Also, I've been trying to figure out what to tell my students and tutors who are currently preparing for interviews. You are probably doing the same with your students. It's a tricky calculation. Here's what I'm thinking right now (but keep in mind that this is based on current information, and USCIS policies can change any time.)
Students who have already submitted an application, are safe preparing for the 2008 test.
If you think the student will be ready for the interview (likely to pass the 2008 test) by mid-January, and they will meet the 5-year/3-year qualifications for citizenship by by Oct. 20th, they can submit their application before Oct. 20th and they'll be given the 2008 test. (They have some time to prepare because it takes a minimum of three months to process applications, and often it takes longer). There's also a little wiggle room in there because if they fail the test, they'll get a free retest within three months, and presumably it will be the same (2008) test again.
As of this time, the fee waiver is still available. Students who are likely to qualify for a waiver may feel it's worth the gamble, and (if they meet the 3/5-year qualification) send their applications early even if they're not sure they'll be able to pass the 2008 test by mid-January. If they fail, at least they don't lose hundreds of dollars.
Students who cannot qualify for citizenship before Oct. 20th will have to study for the 2025 test.
Students who are NOT likely to be able to pass the 2008 test by mid-January should start working on the 2025 question set. We can expect this preparation to take quite a bit longer, and for those with lower proficiency/less formal education, it may involve memorization of whole phrase responses rather than genuine comprehension of the new (rather advanced) historical/government concepts.
But please keep in mind:
The new civics questions are harder, and there are more of them, but they generally follow the same set of concepts as the 2008 test and nothing has changed in regard to the literacy test. So using Citizenship: Passing the Test is a good place to start. Once students have mastered the literacy items and have the civics concepts down, you'll be able to supplement with new vocabulary/concepts from the 2025 set of questions. I suggest putting less emphasis on chapter 2 (most of the geography questions have been eliminated) and increasing your focus on the civics chapters (7 through 10).
A new edition of Citizenship: Passing the Test: Civics and Literacy is in the works. I'm working as fast as I can!
Posted: to Citizenship News on Sat, Sep 20, 2025
Updated: Sat, Sep 20, 2025