Embarking on the journey to U.S. citizenship often presents a significant challenge: the citizenship exam. This test assesses English proficiency and civics knowledge, which can be especially difficult for older candidates. However, U.S. immigration law recognizes the unique challenges faced by older individuals and provides age-related accommodations to help. In this guide, we’ll explore Citizenship Test accommodations and offer insights for individuals aged 50 and above who wish to become naturalized U.S. citizens.
The Challenge of Learning Later in Life
As individuals age, acquiring new skills like learning a new language or memorizing factual material can become increasingly arduous. Recognizing this, U.S. immigration law, under I.N.A. § 312, permits older applicants for naturalization to request adjustments to the English and civics exams, rendering them more manageable. Let’s delve into the specifics of these accommodations.
Civics Test “65/20” Exception for Elder Applicants
Green card holders aged 65 or older who have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years (not necessarily consecutively) can benefit from the “65/20 exception.” This exception allows for a shortened civics exam, reducing the number of questions from 100 to 20. Applicants must correctly answer ten out of these 20 questions to pass. The questions are available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, along with study materials in various languages.
Eligibility Criteria for the 65/20 Exception
Age Requirement: The applicant must be 65 years of age or older at the time of filing for naturalization.
Permanent Residency Duration: The applicant must have held lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States for a minimum of 20 years.
Civics Test Requirements:
- While applicants under the 65/20 exception are still required to take the civics test, they benefit from a reduced question pool. Instead of the standard 100 questions, they only need to study 20 specific questions.
- During the interview, they will be asked up to 10 questions from this pool and must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
Language Accommodations: Applicants can take the civics test in their native language if they bring an interpreter, thus exempting them from the English language requirement.
English Requirement “50/20” and “55/15” Exceptions for Advanced Age
While most naturalization applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English during the citizenship interview, two exceptions, the “50/20” and “55/15” waivers, permit older individuals to bypass this requirement. These waivers enable candidates to have their interviews conducted in their native language with the aid of an interpreter.
The “50/20” Waiver:
Individuals aged 50 or older, with at least 20 years of green card status, qualify for the “50/20” waiver. Notably, these 20 years of permanent residence need not be continuous, allowing for short trips outside the U.S. without affecting eligibility, as long as the total time spent in the U.S. adds up to 20 years.
The “55/15” Waiver:
Available for those aged 55 or older, who have lived in the U.S. as green card holders for at least 15 years. Similar to the “50/20” waiver, these 15 years do not need to be consecutive.
How to Request an English-Language Exemption
While you can request the civics exam exemption during the interview, if you require an age-related English-language exception, it’s prudent to notify USCIS beforehand. This ensures a smooth interview process. When requesting an English-language exception, bring an interpreter proficient in both your native language and English. Exercise caution in selecting an interpreter to avoid any confusion that could jeopardize your citizenship application.
Navigating the path to U.S. citizenship can be challenging, particularly with language and civics exams. For older applicants, age-related and Citizenship Test accommodations provide a way to make this process more accessible. Understanding the “65/20,” “50/20,” or “55/15” exceptions and their criteria is essential. Age should not hinder your pursuit of U.S. citizenship. By utilizing these accommodations and seeking help from immigration professionals, you can approach your naturalization journey with confidence.
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