Quick reference
- Age 50+ and a permanent resident for 20+ years (50/20): no English test. You still take the civics test, and you can take it in your own language with an interpreter.
- Age 55+ and a permanent resident for 15+ years (55/15): no English test. Same civics rules as 50/20.
- Age 65+ and a permanent resident for 20+ years (65/20): no English test, and an easier civics test: 10 questions from a short list of 20, and you need 6 right. You can take it in your own language.
- Medical disability (Form N-648): you may be exempt from English, civics, or both.
Both the age and the years must be met on the day you file Form N-400, not on the day of your interview. If you turn 55 a month after you file, the 55/15 exception doesn't apply to that application.
The 50/20 and 55/15 exceptions (no English test)
Under INA 312(b), you are exempt from the English requirement if, when you file:
- you are 50 or older and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 20 years, or
- you are 55 or older and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 15 years.
You still have to pass the civics test, but you may take it in the language of your choice using an interpreter. You get the regular civics test: for an N-400 filed on or after October 20, 2025, that's 20 questions from the list of 128, and you need 12 correct. For an N-400 filed before then, it's 10 questions from the list of 100, and you need 6 correct.
Bring your own interpreter. The Form N-400 instructions say that if you need an interpreter and qualify for an exception to the English test, you must bring an interpreter to the interview. The Policy Manual says the interpreter must translate word for word, without adding opinions or answers, take an interpreter's oath, and give a copy of their government-issued ID. It should be a disinterested party, not someone with a stake in your case. See our interview checklist.
Years count from the date you became a permanent resident, which is the "Resident Since" date on your green card. Our citizenship calculator can help you work out the dates.
The 65/20 special consideration (easier civics test)
If you are 65 or older and have been living in the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years as a permanent resident when you file, you get "special consideration" on the civics test:
- You're exempt from the English test.
- You only study 20 specially marked questions (USCIS marks them with an asterisk).
- The officer asks 10 of them, and you pass with 6 correct.
- You can take the test in your own language with an interpreter.
The 20 questions depend on your filing date: the 2025 test's list if you filed on or after October 20, 2025, the 2008 test's list if you filed earlier. Study them on our 65/20 questions page, which has both lists, or choose "65/20 questions" in the practice test.
"Due consideration" for everyone
Even if you don't qualify for an exception, the Policy Manual tells officers to use "due consideration" when giving the civics test. On a case-by-case basis, the officer can take your age, background, education, length of residence and efforts to learn into account when choosing and phrasing questions and judging your answers. It doesn't change the passing score, but it is part of how the test is given.
The medical disability exception (Form N-648)
If a disability keeps you from learning or showing English or civics knowledge, you can ask for an exception with Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
Who qualifies
You must have a "medically determinable" physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, and that prevents you from meeting the English requirement, the civics requirement or both, even with reasonable accommodations. Medically determinable means it can be shown with medically acceptable clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques.
Who can fill out the form
Only three kinds of licensed medical professionals can certify Form N-648: medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy and clinical psychologists, licensed to practice in a U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands or the Northern Mariana Islands. The professional must examine you, describe each disability, explain how it prevents you from meeting the requirement, and sign under penalty of perjury. USCIS may accept an N-648 completed after a telehealth exam if the professional followed their state's telehealth rules.
When to file it
Answer "Yes" to Part 2, Item 11 of Form N-400 and send the N-648 together with your N-400. If you file online, upload a scanned copy in your USCIS online account. USCIS accepts an N-648 submitted later, including at the interview, only if you show extenuating circumstances, for example a disability that started after you filed.
What it does and doesn't do
- It can exempt you from English, civics or both, depending on what the medical professional certifies.
- You still have an interview, and all other requirements (residence, good moral character and so on) still apply.
- The officer reviews the form and can ask questions about it. An incomplete or unclear N-648 may lead to a request for more information.
- If you can't understand the Oath of Allegiance because of a disability, there's a separate oath waiver process. Ask an immigration attorney or accredited representative about it.
Accommodations: help taking the test
An accommodation is different from an exemption. It doesn't excuse you from a requirement; it changes how you take the interview, test or oath so you can participate. The Policy Manual lists common examples:
- Extra time and breaks
- A sign language interpreter or other aids for deaf or hard of hearing applicants (USCIS provides the interpreter if you ask, unless you choose to bring your own)
- A relative attending to help, for example with signing forms
- A legal guardian, surrogate or designated representative
- Nonverbal ways of answering
- An off-site interview if you can't come to the office because of your disability
How to ask: request the accommodation when you file your N-400 if you can. You can also call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833), use the online accommodations request form on uscis.gov, or contact the field office at any time. Ask early and ask each time you need it: some accommodations, like an interpreter or an off-site interview, take planning. You usually don't need to send medical records for an accommodation.
If you don't qualify for any exception
Then you'll take both tests, with two chances to pass each part. Start practicing now: civics practice test, English reading and writing practice, audio practice and N-400 interview practice.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part E, Chapter 2 (English and civics testing, 50/20, 55/15, 65/20, due consideration); Part E, Chapter 3 (Form N-648); Part C (accommodations); Part B, Chapter 3 (interpreters); INA 312(b); USCIS: Form N-648; Form N-400 Instructions (edition 01/20/25). This is general information, not legal advice.