US Eases Citizenship Test Rules for Older Green Card Holders — Thousands of Immigrants Could Benefit
The United States government has eased one of the key requirements for naturalisation, allowing certain older lawful permanent residents to apply for American citizenship without taking the mandatory English language test.
The change, administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applies to green card holders who meet specific age and permanent-residency requirements when they submit their naturalisation applications.
Under the long-standing exemptions, immigrants aged 50 or older who have maintained lawful permanent resident status in the United States for at least 20 years can qualify for the English-language exemption, commonly known as the “50/20” exception.
A second category covers applicants aged 55 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 15 years. These applicants may qualify under the “55/15” exception.
USCIS also provides special consideration for older applicants. Those aged 65 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years qualify for the English-language exemption and receive special consideration when taking the U.S. civics test.
USCIS states that applicants qualify for the 50/20 exception if they are:
“Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years.”
The agency similarly describes the 55/15 provision as applying to people who are:
“Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years.”
The provisions could provide significant relief for long-term immigrants, including Kenyans who have lived legally in the United States for many years and are now seeking citizenship.
However, the exemption does not mean eligible applicants are completely exempt from the naturalisation test.
USCIS makes clear that applicants who qualify under the 50/20 or 55/15 provisions must still demonstrate knowledge of American history and government by taking the civics test.
“Even if you qualify for the ’50/20′ or ’55/15′ English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test,” USCIS said.
For applicants who qualify for the English-language exemption, the civics examination may be taken in their native language with the assistance of an interpreter, subject to the applicable naturalisation requirements.
Medical disability exemption also available
US citizenship rules also provide another route for applicants who cannot meet the English and/or civics requirements because of a qualifying medical disability.
Applicants seeking this exemption must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by an authorised medical professional.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the medical exception may apply to the English-language requirement, the civics requirement, or both.
The rules therefore create several avenues for long-term permanent residents and certain applicants with qualifying disabilities, while maintaining the broader requirement that citizenship applicants demonstrate the knowledge and eligibility required for naturalisation.
For older green card holders who have spent decades living in the United States, the exemptions could remove one of the biggest hurdles on the path to becoming American citizens.
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