What is the 50/20 and 55/15 rule?
Applicants who are 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15 years, are exempt from the English test and may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter.
Applicants who are 65 or older with at least 20 years as a permanent resident are exempt from the English test and take a simpler version of the civics test, studying a reduced set of designated questions, in their language.
What does the US civics test involve?
During the interview, the officer asks up to ten questions from the official list of civics questions, and the applicant must answer at least six correctly. The English test checks basic reading, writing, and speaking.
Can the tests be waived for a disability?
Yes. Form N-648, a medical certification completed by a licensed medical professional, can request a waiver of the English and civics requirements for an applicant with a qualifying physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.