What's changed in U.S. naturalization

Proposed rule would raise Form N-400 and N-336 fees

DHS proposed raising the Form N-400 fee to $1,330 on paper or $1,280 online, and the Form N-336 fee to $1,475 on paper or $1,425 online. The proposal would also end fee waivers for both forms and the reduced N-400 fee. Qualified current and former members of the armed forces would stay exempt.

Current stage: Comment period closed August 24, 2026. No final rule has been published, so it is not in effect and the current fees still apply.

Who it affects

People applying for naturalization with Form N-400, and people asking for a hearing on a denied application with Form N-336, if the rule becomes final.

A new Congress begins in January 2027

Under the 20th Amendment, a new Congress begins at noon on January 3 unless Congress sets a different day by law, and no different day has been set as of the last check. Some civics answers depend on who holds office on the day of your interview, such as your U.S. representative and senators, so those answers may change.

Who it affects

Applicants whose civics test is on or after the day the new Congress begins. Use the answer that is true on the day of your interview.

Effective date

January 3, 2027

USCIS ends the general waiver of neighborhood investigations

USCIS added guidance to its Policy Manual on neighborhood investigations, which look into an applicant's conduct and character where they live and work. USCIS may still waive an investigation in a particular case or for a group of cases. Applicants may choose to include character reference letters, which USCIS considers when deciding whether to waive one.

Who it affects

Naturalization applications pending on or filed after August 25, 2026.

Effective date

August 25, 2026

USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for fees

Fees are now paid electronically: by credit or debit card, or by bank transfer (ACH) from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650. People who can't pay electronically may ask for an exemption with Form G-1651.

Who it affects

Anyone who pays a USCIS filing fee for a request filed on or after October 28, 2025. The policy covers fees in general rather than listing forms one by one.

Effective date

October 28, 2025

The 2025 civics test replaces the 2008 test for new applications

If you file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test: the officer asks up to 20 questions from a list of 128, and you pass with 12 correct. If you filed before that date, you take the 2008 test. The English part of the test did not change.

Who it affects

Everyone who files Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. Applicants who qualify for the 65/20 special consideration answer 10 questions from a list of 20 and need 6 correct.

Effective date

October 20, 2025

New guidance on unlawful voting and false claims to U.S. citizenship

USCIS updated how it handles naturalization cases where the applicant voted unlawfully or falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen, including when registering to vote. Unless a limited exception applies, USCIS issues a Notice to Appear in immigration court, and it then generally denies the application. Applications based on military service are an exception to the denial.

Who it affects

Applicants who have falsely claimed U.S. citizenship or voted unlawfully, with applications pending on or filed after August 29, 2025.

Effective date

August 29, 2025

USCIS returns to a whole-picture review of good moral character

A USCIS policy memo tells officers to look at the whole picture of an applicant's conduct when deciding good moral character, weighing favorable and unfavorable evidence. Positive factors such as volunteer service, family responsibilities, and rehabilitation count, not only whether a specific bar applies.

Who it affects

Naturalization applicants, since every applicant must show good moral character. The memo does not state a separate effective date.

Form N-648 disability exceptions get closer review

Form N-648, the medical certification for an exception to the English and civics tests, should again be filed together with Form N-400 unless there are extenuating circumstances. USCIS also said that filing more than one N-648 may raise questions about the certification, and it added examples of reasons an officer may doubt one.

Who it affects

Applicants asking for a disability exception who file Form N-400 on or after June 13, 2025.

Effective date

June 13, 2025