From October 2025, the US will reinstate a stricter citizenship test, making the journey from H-1B visa to green card and eventual citizenship more challenging. Applicants must answer 12 of 20 civics questions drawn from a pool of 128, alongside heightened background checks and neighborhood verifications.
Why this matters for Indian professionals
India continues to dominate the H-1B landscape, with 232,974 approvals between 2020 and 2023, accounting for nearly 74% of all visas. Indians are the second-largest immigrant group in the US, after Mexicans, underscoring their pivotal role in the American workforce. For these professionals, securing citizenship provides long-term stability, voting rights, and the ability to sponsor family members.
What’s changing in the citizenship test
The reinstated test, originally introduced in 2020, expands the knowledge pool from 100 to 128 questions on US history and politics. Unlike the previous version that required six correct answers out of ten, applicants must now pass 12 out of 20 oral questions. Seniors above 65 with 20 years of residency get a reduced 20-question pool.
Heightened scrutiny beyond the test
The reforms also revive “neighborhood checks” and broaden criteria for assessing “good moral character.” Officials argue these measures strengthen assimilation and ensure only those aligned with American values achieve citizenship. However, pro-immigration groups warn the changes could delay or block deserving long-term residents.
Preparing for the future
For Indian H-1B holders, the message is clear: preparation and awareness are critical. Reviewing the expanded 128-question civics pool, staying updated on policy shifts, and planning for extended background scrutiny will be essential steps in securing US citizenship. While daunting, these changes reflect the evolving landscape of US immigration and demand careful navigation.
Summary
The US will reinstate a tougher citizenship test from October 2025, requiring applicants to answer 12 of 20 questions from a 128-question pool, alongside stricter background checks. For Indian H-1B holders — who represent nearly 74% of approvals in recent years — the move adds fresh hurdles in the pursuit of green cards and citizenship.
