English test exemption checker
See if your age and years as a permanent resident may let you skip the English test, or take a shorter civics test, at your citizenship interview.
- 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20
- Measured on your filing date
- Free, no account
Your dates
Enter your dates
The "Resident since" date on your green card.
When you filed or plan to file Form N-400. It starts as today.
This is an educational tool, not legal advice. Citizenshiply isn't affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. The officer decides.
What changes at the interview?
Age and years are measured on the day you file. Here's how each one changes the tests.
50/20
50 or older, with 20 years as a permanent resident
- English test
- Not required
- Civics test
- Regular test: 20 of 128 questions, 12 to pass
- Civics in your language
- Yes, with an interpreter
55/15
55 or older, with 15 years as a permanent resident
- English test
- Not required
- Civics test
- Regular test: 20 of 128 questions, 12 to pass
- Civics in your language
- Yes, with an interpreter
65/20
65 or older, with 20 years as a permanent resident
- English test
- Not required
- Civics test
- Shorter test: 10 of 20 questions, 6 to pass
- Civics in your language
- Yes, with an interpreter
What does an interview with an interpreter look like?
If you qualify for an exemption, you generally bring your own interpreter, at your own expense. The interpreter must be fluent in English and in your language and should be a neutral person. The officer can disqualify an interpreter.
At the interview, the interpreter shows identification and signs Form G-1256 in front of the officer. If the officer speaks your language, the officer may interview you in it.
What if a disability makes the tests impossible?
A separate medical exception can cover the English test, the civics test, or both, for a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months. An authorized medical professional completes Form N-648, which is usually sent with Form N-400. Our guide explains how it works.
Read about the medical exception