Major Immigration Policy Changes Take Effect in October 2025
October 2025 marks a significant turning point for U.S. immigration policy with three major developments taking effect this month. USCIS announced implementation of a more challenging citizenship test starting October 20, 2025, affecting all new naturalization applicants. Additionally, the federal government is preparing to reopen the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to new applicants for the first time in four years, potentially benefiting up to 1.1 million eligible individuals nationwide.
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin also brings welcome news for employment-based green card applicants, with moderate to significant advancements across most EB categories as the new fiscal year begins. These changes represent the most comprehensive set of immigration policy updates in recent months.
New U.S. Citizenship Test Requirements Starting October 20, 2025
The most immediate change affecting prospective Americans is the implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test. Anyone filing Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, will face the new, more rigorous examination.
- Question Pool Expansion: Total questions increase from 100 to 128 possible questions
- More Questions Asked: Applicants will be asked 20 questions instead of 10 during their interview
- Higher Passing Threshold: Must answer 12 out of 20 correctly (60%) instead of 6 out of 10
- New Content Areas: Questions now cover the 10th Amendment, Federalist Papers, Presidents like Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Founding Fathers including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison
- Innovation Focus: New questions highlight examples of American innovation and technological advancement
Critical timing consideration: If you file your N-400 application before October 20, 2025, you will still take the current (easier) version with 100 questions. However, filing on or after October 20 means you'll face the new test with 128 possible questions. This has created a rush among eligible applicants to submit their naturalization applications before the October 20 deadline.
DACA Program Reopening After Four-Year Closure
In a significant development for undocumented young adults, lawyers for the federal government and immigrant advocates have presented plans before a federal judge to reopen the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. USCIS is expected to begin accepting both new and renewal DACA applications nationwide for the first time since 2021.
For New DACA Applicants
Approximately 1.1 million people may be eligible to apply for DACA protection for the first time, according to 2023 estimates from the Migration Policy Institute. This reopening provides deportation protection and work authorization for individuals who came to the United States as children and meet specific requirements.
For DACA Renewal Applicants
Current DACA recipients will be able to renew their status through the standard USCIS process. Renewal applications ensure continuous protection from deportation and maintain employment authorization, which is critical for DACA recipients who have built careers and families in the United States.
For Texas Residents - Important Limitation
Due to ongoing legal challenges, Texas residents can apply for DACA but will not receive work permits, even if their applications are approved. This creates a complicated situation where Texas-based applicants receive deportation protection but cannot legally work. Approximately 95,000 current DACA recipients reside in Texas.
October 2025 Visa Bulletin Brings Employment-Based Advances
The start of Fiscal Year 2026 brings positive movement in the monthly Visa Bulletin for employment-based green card applicants. USCIS has confirmed it will use the "Dates for Filing" chart for October 2025, allowing more applicants to submit their Form I-485 adjustment of status applications.
EB-1 Category Movement
China EB-1: Advanced by five weeks to December 22, 2022. India EB-1: Remains at February 15, 2022 for Final Action, but the Dates for Filing chart shows advancement of one full year. All other countries remain current in the EB-1 category.
EB-2 and EB-3 Advances
Most EB-2 and EB-3 categories advance by two to three and a half months for the Final Action Dates. The Dates for Filing chart shows more significant movement, with some categories advancing more than a year, allowing many applicants to file their green card applications earlier than anticipated.
EB-5 India Major Jump
EB-5 investor visas for India advanced by almost 15 months, the largest single-month movement in any employment-based category. This substantial jump provides hope for Indian investors who have been waiting years for visa availability.
How to Prepare for the New Citizenship Test
If you're planning to apply for naturalization, taking action now is critical. Here's your step-by-step preparation guide:
- Determine Your Timeline: If you're eligible now, file Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, to take the current (easier) test version
- Study Materials: Download the official USCIS study materials from uscis.gov/citizenship, which includes all 128 possible questions for the new test
- Practice Tests: Take multiple practice tests focusing on the new content areas like the Federalist Papers and 10th Amendment
- Document Preparation: Ensure your passport photos meet USCIS requirements before submitting your N-400 application
- Review Your Application: Double-check all information on Form N-400 for accuracy, as mistakes can delay processing by several months
Important Dates and Timeline for October 2025
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new immigration requirements:
- October 1, 2025: Start of Fiscal Year 2026; October Visa Bulletin takes effect with new priority dates
- October 20, 2025: New citizenship test takes effect for all N-400 applications filed on or after this date
- October 2025 (Expected): DACA program reopens to new applicants pending final court approval
- September 30, 2025: Final deadline for EB-4 Religious Worker visas; category becomes unavailable starting October
- Throughout October 2025: Employment-based green card applicants can use Dates for Filing chart for I-485 submissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the New Citizenship Test Be Available in Other Languages?
Yes, the 2025 citizenship test remains available in the same languages as before. However, if you're 50 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, or 55 or older with at least 15 years of permanent residency, you can take the test in your native language with an interpreter. The new test maintains these accommodations despite the increased difficulty level.
Can I Apply for DACA if I'm Over 31 Years Old?
No, DACA eligibility requires that you were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012. Additionally, you must have come to the United States before age 16 and have continuously resided here since June 15, 2007. Age requirements remain unchanged in the reopening of the program, so individuals who aged out cannot newly qualify even with the program reopening.
What Happens if My Priority Date Is Current in the Visa Bulletin?
If your priority date is current in the Final Action Dates chart, USCIS can approve your Form I-485 and issue your green card. If it's current only in the Dates for Filing chart, you can submit your I-485 but USCIS cannot finalize approval until your date becomes current in the Final Action Dates chart. October 2025 uses the Dates for Filing chart, giving more applicants the opportunity to file their adjustment of status applications.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
October 2025 represents a pivotal month for U.S. immigration policy with changes affecting naturalization applicants, DACA-eligible individuals, and employment-based green card applicants. The new citizenship test significantly raises the bar for naturalization, while the DACA reopening provides hope for hundreds of thousands of young adults who have been unable to apply for four years. Employment-based applicants also benefit from favorable Visa Bulletin movement.
If you're pursuing any immigration benefit, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before submitting applications to avoid processing delays. Additionally, consider consulting with an immigration attorney to understand how these policy changes specifically affect your case, especially given the October 20 citizenship test deadline and the upcoming DACA application window. Staying informed about visa photo specifications and document requirements can help streamline your application process and reduce costly delays.