Citizenship Test for Seniors: The 65/20 Exemption

Easier test, fewer questions, and you can test in your language.

What Is the 65/20 Exemption?

If you are 65 years or older AND have been a permanent resident for 20 or more years, you qualify for special consideration:

You only need to study 20 questions instead of 128
You can take the civics test in your native language
You still need to answer 6 out of 10 correctly

The 20 Questions for 65/20 Applicants

USCIS designates specific questions marked with an asterisk (*) for 65/20 applicants. These are generally the most fundamental civics questions.

Other Language Exemptions

50/20 Rule: Age 50+ with 20+ years as LPR — can take civics test in your language
55/15 Rule: Age 55+ with 15+ years as LPR — can take civics test in your language

Practice the 65/20 Questions

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A step-by-step check: do you qualify?

Find the “Resident Since” date on your green card. This is the date you became a lawful permanent resident.
Count forward 20 years from that date. If that anniversary has already passed on the day USCIS receives your N-400, you meet the 20-year requirement.
Confirm you will be at least 65 years old on the filing date.

Both conditions must be true on the date of filing, not the date of the interview. If you are 64 and a half with 21 years as a resident, wait until your 65th birthday to file, because the shorter test and the language exemption will make the interview far easier.

Three age-based rules, side by side

50/20: age 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident. Exempt from the English test; civics test in your language with an interpreter; all 128 questions apply.
55/15: age 55 or older with 15 years as a permanent resident. Same benefits as 50/20.
65/20: age 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident. Exempt from the English test, civics test in your language, and only the 20 designated questions apply. The officer asks up to 10 and you need 6 correct.

Bringing an interpreter

USCIS does not provide interpreters for naturalization interviews in most cases; you bring your own. The interpreter must be fluent in English and your language, must be at least 18, and cannot be your attorney or a witness. Adult children and friends are commonly used. The interpreter will be asked to complete a form and take an oath at the interview. Some field offices allow the interpreter to appear by phone; check your interview notice.

What the interview still includes

Even with the exemption, the officer will review your entire N-400 with you (through the interpreter), ask about trips outside the United States, your marital history, taxes, and any arrests, and confirm that you understand and are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance. If a medical condition prevents you from understanding the oath, a legal guardian or designated representative may be able to take it on your behalf with a request for an oath waiver.

Study plan for the 20 questions

Print the 20 asterisked questions from the official USCIS list, with the answers in your language and in English. Study five questions a day for four days, then review all 20 daily for a week. Ask a family member to quiz you in random order, since the officer will not follow the printed sequence. Update the answers for the current President and other officials the week before your interview. Most applicants are fully prepared within two weeks.

Last reviewed and expanded by the USCitizenTestPractice Editorial Team in September 2026, based on the USCIS Policy Manual, the official 2025 civics test materials, and current USCIS fee and form instructions. This is an independent study resource, not legal advice.

Citizenship Test for Seniors: 65/20 Exemption Explained