Am I exempt from the English test for citizenship?

Who is exempt from the English test?

Most applicants must show they can read, write, speak, and understand basic English. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes an exception for people who have been permanent residents for a long time and have reached a certain age. People often call these rules 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20.

The years don't have to be in a row, but these rules don't change your other requirements. You must still qualify under a path such as the 5-year path, and meet the rules for time in the U.S. and good moral character.

When must I meet the age and years?

On the day you file Form N-400. Reaching the age or the years later, while your application is pending, doesn't count.

This matters if you plan to file early. The usual 90-day early filing allowance only applies to your continuous residence period. The Form N-400 instructions say you must already meet the age and years for an exemption when you file, or you must wait. If you file too early, USCIS can reject or deny your application.

So if you are close, check both dates first:

1. Check your age on the planned filing date

   You need to have reached 50, 55, or 65 by that day.

2. Check your years as a permanent resident

   Add up the time you have lived in the U.S. since the date on your Permanent Resident Card (green card), up to your planned filing date. The years don't have to be in a row. The law counts periods that total at least 15 or 20 years.

3. Mark the exemption on your application

   If you need an interpreter, you must bring one to your interview.

What does the civics test look like if I'm exempt?

You still take a civics test, unless you also have a medical exception. The difference is the language, and for 65/20, the length.

As of November 2026, for people who filed on or after October 20, 2025:

If you filed before that date, you take the 2008 version of the test. For more, see our guide to the civics test.

How does the interpreter work?

If you qualify for an exemption, you can have your interview and test in your own language, but you generally need to bring your own interpreter, at your own expense.

Your interpreter must:

• Be fluent in both English and your language.
• Translate word for word, without adding opinions or answers.
• Take an interpreter's oath, sign a privacy release, and give a copy of a government-issued ID at the interview.

Bring Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview, to your interview. You and your interpreter sign it in front of the officer, so don't sign it beforehand.

USCIS says a disinterested party should interpret, meaning someone with no stake in your case. An officer can disqualify an interpreter if they believe the interpreter is compromising the test. If the officer speaks your language, they may be able to do the interview in that language.

What if a medical condition prevents me from taking the tests?

You may qualify for a medical exception from English, civics, or both, at any age. This is different from the age rules, and it requires Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

You may qualify if a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents you from meeting the requirement, even with reasonable accommodations. It must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months. It also can't be caused by illegal drug use.

Since June 2025, USCIS has focused more on whether these certifications are truthful. Submitting Form N-648 doesn't guarantee an exception.

What's the difference between an exception and an accommodation?

An exception excuses you from a requirement. An accommodation changes how you meet it, and you don't use Form N-648 to ask for one.

You can ask for both if you need both. If you can't take part in the process at all because of a disability, a legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative may be able to complete it for you.

What if I don't qualify for an exemption?

You take the English test, which only requires basic everyday English. You can ask the officer to repeat or rephrase words, and you can make some mistakes in pronunciation, spelling, and grammar and still pass.

You get two chances to pass each part of the test. See our guide to the English reading, writing, and speaking tests.

When should I talk to an attorney?

Many people can tell whether they meet the age rules on their own. Get legal advice before you file if any of these apply to you:

• You are close to the age or years, and you plan to file early.
• You need Form N-648, or USCIS questioned one you submitted.
• Someone offered to get you a medical exception for a fee.
• You can't take part in the interview or oath because of a disability.