To avoid taking the English language exam for your citizenship interview, you generally need to meet certain exemptions or qualifications. Here are some common scenarios where individuals may be exempt from the English language requirement:
Age and Residency: If you are at least 50 years old and have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 20 years, or if you are at least 55 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years, you may qualify for an exemption from the English language test. If you are at least 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years when filing for naturalization, you may be eligible for a modified civics test and may be exempt from the English language requirement.
Medical Disability: Individuals with certain medical disabilities that affect their ability to learn English may qualify for an exemption. A medical professional must complete Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, to support this exemption and be very detailed in the form.
It’s important to note that meeting the criteria for an exemption doesn’t automatically grant citizenship, it may only exempt you from certain testing requirements. You will still need to demonstrate your knowledge of U.S. government and history through the civics test unless otherwise exempted.
To navigate the process successfully and understand your eligibility for exemptions, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a legal professional specializing in citizenship matters. They can assess your specific situation, guide you through the application process, and help ensure you meet all the requirements for naturalization.
Client Experience
I had the privilege of working with a Korean client who had a deep desire to become a citizen of the United States. However, there was a unique challenge standing in her way – a medical issue that made it difficult for her to pass the English testing and civics test required for naturalization due to her inability to memorize.
With the goal of helping her achieve her dream, we embarked on a journey to obtain an exemption for her from these tests. We knew that it would require thorough and specific documentation of her medical condition and its impact on her ability to fulfill the requirements.
To start the process, I counseled her to contact her long time and trusted medical care provider to complete an assessment of her. The medical professional diligently completed Form N-648, which is used to request an exemption based on medical grounds.
But to our dismay, when we submitted the form to USCIS, they pushed back on the exemption, stating that the medical professional needed to provide more specific details about how the medical issue directly affected her ability to pass the tests. It seemed like an unexpected roadblock, but we were determined to find a solution.
Taking this setback as an opportunity to gather more comprehensive information, we requested the medical professional to provide more detailed information to update the N-648 form. Together, we ensured that every aspect of her condition, its impact on her language skills and cognitive abilities, and its connection to the required tests were thoroughly explained.
With the updated N-648 in hand, we resubmitted the documentation to USCIS, hoping for a positive outcome. And finally, after careful consideration and review, USCIS approved the exemption, reviewed the remaining qualifications for her ability to obtain citizenship, and acknowledged her qualifications for citizenship.
The joy and relief that flooded through our client were indescribable. She had worked tirelessly towards this moment, fueled by a childhood dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. Now, with the exemption granted, she could move forward with the naturalization process and accomplish what she had yearned for since she was a child.
This story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of thorough documentation. Despite facing initial pushback, our client’s determination, coupled with the diligent efforts of the medical professional, led to a successful outcome. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the path to achieving our dreams may have unexpected twists and turns, but with resilience and the right support, we can overcome any obstacle standing in our way.
Bonus Information
As promised, here’s some bonus information that you may not know about.
If your exemption request is not approved, here are top tips for preparing for and taking the English Language Exam as part of your citizenship interview:
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for success in the English Language Exam. Focus on all aspects of language proficiency, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Engage in regular conversations in English, watch English-language videos or programs, read English articles, and practice writing in English. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview.
Take Advantage of Study Resources: Utilize study resources provided by USCIS, including the official study materials for the English Language Exam. These materials typically include the “100 Civics Questions and Answers” booklet and the “English Test Vocabulary List.” Additionally, there are online practice tests and resources available to help you become more comfortable with the format and content of the exam.
Remember that the English Language Exam is just one component of the citizenship interview. It’s important to also prepare for the civics test, where you’ll be asked questions about U.S. government and history. Consider seeking support from language tutors or joining study groups to enhance your preparation if needed.
Thanks for tuning in. Last but not least, be sure to check the caption below this video. We’ve got questionnaires for different types of visas so that we can help you determine which visa is most appropriate for you. And if you’re traveling soon, we also have a list of some of my travel favorites.