The 50 -year rule to obtain US citizenship without presenting the English exam

He United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) (USCIS) establishes specific requirements for naturalization, including the English language mastery and the knowledge of Civic Education. However, there are exceptions for certain permanent legal residents, known as the rules “50/20” and “55/15”, which allow some applicants to perform the exam in their native language if they meet certain conditions (USCIS, 2025).

Obtaining US citizenship is a process that implies meeting several requirements, including permanent residence, English domain and overcoming a test of Civic Education. However, some permanent residents can access exemptions that facilitate the procedure, especially in relation to language (USCIS, 2025).

These exceptions are designed to benefit those who have resided in the country for prolonged periods and have an advanced age. Although these people can take the exam in their mother tongue, they must comply with the eligibility criteria established by USCIS and follow the application process as indicated by the agency (USCIS, 2025).

According to USCIS, the exception “50/20” applies to people who are 50 years old or more and have legally resided in the United States as permanent residents for at least 20 years. On the other hand, the exception “55/15” benefits those who are 55 years old or more and have resided permanently in the country for at least 15 years. In both cases, applicants may present the examination of Civic Education In their native language, but they must take an interpreter to the interview that dominates both English and its language of origin.

For applicants who turn 65 years or older and have legally resided in the United States for at least 20 years, USCIS establishes a special consideration in the examination of Civic Education. These people can access a simplified version of the questionnaire, with reduced questions about History and government of the United States (USCIS, 2025).

The request process for US citizenship requires the presentation of the N-400 formAvailable on the official USCIS website. This document must be completed with detailed information about the residence, the job history and other data required to evaluate the eligibility of the applicant. In addition, applicants must present evidence that supports their residence time in the country, such as migratory records and official documentation that accredits their status as permanent residents.

Regarding the cost of the process, USCIS establishes different rates according to the presentation method. People who submit the online application can pay the corresponding rate through the government’s electronic system, while those who choose to do so in physical format must attach payment by means of a check or postal turn. There are rate reductions for applicants whose family income is less than 400 % of the federal poverty threshold, allowing more affordable access to the naturalization process.

The English language requirement remains mandatory for most applicants. However, those who meet the criteria of the exceptions “50/20” and “55/15” are exempt from this demand, although they must demonstrate knowledge about the history and system of US government through the examination of Civic Education.

The naturalization process also implies an interview with a USCIS officer, who reviews the application and verifies the eligibility of the candidate. At this stage, applicants must answer questions about their application, their migratory history and the basic principles of the United States Constitution. In cases where the exam is allowed to examine another language, the interpreter must provide a precise translation to guarantee the understanding of the applicant and the veracity of their answers.

To ensure a fair evaluation, USCIS offers official resources to prepare the examination of Civic Educationincluding study materials and practice tests. In addition, there are non -profit organizations and community programs that provide assistance to applicants to complete their naturalization process.

Information about linguistic exceptions and Requirements for US citizenship It is available on the USCIS website. People interested in applying directly consult the naturalization section and reviewing updates on changes in immigration regulations.