Recently I’ve received many inquiries about naturalization from people who cannot speak English. They mainly ask how this affects their eligibility to naturalize. The surge in questions may stem from the new naturalization test rules that took effect for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. The rules expanded the civics question bank from 100 to 128, require 12 correct answers out of 20 (up from 6 out of 10), and add more U.S. history and principles content. The English requirement itself did not change, but these updates have created uncertainty.
Many lawful permanent residents worry the English requirement could change. Let’s review the current rules. I’ll explain the existing requirements and the limited exemptions available to applicants who file before any changes take effect.
The English test
During initial consultation, I pay particular attention on the applicant’s ability to speak and understand English. That matters because, at the interview, a USCIS officer will assess the applicant’s ability to speak, read, and write basic English.
The English test has three parts that measure language skills. Speaking comes first. The officer assesses your ability to understand and respond to questions about your application and eligibility throughout the interview. For reading, you will see sentences on a digital tablet and must read aloud correctly. For writing, an officer reads a sentence aloud and you must write it correctly on the tablet.
Who must demonstrate English ability
Generally, most applicants for naturalization must demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak basic English during the naturalization interview. The civics test is generally given in English as well, although exceptions for language exist.
You are exempt from the English language requirement but must still take the civics test if you meet either of these conditions: first, you are age 50 or older at the time of filing and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years (the “50/20” exception), or second, you are age 55 or older at the time of filing and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years (the “55/15” exception).
50/20 Rule
Scenario: María is 62 and received her green card in 1999. When she files her application for naturalization, she qualifies under the “50/20” rule (over 50 and LPR at least 20 years). She cannot speak English well. At her interview, USCIS allows her to take the civics test in Spanish with an interpreter. She prepares for the civics test in Spanish and passes. USCIS waives the English-speaking requirement.
55/15 Rule
Scenario: Li is 56 and became an LPR in 2010 (14 years). He doesn’t meet the 55/15 rule but is close. Li has chronic severe hearing loss. His audiologist completes Form N-648 explaining that written and spoken English testing would be inappropriate, and Li submits medical records. USCIS evaluates the medical evidence. Depending on the documentation, USCIS may grant accommodations or a full exemption. If granted a medical exemption from civics but not English, Li may still need to show basic English speaking ability or receive reasonable testing modifications.
65/20 Rule
Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English exemptions, you still must take the civics test. You may take that test in your native language, but you must bring an interpreter to your interview. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language. Applicants who are 65 or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years at the time of filing receive special consideration for the civics requirement.
Consult an immigration attorney
Not speaking English does not automatically block naturalization. Many applicants qualify for exemptions based on age plus years as an LPR or medical disabilities.
Can family members interpret for me? Yes, a family member may interpret if they meet USCIS rules for interpreters, but USCIS often prefers a qualified, neutral interpreter. If you are seeking the age-based exemption, USCIS typically allows the civics test in your language via an interpreter. Check local field office procedures.
Exemptions are not automatic. USCIS reviews each claim and may request additional evidence or a medical re-evaluation. Consult an immigration attorney to help determine your eligibility for exemptions and to assist with preparing and filing your naturalization application.