+ with 20+ years permanent residence Yes:  fewer questions needed Similar: will study 20 specially marked questions, asked 10, need to answer 6 correctly.

Note: Officers will stop asking questions once the applicant has either passed or failed under the new test rules.

What Remains the Same

  • It’s still an oral civics test where USCIS officers ask questions verbally.

  • The English requirement (reading, writing, speaking) remains part of the naturalization process.

  • The special accommodations for older applicants with long-term residence (65+ & 20 years) remain in place.

Why These Changes Matter

  • Greater preparation needed: More questions in the bank + more questions asked during interview = larger scope of study required. Applicants will need to be familiar with more topics of U.S. history, government, and civics.

  • Higher passing threshold: Under the new test, missing 9 questions leads to failure before even completing all 20; passing requires 12 correct. There’s less room for error.

  • Fairness & clarity: By publishing the full 128‑questions (with answers) ahead of time, USCIS gives applicants official study materials.

How to Prepare for the 2025 Civics Test

  1. Get the official 128‑Question Bank
    USCIS has published all 128 questions and answers for the 2025 version: you can and should study them.

  2. Schedule study time covering U.S. Government, History, Integrated Civics
    Topics include constitutional principles, branches of government, famous historical figures, major wars, civil rights, geography, symbols, etc. The new questions are more varied and some are more in depth.

  3. Focus on accuracy under pressure
    Since you’ll be asked up to 20 questions (or fewer, if you pass/fail early), practicing orally is useful. Practice with friends, in language classes, or with community groups.

  4. Special prep if 65+ with 20+ years permanent residence
    Use the special 20‑question (starred) subset. Practice with those questions, know them well. Since they’ll ask only 10 in the interview and require 6 correct, that’s still 60 %.

  5. Check for updates around elections or appointments
    Some answers depend on current officeholders. Always verify that your study material reflects the officials who will be in office during your test

    Go here to review Samples of the 2025 Civics Questions.

    🧾 Quick Links

    ✅ Full list of the 128 2025 US Civics Test Questions) with answers
    ✅ 2025 US Civics Test Study Guide

2025 US Citizenship Civics Test Study Guide

🧠 2025 U.S. Citizenship Civics Test Study Guide — Pass With Confidence

📌 What Is the 2025 U.S. Civics Test?

The 2025 U.S. Naturalization Civics Test is a key part of the U.S. citizenship interview. Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS will use a new version that includes 128 official questions. You’ll be asked up to 20 of them at your interview, and you’ll need to get 12 correct to pass.

If you’re applying for naturalization after that date, this is the test you’ll take.

📚 What This Study Guide Covers

  • 🔹 How the 2025 civics test works

  • 🔹 The 3 major content categories

  • 🔹 Tips for remembering key facts

  • 🔹 Sample questions with answers

  • 🔹 Official study resources

  • 🔹 What to expect on test day

🧾 Test Format: What You Need to Know

Feature 2025 Civics Test
Total questions in the bank 128
Questions asked at interview Up to 20
Number needed to pass 12 correct answers
Test type Oral (you must speak your answers aloud)
Language English (unless exempt)
Who uses this test All applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025

⚠️ Tip: If you are age 65+ and have been a permanent resident for 20+ years, you only need to study 20 special questions marked with an asterisk (*) by USCIS.

🧠 What Topics Are on the Civics Test?

All 128 questions fall into one of three categories:

🏛️ 1. U.S. Government

  • Principles of American democracy (e.g., Constitution, checks and balances)

  • System of government (e.g., Congress, President, Supreme Court)

  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens

    2. U.S. History

  • Founding of the country (e.g., Declaration of Independence)

  • Civil War and Reconstruction

  • American wars, civil rights, important figures

🌍 3. Symbols & Geography (Integrated Civics)

  • U.S. geography (rivers, states, capitals)

  • National holidays and symbols (e.g., flag, anthem)

📝 Sample Questions (From the Official 128)

Here are a few real examples to help you practice:

1. What is the supreme law of the land?
➡️ The Constitution

2. What does the Constitution do?
➡️ Sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights

3. What is the “rule of law”?
➡️ Everyone must follow the law, even leaders

4. Name one branch of the government.
➡️ Legislative, Executive, Judicial

5. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
➡️ Because there were 13 original colonies

6. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
➡️ The civil rights movement

7. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
➡️ The President

8. Name one right only for U.S. citizens.
➡️ Vote in a federal election

🧩 Study Tips for Success

✅ Use Flashcards

Break up the 128 questions into chunks of 10–15 per day. Apps like Quizlet or USCIS printable flashcards are great.

✅ Practice Out Loud

The civics test is spoken — not written. Practicing verbally helps build confidence for the interview setting.

✅ Group Practice

Join a community prep class, study group, or practice with friends or family.

✅ Update Current Events

Some questions require you to name elected officials. Always check for updates just before your interview!

Example:
“Who is the Speaker of the House?”
👉 The answer may change depending on when you take the test.

📥 Download the Official Question List

🗂️ Review USCIS 2025 Civics Test: 128 Questions and Answers

You can print this out, highlight it, and mark the ones that need more review.

👨‍⚖️ What to Expect on Test Day

  • You’ll meet with a USCIS officer for your naturalization interview.

  • The officer will ask up to 20 questions from the list.

  • The questions are random.

  • Once you get 12 right, they stop the test — you’ve passed.

  • If you get 9 wrong before reaching 12 correct, you fail that portion.

If you fail, you will be allowed to retake the civics portion at a later date.

🧓 Special Rule: Age 65+ with 20+ Years Residency

You may qualify for a simplified version of the civics test:

  • You’ll only be asked 10 questions

  • Only need 6 correct answers

  • Only study the 20 starred questions from the 128-question list

🎯 Final Thoughts

The 2025 civics test is more rigorous, but 100% passable — if you prepare.
USCIS gives you the questions in advance, so it’s all about practice.

Whether you’re applying this year or next, now is the time to get ready.
Bookmark this page, share it with others, and start studying today!

🧾 Quick Links

✅ Full list of the 128 2025 US Civics Test Questions) with answers
✅ 2025 Naturalization Civics Test (what you need to know)