Who Can Skip US Citizenship English Test?

Older immigrants seeking US citizenship may be exempt from the English language test if they meet specific age and residency requirements. 

Applicants with certain serious medical conditions may also qualify for exemptions from the English and civics requirements. The exemptions include the long-standing “50/20” and “55/15” rules. Under the 50/20 rule, applicants aged 50 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years are exempt from the English test. The 55/15 rule applies to applicants aged 55 or older who have held permanent residency for at least 15 years.

Applicants who qualify under either rule must still take the civics test, covering US history and government. They may take the test in their native language and use an interpreter. Applicants aged 65 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years qualify for additional consideration, including a simplified version of the civics test.

Separate provisions apply to people whose medical conditions prevent them from meeting the naturalisation requirements. Applicants with physical, developmental or mental health conditions may apply for a medical exemption using Form N-648. The form must be completed by a licensed doctor or psychologist and must explain how the applicant’s condition prevents them from meeting the requirements.

If the medical waiver is approved, the applicant may be exempt from both the English and civics requirements. The provision is intended to account for circumstances in which a serious illness or disability makes the standard naturalisation requirements impossible to meet.