You have finally reached that long-awaited milestone when you can legally apply for U.S. citizenship. After filing your application, you are now eagerly awaiting your appointment date. Next comes the test that will determine if your long wait has paid off and you can soon stand and pledge your allegiance as a new citizen of the United States. Yet, the thought of taking the U.S. citizenship test is causing significant anxiety for some applicants. You may lack confidence in your English-speaking skills or feel nervous about your ability to read and write in English. Moreover, you may be having difficulty remembering what you studied due to memory issues. However, here is the good news: not everyone who applies for U.S. citizenship will have to take the full test!
The U.S. citizenship test consists of two sections: English and Civics. You will be tested on your reading, writing, and speaking skills in the English section. The Civics section will assess your knowledge of U.S. history and government and include questions on subjects such as geography, symbols, and holidays. Most applicants will need to take the standard version of the test. Still, depending on your age and physical abilities, you may be able to skip the English section of the test or avoid taking the test altogether.
Who is Eligible to Bypass the US Citizenship Test?
Most applicants for U.S. citizenship will be required to take a test as part of the process to gain this status. There are only two exemption categories for bypassing the test, and they are accommodations made for older adults and for those with disabilities. Certain older applicants may be eligible to bypass one or both portions of the test based on their age. In addition, applicants with disabilities or impairments that will make it more difficult for them to pass one or both sections of the test can request specific accommodations to facilitate the testing process.
Age Exemption for the English Test
You will be exempt from having to take the English portion of the U.S. citizenship test based on certain age and residency criteria.
- If you are at least 50 years old and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for a minimum of 20 years
- If you are at least 55 years old and have lived in the US for a minimum of 15 years
- If you are at least 65 years old and have lived in the US as a permanent resident for a minimum of 20 years
Age Exemption for the Civics Test
While there are age exemptions related to the English section of the U.S. citizenship test, the Civics section is more difficult to bypass. Applicants cannot be exempted from taking the Civics section of the test based on their age. The only accommodation is for applicants at least 65 years old; they will be given a test form that requires studying the answers to only twenty questions in the Civics section. Applicants under age 65 must study the standard one hundred questions for the test.
The main reason age exemptions were applied to the U.S. citizenship test is that the government assumes older people who have lived in the U.S. for many years and have a limited understanding of English are unlikely to learn enough English to pass that section of the test. However, they will have already gained a solid connection to the U.S. during their years of residency.
Medical Accommodations
Many people who have a medical disability or impairment will still be required to take the U.S. citizenship test. However, they can request specific accommodations to ensure they have a fair chance of passing the test. Some examples of the kinds of disabilities or impairments that could warrant a medical accommodation include the following:
- Braille version of the test’s reading section for applicants with visual impairments
- Sign language interpreter for applicants with hearing impairment
- Family member, designated guardian, or other person to provide aid or support
- At-home testing for applicants with certain disabilities
- Additional time to complete test
Medical Exemptions
To be granted a medical exemption from taking the US citizenship test, an applicant must provide evidence of having a physical or mental disability or impairment that will prevent them from taking or passing the test’s English and/or Civics sections. This disability or impairment must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months. Remember that not all disabilities and impairments will qualify for this special exemption. According to the USCIS, only those caused by anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities are considered qualifying. Below is a list of the types of conditions that may qualify for medical exemptions.
Examples of qualifying disabilities and impairments
- Learning disability that impairs the ability to read and write
- Memory problems stemming from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Major depressive disorder or a PTSD diagnosis
- Cognitive impairments such as Down syndrome
- Cancer patients going through chemotherapy
- Other physical illnesses that disrupt the ability to study
Do you believe you may qualify for a medical exemption that will allow you to bypass the U.S. citizenship test? If so, you will need to visit a licensed physician, clinical psychologist, or other acceptable medical professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. The medical professional must provide you with a completed and signed Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. They must also clearly explain how your specific impairment or disability makes it impossible for you to take and pass the English and Civics sections of the U.S. citizenship test.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Are you ready to file for U.S. citizenship status but believe you may qualify for an exemption based on your age or a medication condition? Then contact us today at US Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 to speak with an immigration attorney about the situation. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
