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USCIS naturalization changes 2025 introduced new standards for good moral character, an updated civics test, and significant fee policies that affect every N-400 applicant. Here’s what stayed, what changed, and what’s verified as of May 2026.
Several reforms took effect on October 20, 2025, while the $100,000 H-1B fee proclamation from September is now narrower in scope than originally reported. We’ve verified the current rules with USCIS sources for this update.
New Good Moral Character (GMC) Standard for Naturalization
Among all the USCIS naturalization changes 2025 brought, the new Good Moral Character (GMC) standard is the most consequential for applicants filing the N-400. Under a Policy Memorandum issued on August 15, 2025, titled “Restoring a Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard,” USCIS shifted from a passive review (absence of wrongdoing) to a holistic, affirmative evaluation of each applicant’s character.
This standard applies to all applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. If you filed before that date, the prior standard still governs your case.
USCIS officers now evaluate five factors as part of the GMC review:
- Contributions to the community in the U.S.: volunteer work, civic involvement, or service to others.
- Family and caregiving responsibilities: evidence of support for dependents, family members, or others in your care.
- Stable employment: consistent work history, job stability, and lawful income.
- Length of lawful residence: how long you have maintained continuous, lawful status in the U.S.
- Tax compliance: filing history, IRS transcripts, and absence of unresolved tax obligations.
We strongly advise gathering documentation across all five categories before filing. An officer may weigh these factors differently depending on your individual record, which is why if your citizenship is denied, the reason often comes back to an incomplete character record and not just a single disqualifying event.
The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
On September 17, 2025, USCIS released the new 2025 Civics Test for naturalization. This updated version applies to all N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, and is administered alongside the strengthened GMC review.
Applicants who filed before October 20, 2025 will take the version of the civics test that was in effect at the time of their filing. If you are unsure which test applies to your case, verify with your attorney before your interview date.
The new civics test reflects broader civic knowledge expectations and is designed to align with the updated holistic evaluation standard. We recommend starting preparation early, particularly if you are filing close to the cutoff date, to allow time for both the civics content and the character documentation USCIS now requires.
H-1B $100,000 Fee Scope and Current Status
A Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 introduced a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions. The fee took effect on September 21, 2025. However, the scope of who must pay this fee is significantly narrower than early reporting suggested.
The fee applies only to foreign nationals who meet all of the following conditions:
- Currently outside the United States, AND
- Do not hold a valid H-1B visa stamp in their passport, AND
- Do not have a valid approval notice (such as an extension, amendment, or change of status approval).
This means many H-1B workers currently inside the U.S. are exempt from the $100,000 fee. Workers with an active change of status, pending extension, or valid approval notice are generally not required to pay it. If you or your employer is unsure whether the fee applies, do not assume exemption without a legal review.
The proclamation has a duration of approximately 12 months from September 21, 2025, meaning it is set to expire around September 21, 2026, though it may be extended. Two federal lawsuits are currently challenging the fee on constitutional grounds: Global Nurse Force v. Trump and Chamber of Commerce v. DHS. Both argue the President lacks authority to impose new conditions on the H-1B program. These cases are ongoing as of May 2026.
N-400 Naturalization Fee Updated for 2026
Despite widespread concern about fee changes, the N-400 filing fees have remained stable. The fees established in April 2024 are still in effect as of May 2026. Here is the current fee breakdown:
- N-400 filing fee (online): $710, applies to most applicants filing through the USCIS online portal.
- N-400 filing fee (paper): $760, for applicants submitting a paper application by mail.
- Reduced fee (Form I-942): $380, available if your household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Biometrics fee: included in the filing fee, there is no separate biometrics charge.
- Fee waiver (Form I-912): available based on financial hardship; you do not have to pay the filing fee if approved.
You can verify current fees at any time using the USCIS Fee Calculator and the official G-1055 fee schedule. To check your USCIS case status after filing, use the USCIS online portal with your receipt number.
EB-4 Religious Worker Sunset and Other Updates
The EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker program continues to be subject to a statutory sunset provision. USCIS resumed processing EB-4 petitions for minister-category workers, allowing eligible ministers with earlier priority dates to file adjustment of status. However, non-minister religious workers remain in a more constrained position because the sunset provision affects their filing eligibility.
We rank position 1 for searches about the sunset date for the Non-Minister Religious Worker program, which reflects how frequently applicants and attorneys are tracking this issue. If you are filing as a non-minister religious worker, consult USCIS directly for the current sunset date and any extensions, as this date has changed multiple times and we recommend verifying with USCIS for the most current information before filing.
How These Changes Affect Current N-400 Applicants
The practical impact of these reforms depends heavily on when you filed and what your situation looks like. Here are the four most common scenarios we are handling in our practice:
- Applied before October 20, 2025: the prior GMC standard applies to your case and you will take the civics test version in effect at your filing date. No retroactive changes.
- Applied on or after October 20, 2025: you are subject to the new Good Moral Character (GMC) standard and the 2025 Civics Test. Begin gathering the five categories of character documentation now.
- H-1B holders applying for N-400: if you are currently inside the U.S. with a valid H-1B status, the $100,000 fee does not affect your N-400 application directly, but changes to employer hiring and your employment continuity can affect your GMC record. Keep your employment record consistent through the application period.
- Pending N-336 appeals: if you filed an N-336 appeal after a denial, confirm with your attorney whether the new GMC standard applies to your appeal timeline or whether the original standard governs your record.
If you have an expired green card and are navigating the citizenship timeline alongside these policy changes, what happens with an expired green card during the citizenship process is explained in detail in a separate post. For a broader look at the application process, see our complete guide to the U.S. citizenship application.
What to Do If You Are Concerned About These Changes
If you are unsure how these USCIS naturalization changes affect your case, our team handles N-400 applications across all scenarios, both pre and post October 2025. The most important step is not to delay filing while waiting for policy clarity that may not arrive. Reach out before you file.
Our Houston naturalization attorneys review your eligibility, help you build your GMC documentation, and prepare you for the current civics test. If your situation involves H-1B status or you have questions about how your employment history affects your character evaluation, we handle both sides of that analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about USCIS Naturalization Changes 2025-2026
Will the U.S. citizenship test change in 2025-2026?
Yes. USCIS released a new 2025 Civics Test on September 17, 2025. It applies to all N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. Applicants who filed before that date will take the version of the civics test that was in effect at the time of their filing. Check your receipt date to confirm which test applies to your interview.
How much is the N-400 naturalization fee in 2026?
As of May 2026, the N-400 fee is $710 for online filing and $760 for paper filing. A reduced fee of $380 is available for applicants whose household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (Form I-942). A full fee waiver (Form I-912) is also available based on financial hardship. Biometrics are included in the filing fee with no separate charge.
Who has to pay the $100,000 H-1B fee under the September 2025 proclamation?
The $100,000 fee applies only to foreign nationals who are currently outside the United States, do not have a valid H-1B visa stamp in their passport, and do not have a valid approval notice from an extension, amendment, or change of status. Many H-1B workers already inside the U.S. are exempt. If you are unsure, confirm with an immigration attorney before your employer files a new petition.
When does the new Good Moral Character standard apply?
The new Good Moral Character (GMC) standard applies to N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. It is based on USCIS Policy Memorandum issued August 15, 2025. Applications filed before that date are evaluated under the prior standard. The new standard requires affirmative evidence across five factors: community contributions, family caregiving, stable employment, length of lawful residence, and tax compliance.
What is the sunset date for the Non-Minister Religious Worker program?
The Non-Minister Religious Worker category (EB-4) is subject to a statutory sunset provision that has lapsed and been extended multiple times. Because this date changes and extensions are not always guaranteed, we recommend checking directly with USCIS or consulting an immigration attorney for the current sunset date before filing or adjusting status under this category.
Are there active lawsuits against the H-1B $100,000 fee?
Yes. As of May 2026, two federal lawsuits are challenging the fee: Global Nurse Force v. Trump and Chamber of Commerce v. DHS. Both cases argue that the President does not have statutory authority to impose new financial conditions on the H-1B program. These cases are pending. The fee remains in effect while litigation proceeds unless a court issues an injunction.
