totaling at least 20 years, you do
• “An understanding of the English
not have to take the English test. You
language, including an ability to read,
do have to take the civics test in the
write, and speak...simple words and
language of your choice. Designated test
phrases...in ordinary usage in the
questions have been selected for you to
English language....”
study and are identified within the list of
100 civics test questions, which can be
• “A knowledge and understanding of the
found at www.uscis.gov under Education
fundamentals of the history, and of the
and Resources.
principles and form of government, of
the United States....”
To qualify for one of these exceptions, your
time as a Permanent Resident does not
This means that to be eligible for
have to be continuous. You are eligible for
naturalization, you must be able to read,
the exemption as long as your total time
write, and speak basic English. You must
residing in the United States (as a
also have a basic knowledge of U.S.
Permanent Resident) is at least 15 or 20
history and government (also known as
years. You may not count time when you
“civics”).
were not a Permanent Resident.
What if I cannot meet the English or
civics requirements? Certain applicants,
because of age and time as a permanent
resident; or others because of a disability,
have different English and civics
requirements.
You must meet these requirements for age
and time as a Permanent Resident at the
Age — There are three important exemptions time you file your application to qualify for for English testing based on an applicant’s
an exemption.
age and time as a Permanent Resident:
If you qualify for an exemption of English
(a) If you are over 50 years old and
testing based on age and time as a
have lived in the United States as
Permanent Resident, an interpreter, who