Waivers for elderly persons applying for US citizenship
One of the steps involved in the citizenship process is that almost all applicants are required to take an English language test and a Civics test. As an applicant, you should establish to the satisfaction of the interviewing officer that you are able to read, write and speak basic English and that you have basic knowledge of US history and government.
Exceptions to the English Language and Civics Test Requirements:
There are certain people who can seek exceptions to the English language and civics test requirements based on their age and duration of their permanent residency.
1.If you are over 50 years of age and you have been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, then you need not take the English test. You are still required to take the civics test, but you can take it in a language of your choice. (If you are eligible for a waiver under this criterion, mark in red 50/20 on top of your citizenship application).
2. If you are over 55 years of age and you have been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, then you need not take the English test. You are still required to take the civics test, but you can take it in a language of your choice. (If you are eligible for a waiver under this criterion, mark in red 55/15 on top of your citizenship application).
3. If you are over 65 years of age and you have been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years , then you need not take the English test. You still have to take the Civics test, but you can take it in a language of your choice. This test will be a simpler version and you will be asked about 10 questions out of a list of 25. (If you are eligible for a waiver under this criterion, please mark in red 65/20 on top of your citizenship application).
In cases where the applicant has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment and if the impairment affects his/her ability to learn English and Civics, they are eligible for an exception. The applicant needs to file Form N-648 requesting an exception. This form has to be filed along with the citizenship application.
If you qualify for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement, you must be prepared to bring an interpreter. Note that most of the questions in the citizenship test remain unchanged. Only a few questions change (For eg: the names of persons holding government positions)
The citizenship test is NOT a multiple choice test. Your knowledge in US civics will be tested orally. The USCIS official will ask around 10 questions out of the 100 questions. It is enough to answer six out of ten questions correctly to pass the civics section of the citizenship test. Your speaking, reading and writing ability will be evaluated and how well you understand English will be checked at your interview.
Three sentences will be given and you should read one sentence just to let the USCIS official know that you understand the meaning of the sentence. Then you will be required to write one sentence out of the given three. Your speaking ability will be determined by the answers to questions asked by USCIS officers during the interview. The outcome of your citizenship test will be decided based on these.
