If you are age 50 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test. You must still pass the civics test.
What is the "55/15" English language exemption?
If you are age 55 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 15 years, you do not have to take the English test. You must still pass the civics test.
If you qualify for an English language exemption (like 50/20 or 55/15), how can you take the civics test?
You can take the civics test in your native language. You are allowed to bring a qualified interpreter with you to the interview.
What is the "65/20" rule for the civics test?
If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you are eligible for a simplified civics test.
How is the civics test different for applicants who qualify for the "65/20" rule?
They are tested from a smaller, designated list of only 20 civics questions instead of the full 100. They are still asked up to 10 questions and must answer 6 correctly.
At what point must you meet the age and residency requirements for an exemption?
You must meet the age and residency requirements at the time you file your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Can an applicant be exempt from both the English and civics tests?
Yes, if they have a medically documented physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents them from learning English and/or civics.
What form is required to apply for a disability exception?
You must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by a licensed medical professional.
If an applicant is 56 years old and has been a permanent resident for 14 years, do they qualify for the 55/15 exemption?
No. The applicant must meet both the age (55 or older) and residency (15 or more years) requirements. In this case, the residency requirement is not met.
Does USCIS provide interpreters for those who qualify for a language exemption?
No. If you qualify to take the test in your native language, you are responsible for bringing your own qualified interpreter to the interview.
Who can serve as an interpreter at the interview?
The interpreter cannot be a witness or anyone with a role in the applicant's case. It should be a neutral, fluent person like a friend, family member, or professional interpreter.
Does a "65/20" applicant still need to demonstrate an ability to speak English?
No, the 65/20 rule only applies to the civics test content. The applicant would still need to meet the English test requirements unless they also qualify for an English exemption, like the 55/15 rule.
