Do You Need to Speak English to Become a U.S. Citizen? Exceptions to the English and Civics Tests

For many green card holders, the hardest part of becoming a U.S. citizen is not the paperwork. It is the test. If English is not your first language, or if you are older and have lived here for decades, you may be wondering whether you really have to speak, read, and write English to qualify, and what happens if you cannot.

The honest answer is that most applicants must pass an English test and a civics test, but there are important exceptions based on age, time as a permanent resident, and certain medical conditions. Knowing which rules apply to you before you file can save you months of stress and even a denied application.

This guide explains what the English and civics tests include, who is exempt, how the medical disability exception works, what the newer civics test means for applicants, and what to do before your interview. If you live in Elgin, elsewhere in Illinois, or anywhere in the Chicago area, we also cover where to get local help.

Do You Need to Speak English to Become a U.S. Citizen? The Short Answer

In most cases, yes. To naturalize, you generally need to show that you can speak, read, and write basic English, and you also need to pass a civics test on U.S. history and government. These are part of your naturalization interview.

There are exceptions. Some applicants who are older and have been permanent residents for many years do not have to take the English test, and applicants with a qualifying medical condition may be excused from English, civics, or both. The details matter, so read the sections below carefully and check how they apply to your age and your time as a permanent resident.

What Does the English Test Include?

The English test has three parts, all given during your interview with a USCIS officer. According to the USCIS study page:

• Speaking. The officer judges your English during the interview, from the moment you meet to the questions about your application.
• Reading. You must read one of three sentences correctly.
• Writing. You must write one of three sentences correctly.

The level required is basic everyday English, not advanced or academic English. You do not need to speak perfectly or without an accent. You need to show that you can understand and answer questions about your application and handle the simple reading and writing tasks.

What Does the Civics Test Include?

The civics test checks your knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic values. It is given orally by the officer during your interview.

There are two versions, and which one you take depends on when you filed your N-400:

• The 2008 version. The USCIS study page describes this test as up to 10 questions drawn from a pool of 100, with at least 6 correct answers needed to pass.
• The 2025 version. According to the nonprofit legal organization CLINIC, the revised civics test applies to people who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. It uses a bank of 128 questions, 20 are asked, and 12 correct answers are needed to pass.

Check which version applies to your filing date, because the study materials are different. Our guide to what happens if you fail the citizenship test also explains how the second chance at the test works.

Who Is Exempt From the English Test? The 50/20 and 55/15 Rules

Two age-based exceptions are the best known. According to the USCIS page on exceptions and accommodations:

• The 50/20 exception. If you are 50 or older when you file for naturalization and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you are exempt from the English requirement.
• The 55/15 exception. If you are 55 or older when you file and have been a permanent resident for 15 years, you are also exempt from the English requirement.

If you qualify, you still have to take the civics test, but you can take it in your native language. USCIS states that you must bring a fluent interpreter with you to the interview.

The ages and years are counted when you file the application, not when you have your interview. If you are close to one of these thresholds, the filing date can make a real difference, and it is worth talking to an attorney before you submit.

What Is the 65/20 Special Consideration for the Civics Test?

Older applicants who have lived here for a long time get an additional benefit. USCIS describes special consideration on the civics test for applicants who are 65 or older at the time of filing and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years.

CLINIC explains that these applicants study a shorter list of 20 questions marked with an asterisk, are asked up to 10, and must answer 6 correctly. They can also take the simplified test in their own language with an interpreter. People who meet the 65/20 rule also meet the age and residence requirements for the 50/20 and 55/15 English exceptions.

Can a Medical Condition Excuse the English and Civics Tests? The N-648

Yes, in some cases. Applicants who cannot meet the English or civics requirement because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment may qualify for an exception. To request it, you submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

According to the USCIS Policy Manual chapter on the N-648, the key points are:

• Who can certify. Only a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist can complete the form.
• The condition. It must be medically determinable and must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.
• What it covers. The exception can excuse the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both, depending on what the certifying professional states.
• What does not qualify. Illiteracy alone is not a valid reason, and advanced age alone does not qualify.
• When to file. The form should be completed no more than 180 days before you file the N-400, and it is usually submitted with the application.

An exception is different from an accommodation. An accommodation, such as extra time or a modified setting, changes how the test is taken but does not waive it. Form N-648 is not used to request an accommodation. USCIS provides accommodations for applicants with impairments under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and you can list your needs on the N-400.

A careful N-648 matters. An incomplete or vague form can be questioned, so work with a doctor who understands the requirements and an attorney who can review it before you file.

Can I Bring an Interpreter to My Citizenship Interview?

It depends on which part of the process you are talking about.

• English test. If you must take the English test, you cannot use an interpreter for it, since the point of the test is to show your English.
• Civics test with an exception. If you qualify for an English exemption, you may take the civics test in your native language with a fluent interpreter you bring yourself.
• The interview in general. Applicants who are exempt from English typically use an interpreter for the interview too. Confirm the rules in your interview notice and with your attorney before the day.

If you are not sure whether you will need an interpreter, ask before the interview, not after you arrive.

What Happens If I Do Not Pass the English or Civics Test?

You are generally given a second chance. If you fail one part, USCIS can schedule you to retake only the part you failed, usually within a set period after the first interview. If you do not pass the second time, your application can be denied.

For a closer look at the process, see our guide to what happens if you fail the citizenship test, our overview of the naturalization interview, and our post on common reasons U.S. citizenship is denied.

Do I Need English for Other Parts of the Citizenship Process?

The English requirement is not only about passing the test. During the interview, the officer asks questions about your N-400, and you swear that your answers are true. If you do not understand the question, you may answer incorrectly, which can cause problems. That is why preparing with an attorney matters, even for applicants who are confident in their English.

Naturalization also requires meeting other eligibility rules, such as continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character. Our guide to U.S. citizenship requirements lists them all, and our post on how long it takes to become a U.S. citizen in 2026 explains the timeline.

If you have a criminal record, also read our guide to becoming a citizen with a criminal record.

How to Prepare for the English and Civics Tests

Whether or not you qualify for an exception, these steps can help:

• Check your exception. Confirm your age and time as a permanent resident on the day you plan to file.
• Use official study materials. Study with materials from USCIS, using the version that matches your filing date.
• Practice speaking. Practice answering questions about your N-400 out loud, including your address, work history, and travel.
• Practice reading and writing. Use simple sentences about civics and everyday topics.
• Plan your interpreter. If you qualify for an exception, arrange a fluent interpreter and confirm the requirements.
• Get your N-648 early. If you need a disability exception, give your doctor enough time to complete it correctly.
• Talk to an immigration attorney. A short review before you file can help you avoid a denial.

Citizenship Help in Elgin, Illinois and the Chicago Area

For applicants in Elgin and across Illinois, the naturalization interview takes place at a USCIS office in the Chicago area. Applicants who need an interpreter or a disability exception should plan well in advance, because mistakes with paperwork can cause delays.

If you are searching for an immigration lawyer near you who speaks Spanish and English, our office is at 169 East Chicago Street in Elgin. A short consultation before you file can help you decide whether you qualify for an exception and how to prepare.

How Sadjadi Law Helps Immigrants Apply for U.S. Citizenship

At The Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi, P.C., an immigration law office in Elgin, Illinois, we help green card holders prepare for naturalization from the first review of eligibility to the interview. Our entire staff is fluent in both English and Spanish, so nothing gets lost in translation as you prepare for one of the most important steps of your life.

We focus on reviewing your situation before you file, because the right exception, the right documents, and the right timing can make the process much smoother.

Our citizenship services include:

• Eligibility review: Checking whether you meet the requirements and whether an age-based or medical exception may apply.
• N-400 preparation: Preparing your application and supporting documents so every answer is accurate and complete.
• N-648 guidance: Explaining how the disability exception works and what the certifying doctor needs to include.
• Interview preparation: Helping you prepare for the English test, civics test, and questions about your application.
• Problem cases: Advising applicants with a past denial, a criminal record, or other complications.

Contact The Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi to schedule your consultation.

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