65/20 Exemption: Easier Citizenship Test for Older Applicants
Last updated: December 11, 2025
If you're 65 years or older AND have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you qualify for special consideration. You only need to study 20 civics questions instead of 128!
Do You Qualify for 65/20?
You qualify if BOTH conditions are met:
💡 Example: If you're 67 years old and got your green card 22 years ago, you qualify! You only study 20 questions marked with ⭐ (asterisk).
What Changes with 65/20 Exemption?
| Requirement | Standard Test | 65/20 Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Civics Questions | Study all 128 questions | Study only 20 questions ⭐ |
| Questions Asked | Up to 10 random | Up to 10 from the 20 ⭐ |
| Passing Score | 6 out of 10 correct | 6 out of 10 correct (same) |
| English Test | Required (reading + writing) | Required (same) |
| Test Language | Must be in English | Can take in your native language! 🌍 |
You Can Take the Test in Your Native Language!
This is the biggest benefit of 65/20 exemption: You can bring an interpreter to translate the civics test questions into your native language.
How It Works:
- 1.Bring a qualified interpreter who speaks English + your language
- 2.Officer asks civics questions in English
- 3.Interpreter translates question to your language
- 4.You answer in your native language
- 5.Interpreter translates your answer to English for officer
⚠️ Important: You still need to pass the English reading/writing test (very basic), but the civics questions can be in your language.
The 20 Questions You Need to Study
These questions are marked with a ⭐ (star/asterisk) in the official USCIS question list. Here they are grouped by category:
🏛️ Principles of American Democracy (4 questions)
- 1. What is the supreme law of the land?
- 2. What does the Constitution do?
- 3. What is the economic system in the United States?
- 4. What is the "rule of law"?
⚖️ System of Government (12 questions)
- 5. Name one branch of government
- 6. Who makes federal laws?
- 7. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
- 8. How many U.S. Senators are there?
- 9. Name your state's two U.S. Senators
- 10. How many years is one term for a U.S. Senator?
- 11. Name your U.S. Representative
- 12. Who is the President now?
- 13. Who is the Vice President now?
- 14. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
- 15. Who was the first President?
- 16. What is the capital of your state?
🗽 Rights and Responsibilities (3 questions)
- 17. Name one right or freedom from the First Amendment
- 18. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- 19. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
📚 American History (1 question)
- 20. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s
✅ Pro Tip: Only 20 questions! You can learn these in 1-2 weeks with daily practice. Use our flashcards to filter for 65/20 questions (marked with ⭐).
What Doesn't Change
Even with 65/20 exemption, you still must:
- Pass the English test — Read and write simple sentences (very basic)
- Pass 6 out of 10 civics questions — Same passing score as everyone else
- Meet all N-400 requirements — Residence, good moral character, etc.
- Bring all required documents — Green card, ID, passports, etc.
Study Tips for 65/20 Applicants
- Focus on the 20 ⭐ questions only — Don't waste time studying all 128
- Update your knowledge — Current President, Vice President, Senators change over time
- Practice in your language — Have family quiz you in your native language
- Bring a qualified interpreter — Must be fluent in both English and your language
- Don't skip the English test prep — Practice reading/writing simple sentences