The 50/20, 55/15 and 65/20 Rules for the Citizenship Test

Updated: October 30, 2026

Older long-term green card holders get relief from the citizenship tests. Under the 50/20 and 55/15 rules, you skip the English test and can take the civics test in your own language with an interpreter. Under the 65/20 rule, you also get a simplified civics test: 10 questions from a special list of 20, with 6 correct needed. You must meet both numbers, your age and your years as a permanent resident, on the day you file Form N-400.

The three rules at a glance

50/20 rule

Age 50 or older when you file
Green card holder for at least 20 years when you file
No English test
Civics test in your own language, with an interpreter
Regular civics test: the 2025 version with up to 20 questions from 128 (12 correct to pass), or the 2008 version if you filed before October 20, 2025

55/15 rule

Age 55 or older when you file
Green card holder for at least 15 years when you file
No English test
Civics test in your own language, with an interpreter
Same regular civics test as 50/20

65/20 rule (special consideration)

Age 65 or older when you file
Green card holder for at least 20 years when you file
No English test
Civics test in the language of your choice, with an interpreter
Simplified civics test: study only 20 questions marked with an asterisk, answer 10, and get at least 6 right

"At the time of filing" is the key detail

USCIS checks your age and years as a permanent resident on the date it receives your N-400. Some consequences:

If you turn 55 a month after filing, you don't qualify for 55/15, even if your interview is a year later.
The 90-day early filing window applies to the continuous residence requirement. It doesn't let you file early to reach an exemption. You must already meet the exemption's age and residence numbers on the filing date.
If you're close to an age threshold, it can be worth waiting to file until you qualify. Weigh that against your other plans.

Count your years as a permanent resident from the "Resident Since" date on your green card. Time spent in the United States before you got your green card doesn't count toward the 15 or 20 years.

How to claim an exemption

There's no separate form. On the N-400, your date of birth and permanent resident date show whether you qualify, and the officer applies the rule at the interview. To prepare:

Double-check your dates on the green card and in Part 2 of the N-400.
Arrange an interpreter. USCIS doesn't provide one. You bring your own, who must be fluent in both English and your language. There are rules about who can serve, so check your interview notice and the USCIS guidance on interpreters (Policy Manual Volume 12, Part B, Chapter 3) before you choose someone.
Study in your language. Translate the questions, or use a trusted translation, but keep the official English list for reference.

Even with an exemption, the interview itself still happens. The officer reviews your N-400 through the interpreter.

The 65/20 question list

For the 2025 test, the 20 questions marked with an asterisk on USCIS's list "128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)" are the ones you study. They include:

What is the supreme law of the land?
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
What is the economic system of the United States?
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
The President is elected for how many years?
What is the name of the President now? And the Vice President?
Who vetoes bills?
What is the highest court in the United States?
Who is the governor of your state now?
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
George Washington is famous for many things. Name one.
Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one.
What major event happened on September 11, 2001?
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Name three national U.S. holidays.

Several of these have answers that change, such as the President, Vice President, Speaker and your governor. Check the current names at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates. See civics questions with changing answers.

If you filed before October 20, 2025, use the 65/20 list for the 2008 test instead. It's also 20 questions, with 10 asked and 6 correct needed, but the questions are different.

Studying with 20 questions

Twenty questions is a manageable list, even for someone who has been out of school for a long time:

Learn 2 or 3 questions a day, and review the earlier ones each time.
Use your own language first, then learn key names as they're pronounced in English, since names like Washington and Lincoln stay the same.
Practice with the interpreter you'll bring, so you get used to the exchange.
Run mock tests of 10 random questions from the 20 and aim for 8 or more, giving you a cushion.

Our civics question list shows the full set. For general methods, see how to pass the civics test.

If you don't qualify for an age exemption

If a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents you from learning English or civics, you may qualify for a medical exception with Form N-648.
Otherwise you take the full English and civics tests. See the citizenship English test and the 2025 civics test.

Frequently asked questions

Does the 65/20 rule mean I don't have to take any test?

No. You still take a civics test, just a simpler one: 10 questions from a list of 20, with 6 correct needed. You're exempt from the English test.

Can I use the 50/20 rule if I have been in the U.S. 20 years but only had a green card for 12?

No. Only years as a lawful permanent resident count. With 12 years, you'd need to wait until you have 15 years as a permanent resident and are at least 55, or 20 years and at least 50.

Do I have to bring my own interpreter?

Yes. If you take the civics test in your language under these rules, you must bring an interpreter who is fluent in English and your language.

If I fail the simplified civics test, what happens?

You get one more try, usually 60 to 90 days later, under the same rules. If you fail again, your application is denied, and you can reapply later.

Prepare for the civics test with Civio: every official question from the 2025 USCIS civics test, Exam Mode with your state's questions, and spaced repetition.

Informational article, not legal advice. Civio is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; always check current requirements at uscis.gov.