Can I Take the 2025 Citizenship Civics Test in My Native Language?

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Key Takeaways

• Most applicants must take both the English test and civics test in English during naturalization.
• Age and residency exemptions (50/20, 55/15, 65/20) allow civics test in native language with an interpreter.
• Medical disability exception requires USCIS-approved Form N-648 for possible exemption from English and civics tests.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major step for many immigrants living in the United States 🇺🇸. One of the most important parts of this process is passing the U.S. citizenship test, which includes both a civics test and an English test requirement. Many people wonder if they can take the citizenship questions in their native language, especially if they feel more comfortable speaking a language other than English. This guide explains when and how you can use your native language during the citizenship process, who qualifies for exemptions, and what steps you need to follow.

What Is the U.S. Citizenship Test?

Can I Take the 2025 Citizenship Civics Test in My Native Language?

The U.S. citizenship test is a key part of the naturalization process. It checks if you understand basic facts about the United States 🇺🇸 government, history, and your rights and duties as a citizen. The test has two main parts:

Civics Test: This part asks questions about U.S. history, government, and laws.
English Test Requirement: This part checks your ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

Both parts are given during your naturalization interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.

Can You Take the Citizenship Test in Your Native Language?

The short answer is: sometimes. Most people must take both the civics test and the English test in English. However, there are important exceptions for some older applicants, long-term residents, and people with certain medical disabilities. These exceptions allow you to take the civics test in your native language, but the English test requirement usually still applies unless you qualify for a specific exemption.

Understanding the English Test Requirement

The English test requirement is a standard part of the naturalization process. All applicants must show they can:

Speak basic English by answering questions during the interview
Read one out of three sentences in English correctly
Write one out of three sentences in English correctly

You must do this unless you qualify for an exemption. The goal is to make sure new citizens can communicate in English, which helps them take part in American life.

When Can You Take the Civics Test in Your Native Language?

You can take the civics test in your native language only if you meet certain age and residency requirements or have a qualifying medical disability. Here are the main ways you might qualify:

1. Age and Residency Exemptions

USCIS has special rules for older adults who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time as lawful permanent residents (LPRs, also known as green card holders). These rules are sometimes called the “50/20” and “55/15” exemptions.

50/20 Exemption: If you are 50 years old or older at the time you file your Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test. You can take the civics test in your native language, but you must bring your own interpreter.
55/15 Exemption: If you are 55 years old or older at the time you file your Form N-400 and have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years, you do not have to take the English test. You can also take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter.
65/20 Special Consideration: If you are 65 years old or older and have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you get extra help. You do not have to take the English test, and you get a simpler version of the civics test. You can take this test in your native language with an interpreter.

Important: Even if you qualify for these exemptions, you must still take the civics test. The only difference is that you can use your native language and an interpreter for the civics questions.

2. Medical Disability Exception

If you have a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment that makes it hard or impossible for you to learn English or U.S. civics, you may qualify for a medical disability exception. To apply, your doctor must fill out Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions). If USCIS approves your request, you may be excused from the English test, the civics test, or both. If you are only excused from the English test, you can take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter.

You can find the official Form N-648 and instructions on the USCIS website.

Who Does Not Qualify for Language Exemptions?

If you do not meet the age and residency requirements or do not have an approved medical disability exception, you must take both the English test and the civics test in English. You cannot use an interpreter, and the officer will not ask the civics questions in your native language.

How to Request to Take the Civics Test in Your Native Language

If you think you qualify for an exemption, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Are you 50 or older with at least 20 years as a lawful permanent resident?
Are you 55 or older with at least 15 years as a lawful permanent resident?
Are you 65 or older with at least 20 years as a lawful permanent resident?
Do you have a qualifying medical disability and an approved Form N-648?

If you answer “yes” to any of these, you may be able to take the civics test in your native language.

2. Indicate Your Language Preference on Form N-400

When you fill out Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), there is a section where you can indicate if you want to use an interpreter for the civics test. Make sure to fill this out clearly.

You can access the official Form N-400 on the USCIS website.

3. Bring an Interpreter to Your Interview

If you qualify, you must bring your own interpreter to the naturalization interview. The interpreter must be able to translate both your native language and English well. The USCIS officer will check if your interpreter is qualified before starting the interview.

4. Prepare Using Multilingual Study Materials

Even if you will take the civics test in your native language, it is a good idea to study the questions and answers ahead of time. USCIS provides study materials and civics questions in many languages. You can find these resources on the USCIS Citizenship Multilingual Resources page.

5. Attend Your Interview

At the interview, the USCIS officer will:

Check your eligibility for the exemption
Allow your interpreter to help with the civics test if you qualify
Give you the English test if you do not qualify for an exemption

What Happens During the Interview?

During the naturalization interview, the officer will:

Review your Form N-400 and supporting documents
Ask you questions about your background and application
Give you the English test (unless you are exempt)
Give you the civics test (in English or your native language, depending on your exemption status)

If you are using an interpreter, the officer will make sure the interpreter is qualified and understands the rules. The interpreter must translate everything accurately and cannot help you answer the questions.

Real-World Examples

Example 1:
Maria is 52 years old and has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a green card holder for 22 years. She does not speak English well. Maria qualifies for the 50/20 exemption. She does not have to take the English test and can take the civics test in Spanish with an interpreter.

Example 2:
Ahmed is 60 years old and has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a green card holder for 10 years. He does not qualify for the age and residency exemption, so he must take both the English test and the civics test in English.

Example 3:
Li is 67 years old and has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a green card holder for 21 years. She qualifies for the 65/20 special consideration. She does not have to take the English test and will take a simpler civics test in her native language with an interpreter.

Example 4:
Sam has a serious medical condition that makes it impossible for him to learn English. His doctor fills out Form N-648, and USCIS approves his request. Sam is excused from both the English and civics tests.

Why Are These Exemptions Important?

These exemptions help older immigrants and people with disabilities become U.S. citizens, even if they find it hard to learn English. Many people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years may still struggle with English, but they know a lot about American history and government. Allowing them to take the civics test in their native language makes the process fairer.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these exemptions are especially important for older immigrants who want to become citizens but face language barriers. Immigration educators also say that these rules help families stay together and let more people take part in American society.

What If You Fail the Test?

If you do not pass the English test or the civics test the first time, USCIS will give you another chance. You can retake the part you failed (English or civics) at a second interview, usually within 60 to 90 days. If you fail again, your application for U.S. citizenship will be denied, but you can apply again in the future.

Recent Changes and Future Outlook

As of June 2025, there have been no new changes to the rules about language exemptions for the citizenship test. USCIS tried out a new civics test format with multiple-choice questions and pictures between 2022 and 2024, but this pilot program ended in December 2024. The agency returned to the traditional oral civics test. The age, residency, and medical disability exemptions remain the same.

USCIS continues to provide study materials in many languages and may update these resources in the future to help more people prepare for the test.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most up-to-date information about the U.S. citizenship test, exemptions, and study materials, visit these official USCIS pages:

If you have questions, you can contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center or visit the official USCIS website.

Key Takeaways

Most applicants must take both the English test and the civics test in English.
You can take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter only if you qualify for an age and residency exemption or have an approved medical disability exception.
You must bring your own interpreter if you qualify.
USCIS provides study materials in many languages to help you prepare.
No major policy changes have been made to these rules as of mid-2025.

Practical Tips for Applicants

Check your eligibility for exemptions before applying.
Use official study materials in your native language to prepare for the civics test.
Bring a qualified interpreter if you are allowed to take the civics test in your native language.
Practice your English skills if you do not qualify for an exemption, especially reading, writing, and speaking.
Ask for help from community organizations, legal aid groups, or immigration lawyers if you are unsure about your eligibility or need help with your application.

Conclusion

The U.S. citizenship process can seem difficult, especially if you are worried about the English test requirement or the civics test. However, there are clear rules that allow some people to take the civics test in their native language. These rules are designed to help older immigrants and people with disabilities become citizens and fully join American life. If you think you might qualify for an exemption, check the official USCIS resources and follow the steps above. With the right preparation and support, you can take the next step toward U.S. citizenship.

For more details on exemptions and the application process, visit the USCIS Policy Manual on English and Civics Testing.

Learn Today

Civics Test → A test assessing knowledge of U.S. history, government, and citizen rights during naturalization.
English Test Requirement → A naturalization component evaluating basic English speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Interpreter → A person who translates language orally to assist applicants during the civics test.
Form N-400 → The official Application for Naturalization form filed with USCIS to start citizenship process.
Form N-648 → A Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions form used to request exemptions from English or civics tests.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS offers age and disability exemptions to take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter. Most applicants must still pass the English requirement. Preparing with multilingual resources ensures fair access and helps immigrants succeed on the path to U.S. citizenship.
— By VisaVerge.com