Some long‑time permanent residents may take the citizenship civics exam in their own language, saving time and stress.
If you have held a green card for decades and dread the English portion of the naturalization test, relief could be closer than you think. Two little‑known USCIS provisions—the 50/20 and 55/15 rules—let qualified applicants skip the language requirement altogether while still proving basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Who qualifies for the 50/20 and 55/15 language exemptions today
Under current guidance, the 50/20 rule covers applicants who are at least 50 years old and have lived as lawful permanent residents for 20 or more continuous years. The 55/15 rule lowers the residency threshold to 15 years but raises the minimum age to 55. In both cases, candidates may answer civics questions through an interpreter in any tongue they prefer. Pretty straightforward, right?
| Exemption | Minimum age | Years as LPR | Language test required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/20 | 50 | 20 | No |
| 55/15 | 55 | 15 | No |
| 65/20* | 65 | 20 | No — plus simplified civics |
*65/20 applicants face a civics list trimmed to just 20 questions.
What to expect during the civics interview and interpreter requirements
The interview still happens face‑to‑face with a USCIS officer. You will bring a competent interpreter, swear them in, and answer up to ten civics questions—only six correct responses are needed to pass. Wondering if family can translate? They may, but USCIS advises using a neutral interpreter to avoid conflicts. ¿Costs, fee waivers, and documents every applicant should gather first? Filing Form N‑400 currently costs $760 online or $805 on paper. Fee reductions are available if your household income sits below 400 percent of the federal poverty level. First, collect:
- Permanent resident card (front and back copies)
- Travel records proving continuous residence
- Recent tax returns
- Interpreter’s signed certification
Extra consideration for applicants aged sixty‑five plus with long residency
Applicants 65 or older who have been LPRs for 20 years get an extra break—a streamlined civics exam drawn from only 20 questions. Sound like your situation? Start by downloading the official USCIS study guide, then check out free prep classes at local nonprofits.
The 50/20 and 55/15 rules turn a major hurdle into a manageable step for thousands of older immigrants. Double‑check your dates, line up a qualified interpreter, and file Form N‑400 as soon as you meet the threshold. That U.S. passport may be closer than you thought.