U.S. citizenship test exemptions and accommodations

USCIS gives certain people citizenship test exceptions. They also offer accommodations during the naturalization interview. Learn if you qualify and how to make a request.

Updated July 22, 2022

Naturalization interview

Some people may not have to take all of the parts of the English and civics test in the naturalization interview. USCIS gives certain people exceptions and accommodations. You can make a request when filing Form N-400.

An exemption is when you are allowed to not do something you would normally have to do.
An exception is something that does not follow a rule. They are both used in the same way here.

Who is eligible

You may be able to get an exception depending on your age, length of permanent residence, and if you have a medical disability.

Exception	English test	Civics test
50+ age & 20+ years of permanent residence	Exempt – do not have to take	Still required but you can take it in your first language
55+ age & 15+ years of permanent residence	Exempt – do not have to take	Still required but you can take it in your first language
65+ age & 20+ years of permanent residence	Exempt – do not have to take	Still required but you can take it in your first language with fewer question options
Medical disability or impairment	Exempt – do not have to take	Exempt – do not have to take

English exemption

The English test is a part of the naturalization interview. It shows you can speak basic English. You may not have to take this test if you have reached a certain age and lived in the United States long enough.

50/20 exception

You do not have to take the English test if you:

Filed your application when you were 50 years of age or older
Lived in U.S. for 20 years or more as lawful permanent resident with Green Card

55/15 exception

You do not have to take the English test if you:

Filed your application when you were 55 years of age or older
Lived in U.S. for 15 years or more as lawful permanent resident with Green Card

If you meet the 50/20 or 55/15 exception you still must take the civics test but you can take it in your preferred language. You must bring your own interpreter.

Civics test

The civics test is part of the naturalization interview. It shows you understand the U.S. government and history. You may be able to take a different version of the test if you have reached a certain age and lived in the United States long enough.

65/20 special consideration

You will receive special consideration in the civics test if you:

Filed your application when you were 65 years or older
Lived in U.S. for 20 years or more as lawful permanent resident with Green Card

If you qualify for special consideration:

You can take the civics test in your preferred language. You must bring your own interpreter.
You only need to study 20 civics questions instead of 100. You must answer 6 out of 10 questions from the list of 20 to pass.

Disability exemption

You can get an exemption from both the English and civics tests if you have:

Certain physical or developmental disabilities or medical impairments.
A medical disability that affects your ability to show you understand English and U.S. civics.

Disability accommodations

USCIS also offers accommodations to people with medical disabilities or impairments.

An accommodation is a change that aims to fairly help people with disabilities get the same results as people without disabilities.

You can request certain changes to the naturalization test such as:

Get more time to take your test
Take breaks during the test
Take the writing test orally
Take reading test in large print or braille
Be provided a sign language interpreter
Allow a family member, legal guardian, or representative to attend your interview
Take the test in your home

Continuous residence exemption

You may be exempt from the continuous residence requirement to apply for citizenship if you are working abroad for one of the following organizations:

U.S. government or military
American institutions of research
American firm
Media organization
American religious organization

You must file Form N-470 to count your time abroad as continued residence in the USA.

Asking for an exemption or accommodation

You can ask for a citizenship test exemption or accommodation in your Form N-400 citizenship application.

Exemption based on age and length of permanent residency

Answer yes to Question 13 in part 2 of your application

Exemption based on a disability or mental impairment

Answer yes to Question 12 in part 2 of your application
You must also file Form N-648

Accommodations based on disability or mental impairment

Answer yes to Question 1 in part 3 of your application
You can also submit an accommodation request online or ask for accommodations with your field office

Legal help recommended

If you think you might qualify for an exemption or accommodation, it is recommended to get legal help filling out your application. It is good to have someone who can speak up for you during the citizenship process.

Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal help.

Interpreter

If you qualify to take the civics test in your first language, you must bring your own interpreter to your interview unless they state other options are available. Your interpreter must speak your first language and English fluently.

Your interpreter does not have to be trained or certified. In general, your interpreter should not be someone who is involved in your case. Your attorney, legal representative, or witness cannot interpret for you.

You and your interpreter will be asked to complete and sign Form G-1256 before your interview.

Next: Learn how to apply for U.S. citizenship

The information on this page comes from USCIS, USA.gov, and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.