U.S Citizenship Test in Spanish 2026: Rules and Exemptions

English proficiency is a cornerstone of the naturalization process. For this reason, most applicants must complete their citizenship interview and exam in English.

However, the USCIS offers exceptions that allow you to take the exam in Spanish or your native language. These exceptions are commonly referred to as the 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20 rules.

Your eligibility for these waivers depends on two main factors: your age and how long you’ve been a permanent resident.

But beyond these age-based rules, USCIS may grant a medical disability waiver.

You may qualify for this waiver if you have a documented physical or mental impairment that prevents you from learning or demonstrating English skill.

Requirements for taking the citizenship test in Spanish

You can skip the English language requirement if you meet the criteria for any of the following categories:

The 50/20 Exception: Applicants aged 50 with 20 years of residency

You qualify for this exception if you areat least 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more when you file Form N-400.

In this case, you are exempt from the English test. You may take the interview and citizenship exam in your native language with an interpreter.

However, you must still take the full civics exam based on your filing date.

• If you file before October 20, 2025 you will take the 2008 version of the test.
• If you file on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the 2025 version of the test. You will take the 2025 version of the test.

The 55/15 Rule: 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: Applicants aged 65 with 20 years of residency

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

Medical disability waiver for the citizenship exam

Besides to the age and residency requirements, USCIS recognizes that certain health conditions can make it difficult for individuals to learn English.

Applicants with physical, developmental, or mental conditions that hinder their ability to learn may request to take the citizenship test in Spanish.

In some cases, applicants may request a complete exemption from the English and civics tests.

The requirements for this language waiver 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 cannot learn to read, write, or speak English or understand basic U.S. history and government concepts.

When and how to submit your medical certification to take the citizenship test in Spanish

You must submit this request 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 filled out 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 at a later time. However, I recommend sending it with your Form N-400 to avoid delays in processing your case.

Keep in mind that USCIS carefully reviews these requests to prevent fraud. Therefore, the documentation must be clear, detailed, and properly backed by medical evidence.

Disability accommodations: Support if you don’t qualify for a language waiver

If you don’t qualify for an age- or medical-based waiver to take the citizenship test in Spanish, don’t worry. You can still request accommodations for the test.

A waiver allows you to skip parts of the test, while an accommodation adjusts the testing environment to provide a level playing field.

You will still take the citizenship exam, but USCIS will adjust the conditions to fit your specific needs.

What type of support can you request?

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

Requesting an accommodation is easier than filing for a full medical waiver. You won’t need much medical paperwork or letters from specialists.

Simply describe what you need in the “Accommodations” section of your naturalization application (Form N-400). If you have already filed, you can submit your request via the USCIS online portal or by mail.

Pro tip: Create a USCIS online account. It lets you track your case in real time and communicate your needs more quickly and efficiently. It’s the best way to ensure you don’t waste any time.

Summing up…

You may only take your U.S. citizenship exam in Spanish under these circumstances. Let’s break down.

Exemption	Requirement	Benefit
50/20 Rule	50+ years old + 20 years of residency	Civics test in Spanish + No English test
55/15 Rule	55+ years old + 15 years of residency	Civics test in Spanish + No English test
65/20 Rule*	65+ years old + 20 years of residency	Shorter, simplified civics test + In Spanish
Medical Disability	Documented physical or mental impairment	Test in Spanish or total waiver (case-by-case)

Keep in mind that the English exam has two main parts: reading and writing. Your speaking ability is evaluated based on how you answer the civics questions and the questions on your Form N-400.

If you have any questions about the naturalization process or the exam, feel free to leave them in the comments!