Do you qualify for an exemption in the naturalization process?
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant event, and the naturalization process includes several requirements, one of which is demonstrating English language proficiency. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes that some applicants may face difficulties meeting this requirement due to age or medical conditions. To accommodate these situations, specific exceptions to the English language requirement exist.
1. Age and Time as a Permanent Resident
Applicants may be exempt from the English test if they meet the following criteria:
- 50/20 Exception: If you are 50 years of age or older at the time you file your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and you have lived as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for at least 20 years, you are exempt from the English language requirement.
- 55/15 Exception: If you are 55 years of age or older at the time you file your Form N-400 and have lived as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 15 years, you are also exempt from the English language requirement.
Although applicants who qualify for these exceptions are not required to take the English test, they must still take the civics test, although they may do so in their native language with the assistance of an interpreter.
2. Medical Disability Exception
Applicants with a documented medical disability that affects their ability to learn or demonstrate proficiency in English may be exempt from both the English language test and the civics test. To qualify for this exception, applicants must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by a licensed medical professional. USCIS reviews each case individually to determine eligibility.
3. Special Consideration for Older Applicants
For applicants who are 65 years of age or older and have been legal permanent residents for at least 20 years, there is special consideration for the civics test. These individuals are only required to study 20 specific questions from the standard list of 100 questions, and may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter.