What Is the 65/20 Rule?
The 65/20 rule is a special accommodation for older naturalization applicants. If you meet both of the following requirements, you qualify:
- You are 65 years of age or older at the time of filing your N-400, and
- You have been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for 20 or more years
This exemption is sometimes called the "65/20 exemption" or the "senior exemption."
How the 65/20 Exemption Changes the Civics Test
Reduced Question Pool
Instead of studying the full set of civics questions, 65/20 applicants study from a special reduced list of 20 questions marked with an asterisk (*) in the official USCIS study materials.
At your interview, the USCIS officer will ask 10 questions from this smaller pool, and you need to answer 6 correctly to pass. This is the same pass rate as the standard 2008 test but drawn from a much smaller and more focused set of questions.
Language Accommodation
Applicants who qualify under the 65/20 rule may take the civics test in their native language. This is a significant benefit for applicants who are more comfortable in a language other than English.
If you choose to take the civics test in another language, you must bring your own interpreter to the interview. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language. USCIS does not provide interpreters.
Important: The language accommodation applies only to the civics portion of the test. Whether you also need to take the English reading and writing test depends on which English exemption, if any, you qualify for (see below).
English Test Exemptions for Seniors
The 65/20 civics accommodation is separate from English test exemptions. There are two English exemptions based on age and residency:
- 50/20 rule: If you are 50 or older and have been an LPR for 20+ years, you are exempt from the English reading and writing test.
- 55/15 rule: If you are 55 or older and have been an LPR for 15+ years, you are also exempt from the English reading and writing test.
Since 65/20 applicants are at least 65 with 20+ years of permanent residency, they automatically qualify for the 50/20 English exemption as well. This means most 65/20 applicants will not need to take the English reading and writing portions of the test.
How to Study Under the 65/20 Rule
Get the Right Study Materials
USCIS provides a specific study sheet listing the 20 designated questions for 65/20 applicants. You can find it at uscis.gov/citizenship. Look for materials marked with an asterisk (*) or specifically labeled for the 65/20 exemption.
Study Tips for Seniors
- Focus on just the 20 questions. Do not overwhelm yourself with the full question pool. You only need to know the designated subset.
- Study a few questions each day. Breaking the 20 questions into groups of 4 or 5 makes the material more manageable.
- Practice with a family member or friend. Have someone read the questions to you and check your answers, just as the officer will do at the interview.
- Use flashcards. Write the question on one side and the answer on the other. Review them regularly.
- Check for current answers. Some questions have answers that change, such as the name of the President or your state governor. Make sure your answers are up to date as of your interview date.
If You Are Using an Interpreter
Practice with your interpreter before the interview if possible. The interpreter should be familiar with the civics questions and the vocabulary involved so that the interview goes smoothly.
What to Expect at the Interview
- The USCIS officer will confirm that you qualify for the 65/20 exemption based on your age and LPR history.
- The officer will ask you 10 civics questions from the designated 20-question pool.
- You need 6 correct answers to pass.
- If you brought an interpreter, the officer will ask the questions in English, your interpreter will translate them, and you may answer in your native language.
- If you do not pass on the first attempt, you will be given a second opportunity within 60 to 90 days.
Additional Resources
- USCIS 65/20 Study Materials -- official flashcards and question lists
- USCIS Policy on Accommodations -- details on exemptions and interpreter rules
- Contact your local USCIS office or a legal aid organization if you have questions about whether you qualify