USCIS Contact Center: 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833)
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WHAT ARE THE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ENGLISH TEST?
Certain applicants because of their age and time as a lawful permanent resident may have the naturalization
interview in their native language. These applicants do not have to take the English tests for naturalization and
may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Additionally, an applicant receives special consideration
in the civics test if, at the time of filing the application, the applicant is 65 years of age or older and has been a
lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more. These applicants are administered a specially designated test.
The applicant is:
AND has been a U.S.
lawful permanent
resident for:
Then the English
language component
(speaking,
understanding, reading,
writing) is:
The applicant must take
a civics test; however,
it is administered in a
language of their choice.
Age 50 or over 20 years or more Exempt Civics test
Age 55 or over 15 years or more Exempt Civics test
Age 65 or over 20 years or more Exempt
Specially designated
civics test
You may also be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are
unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental
impairment. To request this exception, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
(www.uscis.gov/n-648). Only a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist can
complete this form.
If you meet the requirements for an exception or exemption, you can complete the interview and test
requirement (if applicable) in your native language. You must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you legalized under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), you were required to meet a basic
citizenship skills requirement to become a lawful permanent resident. If you passed the English and civics test
when you legalized, you will only be tested on any portion of the test that you did not satisfy under IRCA. You
must still demonstrate the ability to speak English at the time of the naturalization interview, unless you meet
one of the age and time as lawful permanent resident exemptions from the English language test or qualify for a
medical exception, as explained above.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT TO APPLY FOR NATURALIZATION TO BECOME A
U.S. CITIZEN?
Apply for U.S. citizenship by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (www.uscis.gov/n-400).
You can file this form online. There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that
are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For
more information on exceptions, modifications and accommodations see our Exceptions and Accommodations
webpage (www.uscis.gov/citizenship/exceptions-and-accommodations).
uscis.gov/citizenshipuscis.gov/citizenship