N-400 Civics Test 2026: 2008 vs 2025 Version & the 65/20 Exemption
Published 2026-08-11 · Source: USCIS — Naturalization Test
The naturalization interview has two academic parts: an English test and a civics test. Which civics test you face is decided by one date — when you filed Form N-400. USCIS introduced a revised 2025 civics test, and the cutover is October 20, 2025. File before that and you get the long-standing 2008 version; file on or after it and you get the newer 2025 version. This guide lays out both and the exemption for older long-time residents.
Two versions, decided by filing date
| 2008 version | 2025 version | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies if N-400 filed | Before Oct 20, 2025 | On or after Oct 20, 2025 |
| Question bank | 100 questions | 128 questions |
| Asked at interview | 10 | 20 |
| Correct to pass | 6 | 12 |
The deciding factor is your N-400 filing date, not your interview date. If you filed in September 2025, you keep the 2008 test even if the interview happens in 2026.
The 65/20 exemption
Long-time residents get a break. If you are age 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 or more years, you qualify for the 65/20 exemption: you are tested only on a short set of 20 civics questions (drawn from the 2008 list), with 10 asked and 6 correct to pass, and you take a simplified English test.
The English test (all applicants, unless exempt)
- Speaking: respond understandably to the officer’s questions.
- Reading: read one of three sentences aloud correctly.
- Writing: write one of three sentences correctly.
- Understanding: comprehend the civics questions as asked.
Filing fee
Form N-400 costs $760 by paper or $710 online in 2026, biometrics included (USCIS Form G-1055, Edition 02/17/2026, verified 2026-08-11). A reduced fee of $380 applies at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and waivers exist for qualifying applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which civics test version applies to me?
It depends on your N-400 filing date. If you filed your naturalization application before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 version: 100 possible questions, 10 asked at the interview, 6 correct to pass. If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 version: 128 possible questions, 20 asked, 12 correct to pass. The filing date — not the interview date — is what matters.
What is the 65/20 exemption?
Applicants who are age 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 or more years qualify for the 65/20 exemption. They are tested only on a shorter set of 20 civics questions (from the 2008 list), with 10 asked and 6 correct to pass, and they take a simplified English test.
What does the English test cover?
The English portion has four parts: speaking (understand and respond to the officer), reading (read one of three sentences aloud correctly), writing (write one of three sentences correctly), and understanding (comprehension of civics questions). The civics test is separate from the English test.
What is the N-400 filing fee?
Form N-400 costs $760 if filed by paper or $710 if filed online in 2026, biometrics included (USCIS Form G-1055, Edition 02/17/2026, verified 2026-08-11). A reduced fee of $380 applies if household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; fee waivers exist for those who qualify.