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Citizenship Test for Older Applicants: the 65/20 Rule and the 50/20 and 55/15 Language Exemptions

Who can skip the English test (50/20, 55/15), who studies only 20 questions (65/20) and how it works with the 2025 civics test. Official rules.

By the Citizo Team6 min read

An older man and his adult daughter study together with a phone on the dining table.

In short

  • 50/20: age 50 or older and a permanent resident for 20 years when you file. You skip the English test, but you still take the civics test, and you can take it in your language with an interpreter.
  • 55/15: age 55 or older and a permanent resident for 15 years when you file. Same as 50/20.
  • 65/20: age 65 or older and a permanent resident for 20 years when you file. You get special consideration: you study only 20 questions, the officer asks 10, and you pass with 6. You may also take the civics test in your language, with an interpreter.
  • Age and years are counted on the day you file Form N-400, not on the day of the interview.

Many older applicants worry most about English. U.S. law has rules that help, but each rule has exact conditions. This guide explains them with the official sources.

In this guide
  1. The three rules side by side
  2. 50/20 and 55/15: no English test, but civics stays
  3. 65/20: the special list of 20 questions
  4. How to check if you qualify, step by step
  5. Other help USCIS can give
  6. Study your list with Citizo
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Sources

The three rules side by side

50/2055/1565/20
Age when you file50 or older55 or older65 or older
Years as a permanent resident when you file201520
English testNot requiredNot requiredNot required (you also meet 50/20)
Civics testRequiredRequiredRequired, with a special list
Language of the civics testYour language, with an interpreterYour language, with an interpreterThe language you choose, with an interpreter if it is not English
Questions to study (2025 test)All 128All 128The 20 marked with an asterisk
Questions asked and passing score (2025 test)Up to 20, pass with 12Up to 20, pass with 1210, pass with 6

If you filed before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 test. Then 50/20 and 55/15 applicants study the 100 questions (up to 10 asked, pass with 6), and 65/20 applicants study the 20 special questions of the 2008 list. See which test is yours.

50/20 and 55/15: no English test, but civics stays

With these exemptions you do not take the English reading, writing and speaking tests. The civics test is still required. USCIS lets you take it in your native language, but you must bring your own interpreter to the interview. The interpreter must be fluent in English and in your language.

With the 2025 test, this means you study the full list of 128 questions. Many people miss this point: the exemption is from English, not from civics.

65/20: the special list of 20 questions

If you are 65 or older and have 20 years as a permanent resident when you file, USCIS gives you "special consideration." For the 2025 test, the 20 special questions are the ones marked with an asterisk in the official list of 128. They are questions 2, 7, 12, 20, 30, 36, 38, 39, 44, 52, 61, 66, 74, 78, 86, 94, 113, 115, 121 and 126.

Some of them ask about people in office now (30, 38, 39) or about your governor (61). Those answers can change, so check them before your interview. Read answers that depend on your state.

How to check if you qualify, step by step

  1. Find the date you filed Form N-400. It is on your receipt notice.
  2. Find the date you became a permanent resident. It is on your Green Card.
  3. Count your age on the filing date.
  4. Count your years as a permanent resident on the filing date.
  5. Compare with the table. If you meet 65/20, you also meet 50/20.
  6. If you will use your language, find an interpreter who is fluent in English and in your language, and bring them to the interview.

Other help USCIS can give

  • Due consideration. Officers may take into account your age, background, education and years in the United States when they choose and phrase civics questions.
  • Medical disability exception. If a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment stops you from learning English or civics, see the N-648 disability exception.
  • Accommodations. For example, a sign language interpreter or extra time. You can ask at uscis.gov/accommodations.

Study your list with Citizo

Citizo asks for your birth date and the date you became a permanent resident, then tells you if you qualify for the 65/20 list. These two dates stay on your phone; Citizo does not save them. With the 65/20 list you study only your 20 questions with flashcards and the practice test. Each question comes in English with audio and with a translation and explanation in your language. If you have a 50/20 or 55/15 exemption, you study the full list of the test that matches your N-400 date. See all lists in citizenship test questions 2026.

Frequently asked questions

I turned 65 after I filed. Do I get the 65/20 list?

No. Age and years as a permanent resident are counted on the day you file Form N-400.

With 50/20, can I take the whole interview in my language?

You are exempt from the English requirement and can take the civics test in your language with an interpreter you bring. For the rest of the interview, ask an attorney or accredited representative about your case.

Does USCIS give me an interpreter?

The USCIS page says that if you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you.

Do I still need to study with 65/20?

Yes. You need 6 correct answers out of 10, so learn all 20 questions.

About this guide

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your own case, talk to an immigration attorney or an accredited representative. Citizo is an independent app. It is not part of the U.S. government and has no connection to USCIS. The official information is at uscis.gov. Written by the Citizo Team. Facts checked on October 29, 2026.

Sources