Proficiency in English is a fundamental requirement for naturalization.
For this reason, most applicants must complete their citizenship interview and exam in English and prove basic reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
However, certain applicants may qualify for an exception that allows them to take the citizenship exam entirely in Spanish. If you qualify for one of these exceptions, you may be exempt from the English language requirement.
These exceptions mainly depend on your age and how long you have been a permanent resident. They fall into three categories:
- Rule 50/20: You are 50 years old and have been a permanent resident for 20 years.
- Rule 55/15: You are 55 years old and have been a permanent resident for 15 years.
- Rule 65/20: You are 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for 20 years (this category includes a simplified civics exam).
Additionally, USCIS may waive the English requirement through a medical disability exception if the applicant has a properly documented physical or mental impairment.
Can I take the U.S. citizenship test in Spanish?
Yes, you can take the U.S. citizenship test in Spanish — but only if you qualify under specific age and residency rules established by USCIS.
The USCIS recognizes that learning a new language can be especially difficult for many applicants, particularly later in life.
The goal is to ensure that English does not become an insurmountable barrier for individuals who have lived in the United States for decades and now wish to formalize their commitment as citizens.
For this reason, there are three legal exceptions for long-term permanent residents who wish to take their citizenship test in Spanish or their native language.
The 50/20 Rule: English exemption for applicants aged 50 with 20 years of residency
You qualify for this exception if you are 50 years old or older when you file Form N-400 and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years.
In this case, you are exempt from the English language test. You may complete the citizenship interview and take the civics exam in your native language with the help of an interpreter.
However, you must still take the full civics exam according to the applicable version (2008 or 2025).
- Applicants who filed before October 20, 2025, will take the 2008 version of the test.
- Applicants who filed on or after October 20, 2025, will take the 2025 version of the test.
The 55/15 Rule: For applicants aged 55 with 15 years of residency
You qualify for this exception if you are 55 years old or older when you file Form N-400 and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years.
Like the 50/20 rule, you are exempt from the English language test. You may take the interview and civics test in Spanish with an interpreter.
You must still take the full civics exam.
The 65/20 Rule: Simplified citizenship test and Spanish interview
To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years.
If you fall under this category, not only do you have the right to complete your citizenship interview in Spanish, but you also receive special consideration on the civics exam.
Rather than studying the standard list of 100 or 128 questions, you will only be tested on a simplified list of 20.
Keep reading: US Citizenship Test Questions for Seniors: 65/20 Exception
How to request a Spanish language waiver for the U.S. citizenship test
There is no specific form for requesting this language exemption. Also, the most recent version of Form N-400 no longer includes questions addressing this issue.
Therefore, you should be able to request the exemption during your interview. You simply need to inform the interviewing officer that you qualify.
- Verify Eligibility on Form N-400: Ensure your date of birth and residency start date are accurate. USCIS will automatically determine if you meet the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 criteria based on your records.
- Provide Your Own Interpreter: This is the applicant’s responsibility. You must bring a qualified interpreter who is fluent in both English and Spanish. The officer will vet the interpreter at the start of the session.
- Notify the Officer: At the beginning of your interview, confirm that you are requesting the English language exception based on your age and time as a resident.
However, some citizenship attorneys recommend including a short cover letter with your Form N-400 submission. This can be an effective way to inform USCIS that you are requesting the English language exemption under the applicable rule.
Form N-648: Medical disability exemption for the citizenship test
Beyond the age and residency requirements, the USCIS acknowledges that certain health conditions may hinder an individual’s ability to learn English.
Applicants with physical, developmental, or mental conditions that limit their ability to learn may request to take the U.S citizenship exam in Spanish. In some cases, applicants may request a full exemption from both the English and civics tests.
The requirements for this language exemption are:
- The physical, mental, or developmental disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.
- The condition cannot be the result of illegal drug use.
- The disability must be severe enough that the applicant is unable to learn English (reading, writing, and speaking) or understand basic U.S. history and government concepts, even with reasonable accommodations.
When and how to submit your medical certification
Requests must be made exclusively through Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions). USCIS only accepts this form to confirm your medical condition.
Not just anyone can complete or sign this form. It must be completed by one of the following licensed professionals authorized to practice in the United States:
- Medical Doctors (MD)
- Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)
- Licensed Clinical Psychologists
You may submit Form N-648 with your naturalization application or as a separate filing later. However, it is strongly recommended that you submit it at the same time as your Form N-400 to avoid significant delays in processing your case.
Keep in mind that USCIS carefully reviews these requests to prevent fraud. The documentation must be clear, detailed, and properly supported by medical evidence.
If USCIS approves Form N-648, you may be allowed to take the citizenship interview in Spanish. Depending on your case, you may be exempt from both exams.
Disability accommodations: Support if you don’t qualify
You cannot take the citizenship test in Spanish if you do not meet the age or residency requirements for a language waiver. However, you are not on your own. If a physical or mental impairment makes the standard test difficult, you can request disability accommodations.
It’s important to understand the difference: an exemption lets you skip parts of the test, like the English requirement. An accommodation modifies the testing environment to level the playing field. You still take the test, but USCIS adjusts the conditions to fit your needs.
What type of support can you request for the U.S. Citizenship test?
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, UCSIS is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations, such as:
- Visual and audio support: Access to large-print, Braille materials, or a sign language interpreter
- Logistical aid: Getting extra time to finish, taking frequent break, testing in an accessible location
- Communication assistance: If you have difficulty writing, you may be permitted to complete the writing portion orally.
- Support presence: Having a family member or guardian present for emotional support or to facilitate communication.
How to request an accommodation
It’s much simpler to request help than to file for a medical waiver. You don’t need extensive medical documentation for minor adjustments.
- On Form N-400, simply describe your needs in the “Accommodations” section of your application.
- If you’ve already filed: You can submit a request through the USCIS online portal or by mail.
We highly recommend creating a USCIS online account. It allows you to track your case in real time and communicate your needs to USCIS faster and more efficiently.
Summing up…
You may only take your U.S. citizenship exam in Spanish under these circumstances. Let’s break down.
| Rule | Age | Years as a Permanent Resident | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/20 | 50 or older | 20 years o more | Civics test in Spanish + no English test |
| 55/15 | 55 or older | 15 years o more | Civics test in Spanish + no English test |
| 65/20* | 65 or older | 20 years o more | Shorter and simplified civics test + in Spanish |
If you do not qualify for one of these exceptions, you must take the English test and answer your interview questions in English.
Remember, the English exam has two main components: reading and writing. Your speaking ability will be evaluated based on your responses to the civics questions and the Form N-400 questions.
If you have any questions about the naturalization process or the exam, please leave them in the comments.