Have a naturalization interview notice and an exception? Send the date, time and office address, and the language the applicant will use.
Taking the citizenship interview in your language: who qualifies
- Most naturalization applicants must show they can read, write, speak and understand English at the interview, so they cannot bring an interpreter for another language. [1][2] Sign language interpreters requested as a disability accommodation are a separate matter. [3]
- The 50/20 and 55/15 exceptions remove the English requirement for applicants who meet the age and permanent-residence thresholds at the time of filing. They still take the civics test, and may take it in their own language with an interpreter they bring. [1][2]
- Applicants who are 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident (65/20) get special consideration on the civics test: USCIS gives them specially designated test forms. [1][2]
- A medical disability exception (Form N-648, completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist) can exempt an applicant from English, civics or both; ask USCIS how the interview will then be held. [1][3]
Published by Rush Translations and Immigrant Services, which provides in-person naturalization interview interpreters nationwide for applicants who qualify for an exception. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
The general rule: the interview is in English
To naturalize, an applicant normally takes a two-part test: English, judged by the ability to read, write, speak and understand English, and civics, a test of knowledge of U.S. history and government. [2] Because speaking English is part of what the officer checks, an applicant who has to meet the English requirement cannot bring an interpreter for another language. For the 50/20 and 55/15 exceptions, USCIS says the applicant may take the civics test in their native language and must then bring an interpreter. [1][2] (Sign language interpreters requested as a disability accommodation are covered below. [3])
USCIS lists the exceptions on one page: two age-and-residence exceptions to English (50/20 and 55/15), special consideration on civics for applicants who are 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, and a medical disability exception for English, civics or both. [1]
Naturalization exceptions at a glance (USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2)
| Exception | Who qualifies (at the time of filing) | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| 50/20 | Age 50 or older, and a permanent resident for at least 20 years | No English test. Civics test still required; it may be taken in the applicant's language with an interpreter. |
| 55/15 | Age 55 or older, and a permanent resident for at least 15 years | Same as 50/20. |
| 65/20 | Age 65 or older, and a permanent resident for at least 20 years | No English test. Civics test on specially designated test forms; it may be taken in the applicant's language with an interpreter. |
| Medical disability (Form N-648) | A physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents meeting the requirement | May be exempt from English, civics or both. |
Swipe sideways to see the whole table. Source: USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2, and USCIS "Exceptions and Accommodations". [1][2]
The 50/20 and 55/15 exceptions
An applicant is exempt from the English requirement, but still has to meet the civics requirement, if at the time of filing the naturalization application they are: [1][2]
- 50/20: age 50 or older and a permanent resident (green card holder) living in the United States for 20 years or more; or
- 55/15: age 55 or older and a permanent resident living in the United States for 15 years or more.
USCIS's notes on these exceptions are specific: the applicant still takes the civics test; they may take it in their native language; if they do, they must bring an interpreter to the interview; and the interpreter must be fluent in both English and the applicant's native language. [1] The Policy Manual puts it as taking the civics test "in his or her language of choice with the use of an interpreter". [2]
65/20: special consideration on the civics test
An applicant who, at the time of filing, is 65 or older and has lived in the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years after becoming a permanent resident receives special consideration on the civics test: USCIS administers specific, specially designated test forms. [2] Applicants in this group also meet the age and residence thresholds of the 50/20 exception, so they are exempt from English and may take the civics test in their language of choice with an interpreter. [1][2]
Medical disability exception: Form N-648
An applicant who cannot meet the English and civics requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment may be exempt from the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both. [2] The request is made on Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, which must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or a licensed clinical psychologist. [1]
The disability exception is different from an accommodation: it requires showing that the condition prevents the applicant from meeting the requirement even with reasonable accommodations. [3]
Disability accommodations are separate
An accommodation changes how the requirements are tested; it does not exempt anyone from them. The Policy Manual lists examples such as sign language interpreters, extended time for the English and civics tests, and an interview at an off-site location. [3] USCIS asks applicants to request an accommodation as soon as they receive the appointment notice, online at uscis.gov/accommodations or through the USCIS Contact Center. [1] An applicant can request both a medical disability exception and an accommodation; the Policy Manual's example is a deaf applicant who files Form N-648 and also asks USCIS to provide a sign language interpreter. [3]
Do you qualify? Worked examples
These examples apply the thresholds above. They are illustrations only; USCIS decides each case.
Worked examples (age and years as a permanent resident on the filing date)
| Applicant on the filing date | Exception | Interpreter at the interview? |
|---|---|---|
| Age 52, permanent resident living in the U.S. for 21 years | 50/20 | Yes: may take the civics test in their own language with an interpreter they bring |
| Age 57, permanent resident for 16 years | 55/15 | Yes, as above |
| Age 56, permanent resident for 12 years | None (under 15 years) | No interpreter for another language under the age exceptions; ask USCIS or your attorney if a medical disability exception (Form N-648) may apply |
| Age 49, permanent resident for 25 years | None (under 50) | No interpreter for another language under the age exceptions; ask USCIS or your attorney if a medical disability exception (Form N-648) may apply |
| Age 68, permanent resident for 22 years | 65/20 (and 50/20) | Yes; civics on specially designated test forms |
Swipe sideways to see the whole table. Thresholds: USCIS "Exceptions and Accommodations" and Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2. [1][2]
Bringing the interpreter
When an exception applies and the applicant uses another language, the applicant brings the interpreter; the interpreter must be fluent in English and in the applicant's language. [1] At field office interviews, the applicant and the interpreter sign Form G‑1256 in front of the officer, and the interpreter must interpret accurately, literally and fully; the officer can refuse an interpreter. [4][5] More on the form: Form G-1256 explained; on who may interpret: who can interpret at a USCIS interview.
Attorneys: since May 18, 2026, attorneys and accredited representatives who attend field office interviews must attend in person; remote participation is allowed only in limited circumstances. [6]
Qualify for an exception and need an interpreter?Send the office, date and time from the naturalization interview notice and the language the applicant will use. You'll receive a written quote.
Booking an interpreter for a naturalization interview
- Send the notice details through the interpreter request form or by phone at 929-229-0044: office, date and time, interview type (naturalization) and the language the applicant will use. Live phone support runs 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern, and emails are answered after hours too.
- Get a written quote. It usually follows within 30 minutes during business hours. Urgent requests, including next-day appointments, are accepted subject to interpreter availability. A quote is not yet a confirmed booking.
- Book and receive confirmation. When the booking is paid, a written booking confirmation is sent.
- Contact details two days before. The interpreter and the applicant receive each other's direct contact details by email and agree where to meet.
- Interview day. The interpreter arrives 30 minutes early, signs Form G‑1256 with the applicant where it applies, and interprets everything said, completely and without giving advice.
Every interpreter in the active pool, part of a nationwide network of 1,000+ interpreters, signs an NDA at onboarding, and assignments are screened for conflicts of interest.
What to send when you book
- A copy of the interview notice, or the exact office address, date and time
- The language the applicant will use for the civics test and interview
- Whether an attorney or accredited representative will attend
- Any gender preference for the interpreter (subject to availability), and a phone number for the day
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone bring an interpreter to the citizenship interview?
No. Most applicants must show English at the interview. Applicants who qualify for the 50/20 or 55/15 exception (including 65/20 applicants) may take the civics test in their own language with an interpreter they bring. [1][2] Sign language interpreters requested as a disability accommodation are separate. [3]
Do I still take the civics test under 50/20 or 55/15?
Yes. Those exceptions cover English only; the civics test is still required, and you may take it in your native language with an interpreter you bring. [1]
Are the age and years counted at the interview or when I file?
What is different for 65/20 applicants?
They receive special consideration on the civics test: USCIS administers specially designated test forms. [2]
Who fills out Form N-648?
A licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or a licensed clinical psychologist. [1]
Related guides
Qualify for 50/20 or 55/15?Book an interpreter for the naturalization interview as soon as the notice arrives.
Sources
- USCIS, "Exceptions and Accommodations" (naturalization; last reviewed/updated January 9, 2026). uscis.gov. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2, "English and Civics Testing". uscis.gov. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 3, "Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648)". uscis.gov. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- USCIS, "G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview". uscis.gov. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- USCIS, PM-602-0125.1, "The Role and Use of Interpreters in Domestic Field Office Interviews" (January 17, 2017). uscis.gov. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- USCIS, "Field Offices" (alert on in-person attendance by attorneys and accredited representatives, effective May 18, 2026). uscis.gov. Accessed November 3, 2026.
Last verified: November 3, 2026. Rules can change; the interview notice and current USCIS guidance control. This page is general information, not legal advice.