There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
English Language Exemptions
You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you 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 (commonly referred to as the 50/20 exception); OR
• 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 (commonly referred to as the 55/15 exception).
Note that:
• Even if you qualify for the 50/20 or 55/15 English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
• You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
• Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.
Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics
You may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.
To request this exception, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This form must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist.
Continuous Residence Exceptions
If you are engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment you may be eligible for an exception to the continuous residence requirement.
Disability Accommodations
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, USCIS provides accommodations or modifications for applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to complete the naturalization process. Applicants are encouraged to list their needs in the space provided on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Oath of Allegiance
After applying for naturalization—and in order to be naturalized—you must take the Oath of Allegiance in a public ceremony. The law allows for certain modifications to the Oath of Allegiance. For more information, see section 337 of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. §1448) and the relevant federal regulation in the Code of Federal Regulations at 8 CFR 337.1(b).
In Nevada, as in all states, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides certain exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements for those who qualify. Individuals aged 50 or older with 20 years of permanent residency (50/20 exception), or those aged 55 or older with 15 years of permanent residency (55/15 exception), are exempt from the English language requirement but must still take the civics test, which can be done in their native language with the help of an interpreter fluent in both English and the native language. Those aged 65 or older with at least 20 years of permanent residency are given special consideration for the civics test. Applicants with disabilities may be exempt from both English and civics requirements if they have a physical, developmental, or mental impairment, by submitting Form N-648 completed by a licensed medical professional. Certain overseas employment may qualify for an exception to the continuous residence requirement. USCIS also provides disability accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Modifications to the Oath of Allegiance are permissible under certain circumstances as outlined in section 337 of the INA (8 U.S.C. §1448) and 8 CFR 337.1(b).
