Citizenship Test for 65 and Older: 2026 Exemptions

Is the Citizenship Test Different If You Are 65 or Older?

Yes, if you are 65 or older and have been a green card holder for at least 20 years when you file. Under the 65/20 rule, you study only 20 civics questions, the officer asks you 10 of them, and you need 6 correct to pass. You also do not take the English test, and you may take the civics test in your own language with an interpreter.

Age and years as a resident are counted on the day you file Form N-400, not on the day of your interview. The rules below come from the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2 and the USCIS exceptions and accommodations page. For a full overview of the regular test, read our U.S. citizenship test 2026 guide.

How Many Questions Are on the Citizenship Test in 2026?

Most people who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 take the 2025 civics test. There are 128 possible questions. The officer asks up to 20 out loud. You must answer at least 12 correctly. The officer stops once you get 12 right, or once you get 9 wrong.

If you filed before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 civics test instead. That test has 100 possible questions. The officer asks up to 10, and you need 6 correct.

The English test has three parts for applicants who are not exempt. You show you can speak English by answering questions about your application. You read one of three sentences aloud. You write one of three sentences the officer reads to you.

You get two chances to pass. If you fail any part at your first interview, USCIS schedules a second test, usually 60 to 90 days later. You only retake the part you failed. If you fail that part again, USCIS denies the application.

The 50/20 and 55/15 English Exemptions

These two rules remove the English test. They do not remove the civics test. You still answer civics questions, but you may answer them in your own language with an interpreter.

Your years as a resident usually count from the "resident since" date on your green card. Time spent in the United States before you became a permanent resident does not count. If you are close to the cutoff, wait until you qualify before you file. Filing a few weeks early can mean taking the English test you could have skipped.

The 65/20 Special Consideration

You qualify for 65/20 if, when you file, you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. Because you also meet the 50/20 rule, you do not take the English test.

The civics test is shorter. USCIS marks 20 questions with an asterisk (*) on its official study list. You only need to study those 20. The officer asks you 10 of them, and you must answer at least 6 correctly. USCIS uses special test forms for 65/20 applicants. You may take this test in the language of your choice.

The 20 Civics Questions for 65/20 (2025 Version)

These are the 20 questions marked with an asterisk on the USCIS 2025 list. The numbers match the official list. Get the accepted answers from the USCIS document, since some answers change after elections and appointments. USCIS posts those changes at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

For Connecticut applicants, the answer to "Who is the governor of your state now?" is the governor serving on the day of your interview. Check the name shortly before you go.

Bringing an Interpreter

If you qualify for 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 and want to take the civics test in your own language, USCIS says you must bring your own interpreter to the interview. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your language.

• The interpreter usually signs a form at the interview promising to translate fully and correctly.
• The interpreter should only translate. They must not answer for you or add to your answers.
• Bring a backup plan in case your interpreter cannot attend. A missing interpreter can delay your case.

Our office works with clients in English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, and Swahili, which can make preparing for the interview easier.

The N-648 Medical Disability Exception

If a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment keeps you from learning English or civics, you may ask for a medical exception on Form N-648. There is no filing fee for this form. The key rules, from the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 3, are:

The form must explain how the condition affects your ability to learn. A diagnosis alone is not enough. Older age by itself is not a disability for this purpose. The N-648 does not excuse the Oath of Allegiance. If a person cannot understand the oath, USCIS has a separate process that may involve a legal guardian or designated representative.

You can also ask for disability accommodations at your interview, such as extra time or a home visit, at uscis.gov/accommodations. USCIS asks you to make the request as soon as you receive your appointment notice.

N-400 Filing Fee

The exemptions do not lower the filing fee. According to the USCIS Form G-1055 fee schedule (edition dated October 26, 2026), the N-400 fee is:

• $760 if filed on paper
• $710 if filed online
• $380 (paper only) if your household income is not more than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines and you send proof
• $0 if you qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912

You cannot file online if you ask for a reduced fee or a fee waiver. There is no separate biometrics fee for the N-400. Many older applicants receive Social Security or other benefits, so a reduced fee or waiver may be worth checking. To learn how we help with the full application, see our citizenship and naturalization page and our N-400 application page.

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