Short summaries of changes that affect the civics test and the naturalization process. https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/ 2026-11-13T00:00:00Z https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#watch-dhs-testing-rule2026-11-13T00:00:00Z

DHS's regulatory agenda lists a proposal to amend the educational requirements for naturalization and let third parties administer parts of the test. Reports say a proposed rule is expected in December 2026. As of November 13, 2026 we found no published rule.

https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#2026-10-approvals-drop2026-10-29T00:00:00Z

A law-firm blog reports that USCIS approved 54,974 naturalization applications in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, compared with 236,924 a year earlier, and that average waits rose.

https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#2026-10-character-letters2026-10-15T00:00:00Z

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's October 2026 advisory says USCIS may waive a neighborhood investigation when an applicant sends enough testimonial or character reference letters. It also says missing letters alone cannot justify a finding of bad moral character.

https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#2026-08-neighborhood-investigations2026-08-25T00:00:00Z

A USCIS policy alert dated August 25, 2026 ends the general waiver of neighborhood investigations. Officers may speak with people who know an applicant to check details from Form N-400, including good moral character.

https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#2026-06-fee-proposal2026-06-15T00:00:00Z

ABC7 reports a June 2026 DHS proposal to raise the online application fee from $710 to $1,280 and end most fee waivers, with current and former military members exempt. It was a proposal, so check the current fee before you file.

https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#2025-11-early-stop2025-11-19T00:00:00Z

Documented NY reported on anxiety over the updated test. Under the 2025 rules, the officer can end the civics test once an applicant reaches 12 correct answers or 9 incorrect ones.

https://getcitizenpath.com/blog/news/#2025-10-new-test2025-10-16T00:00:00Z

NPR reported on the revised civics test. It applies to people who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, and the officer asks up to 20 questions from a bank of 128. Applicants need 12 correct answers.