One requirement in the citizenship application process is that almost all applicants are required to take an English language and a civics test, better known as the US citizenship exam. Applicants are required to establish to the satisfaction of the interviewing officer that they can read, write and speak basic English and also that they have basic knowledge of US history and government (civics).
Waivers for the US Citizenship Exam
Based on the applicant’s age and medically determinable physical or mental impairment, certain exceptions are there for the US citizenship exam.
An applicant who is over 50 years of age and has been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years need not take the English test. Though they are still required to take the civics test, they can take it in a language of their choice. (Applicants eligible for a waiver under this criterion should mark in red 50/20 on top of their application).
An applicant who is over 55 years of age and has been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years need not take the English test. Even under this category, they are still required to take the civics test, but can take it in a language of their choice. ( Applicants eligible for a waiver under this criterion should mark in red 55/15 on top of their application).
An applicant who is over 65 years of age and been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years need not take the English test. Even here, the applicant has to take the civics test, but can take it in a language of their choice. This test will be an easier version and applicants will be asked about 10 questions from a list of 25. ( Applicants eligible for a waiver under this criterion should mark in red 65/20 on top of their application).
There are applicants who have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment and if that impairment affects their ability to learn English and Civics, such applicants are eligible for an exception. He/She has to file Form N-648 requesting an exception along with the citizenship application.
If the applicant is eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement, he/she should bring an interpreter. Most of the answers in the test remain unchanged. Only a few answers keep changing (the names of persons holding government positions).
More About the US Citizenship Exam
The US citizenship exam is not a multiple choice test. Your US civics knowledge will be tested orally. The USCIS officer will ask ten questions from the set of hundred 100 questions. If you are able to answer at least six out of ten questions correctly, you will be considered to have passed the civics section of the citizenship test.
Your speaking, reading and writing ability and how well you understand English will be judged at your interview. You will be given three sentences and you should be able to read one sentence correctly to let the USCIS official know that you understand the meaning of the sentence. You should also write one sentence correctly out of the given three. Your speaking ability will be judged by the way you reply to the questions asked by USCIS officers during the interview. The final outcome of your test will be decided based on how well you have performed in the US citizenship exam.