English Exemptions for Citizenship: 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20
Written and reviewed by the N400Test.com team against official USCIS sources · Last reviewed September 3, 2026 · Educational information, not legal advice.
Most naturalization applicants must demonstrate English and civics knowledge. The law has age-and-residence exceptions to English, special civics consideration for some applicants, and a separate medical disability exception process. Each rule has its own requirements.
The 50/20 exemption
At the time Form N-400 is filed, an applicant who is at least 50 and has lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years is exempt from the English requirement. Civics is still required and may be taken in the applicant's language of choice with a competent interpreter the applicant brings.
The 55/15 exemption
At the time Form N-400 is filed, an applicant who is at least 55 and has lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years is exempt from English. Civics remains required and may be taken in the applicant's language of choice with a competent interpreter.
The 65/20 exemption
An applicant who is at least 65 at filing and has lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years is exempt from English and receives special civics consideration. The officer asks 10 questions from a designated bank of 20 and 6 correct answers are required. The 2008 special bank applies to an N-400 filed before October 20, 2025; the 2025 special bank applies to one filed on or after that date.
The N-648 medical disability exception
Form N-648 may request an exception from English, civics, or both when a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and makes the applicant unable to meet the relevant requirement even with reasonable accommodations. Only a U.S.-licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist may certify the form. USCIS decides whether it is sufficient.
How to claim an exemption
Follow the current Form N-400 instructions for an age-based English exception. Bring a competent interpreter who is fluent in English and the chosen language if taking civics in another language. The current USCIS Policy Manual instructs applicants to submit an initial Form N-648 with Form N-400; a first submission after filing is late and may be accepted when extenuating circumstances are shown. Confirm the current form edition and instructions on uscis.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the citizenship test in English? Usually. At filing, an applicant at least 50 who has lived in the United States as an LPR for at least 20 years, or at least 55 with at least 15 such years, is exempt from English. Civics remains required unless a separate exception applies.
What is the 65/20 rule? At filing, an applicant at least 65 who has lived in the United States as an LPR for at least 20 years is exempt from English and receives a 20-question special civics bank. The applicable bank depends on whether Form N-400 was filed before or on or after October 20, 2025.
What is Form N-648? It is a medical certification used to request an exception from English, civics, or both because of a qualifying disability or impairment. Only a U.S.-licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist may certify it, and USCIS decides sufficiency.
Official USCIS Sources
- USCIS: Exceptions and Accommodations
- USCIS Policy Manual: English and Civics Testing
- USCIS Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
This article is for educational purposes and is based on USCIS materials available when last reviewed. Always check USCIS.gov for the current version of forms, fees, and policy.