Exceptions and accommodations

The law makes the test easier for some older, long-term permanent residents and for people with certain disabilities. This page summarises the USCIS Exceptions and Accommodations page (marked last reviewed on January 9, 2026) and the policy manual, as we read them on 12 November 2026.

Who	English test	Civics test
50/20: age 50 or older when filing, and a permanent resident for 20 years	Exempt	Still required. May be taken in your own language with an interpreter.
55/15: age 55 or older when filing, and a permanent resident for 15 years	Exempt	Still required. May be taken in your own language with an interpreter.
65/20: age 65 or older when filing, and a permanent resident for at least 20 years	Exempt	Special consideration: 10 questions from a set of 20 marked questions; 6 needed. May be taken in your own language.
Medical disability exception (Form N-648)	May be exempt	May be exempt

The 50/20 and 55/15 exceptions

If you qualify, you do not have to show that you can read, write and speak English. You must still take the civics test. USCIS says you will be permitted to take it in your native language, that you must then bring an interpreter to the interview, and that the interpreter must be fluent in both English and your language. Age and years of residence are counted at the time of filing.

The 65/20 special consideration

Applicants aged 65 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years study a short list of 20 questions, marked with an asterisk in the official lists. The officer asks 10 and you need 6 correct. Our short lists with answers: 2025 version and 2008 version.

Medical disability exception

USCIS says you may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics requirements if you are unable to meet them because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. The request is made on Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, which must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or a licensed clinical psychologist. Whether a request is accepted is decided by USCIS.

Accommodations for disabilities

An accommodation is different from an exception. It changes how you take part, not what you must show. USCIS asks people who need an accommodation for an appointment, such as the interview or the oath ceremony, to request it as soon as the appointment notice arrives, either online at uscis.gov/accommodations or through the USCIS Contact Center.

The Oath of Allegiance

Every new citizen takes the Oath of Allegiance in a public ceremony. USCIS notes that the law allows certain modifications to the oath. If this matters to you, read the official page and ask a qualified adviser.

Check your own case

These rules have exact conditions, and this page is a plain summary, not legal advice. Before you rely on an exception, read the official USCIS page and, if you can, speak to an accredited representative or an immigration attorney. Many community organisations offer free or low-cost help with naturalization.

Answers that change: office holders and your state All guides

Independent study site. Citizenship Test is not a government website and is not connected with USCIS or any agency. Questions and accepted answers are quoted from the official USCIS lists; the notes are ours. Rules were read on uscis.gov on 12 November 2026. Always confirm with uscis.gov/citizenship before your interview.