Exceptions to English and Civics Test

One of the requirements of applying for citizenship is passing English and civics test. In general, applicants for naturalization must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage. Applicants must also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and principles and form of government of the United States (civics).

However, some applicant may qualify for an exception from the English requirement, civics requirement, or both requirements. Be sure to review the full list of U.S. citizenship requirements and understand how to apply for naturalization. If you have past criminal history, also review criminal acts and citizenship eligibility. Contact our office today to determine if you qualify for an exception. The table below serves as a quick reference guide on the exceptions to the English and civics requirements for naturalization.

	Exceptions	Educational Requirements	Civics Knowledge of U.S.history and government
1	Age 50 or older and resided in U.S. as a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years at time of filing.	Exempt	Still required. Applicants may take civics test in their language of choice using an interpreter.
2	Age 55 or older and resided in U.S. as a legal permanent resident for at least 15 years at time of filing	Exempt	Still required. Applicants may take civics test in their language of choice using an interpreter.
3	Age 65 or older and resided in U.S. as a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years at time of filing	Exempt	Still required but officers administer specially designated test forms. Applicants may take the civics test in their language of choice using an interpreter.
4	Medical Disability Exception	May be Exempt	May be Exempt

Age and Residency Exceptions to English Test

An applicant is exempt from the English test but is still required to meet the civics test if:

The applicant is age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and has lived as a legal permanent resident in the United States for at least 20 years; or
The applicant is age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and has lived as a legal permanent resident in the United States for at least 15 years.

The applicant may take the civics test in his or her language of choice with the use of an interpreter.

Special Consideration for the Civics Test

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 living in the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence.

An applicant who qualifies for special consideration is administered specific test forms in his or her language of choice with the use of an interpreter.

Medical Disability Exception to English and Civics

An applicant who cannot meet the English and civics requirements because of a medical disability may be exempt from the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both requirements.

In 1994, Congress enacted legislation providing an exception to the naturalization educational requirements for applicants who cannot meet the educational requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.

The applicant must demonstrate a disability or impairment that affects the functioning of the individual such that, even with reasonable accommodations, he or she is unable to demonstrate the educational requirements for naturalization. Illiteracy alone is not a valid reason to seek an exception to the educational requirements. In addition, advanced age, in and of itself, is not a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.

An applicant seeking an exception to the educational requirements submits a Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. The medical professional must certify that the applicant’s medical condition prevents the applicant from meeting the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both requirements.

USCIS recognizes that certain circumstances may prevent concurrent filing of the naturalization application and the disability exception form. Accordingly, an applicant may file the disability exception form during any part of the naturalization process, including after the application is filed but before the first examination, during the first examination, during the re-examination if the applicant’s first examination was rescheduled, and during the rehearing on a denied naturalization application.

USCIS only authorizes the following licensed medical professionals to certify the disability exception form: medical doctors; doctors of osteopathy; and clinical psychologists.

The medical professional must:

Conduct an in-person examination of the applicant;
Explain how the medical condition relates to the applicant’s inability to comply with the English and civics requirements;
Attest that the medical condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months; and
Attest that the cause of the medical condition is not related to the illegal use of drugs.
The medical professional certifying the form may attach supporting documents, such as medical diagnostic reports and records.

Why Work With Us for Naturalization Exceptions?

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Disability & Age Exception Expertise

Extensive experience helping elderly applicants and those with disabilities qualify for English and civics test exemptions — making citizenship accessible.

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What We Do For You — Step by Step

Initial Eligibility Assessment
Attorney-led review of your age, residency duration, and medical or disability conditions to determine which exceptions apply to your case.
Exception Type Determination
We identify whether you qualify for the 50/20, 55/15, or disability exception — and what documentation USCIS requires to approve it.
Medical Documentation Guidance
We help you understand the Form N-648 medical certification requirements and work with your physician to document your condition properly.
Form N-400 & N-648 Preparation
We prepare both forms accurately, ensuring the medical certification is complete, consistent, and meets USCIS evidentiary standards.
Supporting Evidence Planning
We build a supporting evidence package that reinforces your exception claim — medical records, physician notes, and functional limitation documentation.
Document Review & Quality Control
Line-by-line attorney review of all forms and supporting evidence to eliminate errors before submission.

Proactive RFE Prevention & Response
We build filings to minimize RFEs. If USCIS questions your exception claim, we respond quickly with additional legal support and evidence.
Interview Preparation & Accommodations
We coach you on the modified interview process for exception applicants and help you request any needed accommodations in advance.
Interpreter Coordination
If you qualify for the English waiver and need an interpreter at your interview, we advise on the proper procedures and logistics.
Advocacy on Complex Issues
If USCIS denies the exception or raises concerns about your medical certification, we advise on appeals and alternative documentation.
Post-Approval Oath Ceremony Guidance
We guide you through the oath ceremony process and advise on any accommodation requests that may apply.
Continuous Communication
Timely updates, direct access to our team, and a dedicated contact so you always know where your case stands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization Test Exceptions

Who qualifies for an exception to the English test for naturalization?

Three age/residency thresholds apply: (1) Age 50 or older with 20+ years as a lawful permanent resident; (2) age 55 or older with 15+ years as an LPR; (3) age 65 or older with 20+ years as an LPR (also eligible for a simplified civics test). All three groups must still take the civics test, in their language with an interpreter.

What is the 65/20 special civics consideration?

Applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years take a specially designated, shorter civics test form in their own language with an interpreter.

Can I be excused from both the English and civics tests?

Only through the medical disability exception. An applicant with a physical, developmental, or mental disability that prevents meeting these requirements may file Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions), completed by a licensed medical professional.

Who can certify the medical disability exception for naturalization?

USCIS only accepts certification from licensed medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, or clinical psychologists. The professional must conduct an in-person examination and attest that the condition is expected to last at least 12 months.

Does age alone qualify me for a full exemption from testing?

No. Advanced age alone is not grounds for a medical exception. Age combined with a qualifying disability may qualify, but the disability, not age, is what USCIS evaluates.

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