Citizenship test in your language: the 50/20, 55/15 and 65/20 exemptions

Depending on your age and years as a resident, you may skip the English test and take civics in your language with an interpreter you bring. Age and years count on the day you filed the N-400.

With 50/20 and 55/15 you take the regular civics test (2008 or 2025, depending on your filing date), just in your language. Which one?

Who takes civics with an interpreter

With 50/20 (50 or older and 20 years with a green card) or 55/15 (55 or older and 15 years with a green card) there is no English test, but there is a civics test. You can take it in your language, with an interpreter.

With 65/20 (65 or older and 20 years with a green card) there is no English test either, and civics is special: you get 10 of the 20 starred questions and pass with 6. Also in your language, with an interpreter.

Your age and years count on the day you filed your N-400.

You bring your own interpreter

If you take the test in your language, you must bring an interpreter to your interview, at your own expense.

They must be fluent in English and in your language.

What the interpreter does

They translate word for word what the officer says and what you say, as best they can. They don't give their opinion, comment or answer for you.

So your civics answer must come from you: the interpreter only puts it into English.

The interpreter signs an interpreter's oath and a privacy release, and hands in a copy of their government-issued ID.

You and the interpreter sign Form G-1256 at the interview, in front of the officer. Don't sign it before.

Who CAN'T be your interpreter

Your attorney or accredited representative (the one who signed Form G-28). Never.

Anyone under 14. Never.

Someone aged 14 to 17, or a witness in your case: only if the officer allows it for good cause.

USCIS says a disinterested party should be used: someone with no stake in your case.

The officer decides

The officer can disqualify your interpreter if they think the interpreter compromises the integrity of the test.

If the officer speaks Spanish, they can give you the test directly in Spanish.

What it looks like at the interview

The officer asks in English, the interpreter tells you in Spanish, you answer in Spanish and the interpreter says it in English.

2025 test: up to 20 questions, pass with 12. 2008 test: up to 10, pass with 6. With 65/20: 10 of the 20 starred, pass with 6.

Practice it in the «Mock interview»: on the Spanish route, civics goes with an interpreter.

This is general information from USCIS, not legal advice. We don't decide whether you qualify for an exception. Confirm it on your USCIS letter or with an attorney or accredited representative. The disability exception (Form N-648) is a different process and this lesson doesn't cover it. If you're not sure whether you qualify, talk to an attorney or accredited representative. Where to find free legal help