Can my parent skip
the English test?
Often yes. It depends on two numbers: their age, and how long they have held a green card.
Last checked August 2026
Short answer: if your parent is 50 or older with 20+ years as a lawful permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15+ years, they are exempt from the English reading, writing and speaking test and may take the civics test in Chinese with an interpreter. If they are 65 or older with 20+ years, they get that and only have to study 20 designated questions instead of the full list.
Both numbers have to be met. Age 60 with 12 years as a resident does not qualify for anything; age 52 with 21 years does.
| Rule | Who qualifies | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| 50/20 | Age 50+ and 20+ years as a green card holder | No English test. Civics test in Chinese with an interpreter. Full question list. |
| 55/15 | Age 55+ and 15+ years as a green card holder | Same as 50/20. No English test, civics in Chinese, full question list. |
| 65/20 | Age 65+ and 20+ years as a green card holder | No English test, civics in Chinese, and only 20 designated questions to study. Officer asks 10; 6 correct passes. |
USCIS marks the 65/20 questions inside the official question list, so you can identify them without a separate document.
- It does not remove the civics test. Except through a medical exception (Form N-648), your parent still answers civics questions — in Chinese instead of English
- It does not remove the interview. A USCIS officer still goes through the N-400 form question by question, through the interpreter
- 50/20 and 55/15 do not shorten the study list. Only 65/20 does that
- It is not automatic. Eligibility is based on age and residency at the time of filing — get the dates right before assuming it applies
My mother is 68 and has had a green card for 22 years. Does she have to speak English?
No. At 65 or older with 20 or more years as a lawful permanent resident, she qualifies for what USCIS calls the 65/20 special consideration. She is exempt from the English reading, writing and speaking requirement, may take the civics test in Chinese with an interpreter, and studies only 20 designated questions rather than the full list. The officer asks 10 of those 20, and she needs 6 correct to pass.
What is the 50/20 rule?
Age 50 or older at the time of filing, with 20 or more years as a lawful permanent resident. It exempts the applicant from the English portion — they may take the civics test in their native language, using an interpreter they bring. It does not reduce the number of civics questions: they still study the full list and answer the same number as everyone else, just in Chinese.
What is the 55/15 rule?
Age 55 or older with 15 or more years as a lawful permanent resident. The effect is identical to 50/20 — English exempt, civics test in the native language, full question list.
What is the difference between 55/15 and 65/20?
Both remove the English requirement. Only 65/20 also shrinks the studying: a designated set of 20 questions instead of the full bank, with 10 asked and 6 needed to pass. If your parent is close to 65 or close to 20 years as a resident, the difference in study workload is large enough to be worth checking the exact dates carefully.
Do we have to bring our own interpreter?
Generally yes — the applicant is responsible for bringing a competent interpreter to the interview. USCIS does not routinely supply one for these exemptions. Rules on who may serve as interpreter can change, so confirm with USCIS or an attorney before the interview date.
What if my parent has dementia or another medical condition?
There is a separate path: Form N-648, a medical certification for disability exceptions, completed by a licensed medical professional. If approved, it can waive the English and civics requirements entirely. This is a medical and legal matter, not a study question — talk to an immigration attorney.
One thing worth saying plainly: taking the test in Chinese removes the language barrier, not the interview pressure. Parents who qualify for an exemption still have to answer an officer's questions out loud, in a government office, about their own application. Practising that out loud beforehand matters more than people expect.
Your parent studies in Chinese. We built for that.
Every one of the 128 questions with Chinese phonetic spelling, so someone who cannot read English can still say the answer out loud. Plus a phone line they can call to practice — no app, no signup, no computer.
See the materials (in Chinese) →Questions in English or Mandarin: 347-443-8778, Mon–Fri 10am–6pm ET
Last checked August 2026. Rules change — confirm current requirements on the official USCIS study page or with a licensed immigration attorney. Gongminkao is a test-preparation service, not a law firm.