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- Where can I find the new Naturalization test study questions?
The 2025 Version of the Civics Questions and Answers can be located on the USCIS website. In addition to providing the 128 questions to review, for which you must get 12 out of 20 correct to pass, they have provided a study guide to assist you in studying for the civics test.
- My priority date is current, and we are ready to file our adjustment applications. What are the USCIS filing fees?
The USCIS filing fee is $1440.00 for the I-485 petition. The $1440.00 filing fee only covers the I-485 petition, it no longer covers the cost for the EAD and AP. If you are looking to file for employment authorization/EAD (Form I-765) with your I-485, it now carries a separate filing fee of $260.00. If you are looking to file for travel authorization/advance parole (AP) (Form I-131) with your I-485, it now carries its own separate filing fee of $630.00.
- Can we still mail paper checks to USCIS?
No, unless you qualify for an exception. If you qualify for an exception, you can submit Form G-1651 with your money order or cashier’s check to USCIS. Effective October 28, 2025, USCIS will only accept ACH debit transactions using Form G-1650 or credit card payments using Form G-1450.
- What does the Good Moral Character (GMC) standard for Naturalization require?
Effective August 15, 2025, USCIS is now applying a rigorous, holistic, and comprehensive Good Moral Character (GMC) evaluation standard rather than just an absence of wrongdoing. This means that in addition to establishing that you have not done anything wrong, you will need to prove that you are a contributing member of society. USCIS is looking at the following factors: sustained community involvement and contributions in the U.S. (i.e., involvement in the Parent Teacher Association, involvement in social organizations, involvement in community service organizations, donations made to charitable organizations, etc.); family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the U.S., (i.e., childcare responsibility and involvement, paying child support/alimony, existing family in the U.S., etc.); educational attainment (i.e., degree and transcripts, certifications, etc.); stable and lawful employment history and achievements (i.e., letter from employer, pay statements, 401k statement, etc.); length of lawful residence in the U.S.,; compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the U.S. (i.e., submission of tax returns, proof of tax payment plans and compliance with those payments if applicable, credit report, etc.). Link to USCIS GMC policy: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/08.15.2025-Restoring_a_Good_Moral_Character_Evaluation_Standard_for_Aliens_Applying_for_Naturalization-Policy_Memorandum_FINAL.pdf
You should speak with an experienced Immigration Attorney prior to filing Form N400, Application for Naturalization with USCIS.
- What are the current processing times for Labor Certification from DOL?
As of 09/01/2025 (the last update on the Department of Labor website), they are currently issuing certified Labor Applications for initial Form ETA 9089 filed on or before June 2024.
- What are the average processing times for PERM prevailing wages from the Department of Labor?
As of 09/01/2025 (the last update on the DOL website), they are currently issuing final prevailing wage determinations for initial prevailing wage requests submitted in May 2025.
- Does anything need to be done before using Form G-1450 for credit card payments to USCIS?
Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, is a Form to make payment to the USCIS directly from your credit card. You must complete all sections of the form and provide a ‘wet’ signature on the form prior to submission to USCIS. You need to ensure there are sufficient funds on the credit card to cover all your filing fees. USCIS will not attempt to process your credit card payment a second time.
- Can you expedite a case with USCIS?
Yes, it is possible to expedite a case with USCIS if you are able to satisfy their expedite criteria. The USCIS expedite criteria can be found on their website: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/expedite-requests.
- Does anything have to be done beforehand to use Form G-1650 for bank payments to USCIS to ensure they are accepted and not rejected?
Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transaction, is a Form to make payment to the USCIS directly from your business or personal bank account. You must complete all sections of the form and provide a ‘wet’ signature on the form prior to submission to USCIS. You may need to contact your bank to permit the Department of Homeland Security to debit funds by ACH from your account (specifically, remove the ACH Debit Block). The Agency Location Codes (ALC+2) are: 7001010330; 700101031B; 700101031F; 7001010327; 7001010372; 7001010331; 700101031D; 700101031J; 7001010328; 70010103X5; 7001010335; 700101031E; 7001010325; 7001010329; 7001010390; 7001010333; 7001010326; 7001010371.
- I want to help. What is happening is wrong. How can I help?
Contact by telephone, email or by writing a letter to your U.S. Senator & House Representatives on a daily or weekly basis and let them know you do not approve of this administration’s actions on Immigration. They must document and respond to every communication received by a constituent.
Serve as an Observer in Immigration Court (with the American Bar Association).
Serve as an interpreter for a non-profit that assists pro se applicants with their Immigration Court screenings.
Donate to a local non-profit serving the Immigrant population. Non-profits within the State of Maryland can be found here: https://goci.maryland.gov/community-partners/.
MVP Law Group would like to thank everyone who contributed a question or comment.
Our next “Immigration Q & A Forum” is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025!
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