• Source:JND
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The U.S. Green Card system will undergo a drastic transformation as the Trump administration rolls out sweeping changes in the interview and naturalisation processes. The most important visa categories, i.e., EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5, are reopening for filing after a brief cap in September 2025, providing new possibilities for those who are looking forward to US permanent residence from October 1, 2025. 

The new procedures come into effect on October 20, 2025. One of the most significant changes is an expansion of the civics test administered during naturalisation interviews. The applicants will now have to prove more knowledge of the history and government of the United States. Background checks will also be broadened, according to usajobs.gov, and USCIS officers have been instructed to assess applicants’ “good moral character.” 

Green Card Applicants Face Stricter Interview

In an official release, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) described the changes as “an ongoing effort to restore integrity to the naturalisation process.” For applicants filing the N-400 form on or after October 20, the 2025 civics test will require answering 12 out of 20 questions correctly, drawn from a pool of 128 questions, up from the previous requirement of six correct answers from 10 questions.

Applicants aged 65 or older with at least 20 years of green card residency will receive special consideration, needing to answer only 10 questions and get six correct. The test may be retaken once, but failure on a second attempt will result in denial of citizenship.

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Implications For EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 And EB-5 Applicants

 EB-1 and EB-2 Reopenings

 - Categories for priority workers, researchers, executives, and advanced degree holders.

 - Offer streamlined pathways for highly skilled professionals.

 - EB-3 Category (Skilled Workers & Professionals)

 - Remains one of the most in-demand categories.

Indian applicants face a severe backlog with the final action date stuck at May 22, 2013.

 - Only applicants with priority dates before this cut-off can proceed.

 - New EB-3 applications will likely be processed in the next fiscal year.

EB-5 Category (Investor Visa Program)

 - Designed for investors creating jobs in the US economy.

 - Continues to draw high interest due to direct pathway to permanent residency.

 - Remains attractive for wealthy applicants and global entrepreneurs.

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What Applicants Need To Know

Applicants should prepare for stricter evaluations and ensure they meet updated requirements for civics knowledge, background checks, and moral character assessments. The changes reflect the administration’s focus on ensuring integrity in the U.S. immigration system while reopening opportunities for skilled professionals, investors, and long-term contributors to American society.