What is the 65/20 rule for the U.S. citizenship test?

If you are 65 years or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you only need to study 20 designated questions for the civics test, and you may test in your native language with an interpreter.

How many questions do seniors study under the 65/20 rule?

Seniors qualifying for 65/20 study only 20 questions. The officer asks 10 of those 20, and you need 6 correct to pass.

Can I take the citizenship test in my own language with 65/20?

Yes. Under the 65/20 rule, you may take the civics test in your native language by bringing an interpreter who is fluent in both English and your language.

What is the 65/20 Rule? Senior Citizenship Test Exemption Explained

The 65/20 Rule Explained

If you are age 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 20 years, you qualify for special consideration on the civics test:

Study only 20 questions instead of 100–128
Test in your native language with an interpreter you bring
Officer asks only 10 of those 20 questions
Need 6 correct to pass (same 60% standard)

Do You Qualify?

✓ You qualify if: You are age 65+ at the time you file Form N-400 AND you have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years.

✗ You do NOT qualify if: You are under 65 (even with 20+ years residency), or you have less than 20 years residency (even if 65+).

Not sure? Count back from today. If you got your Green Card 20+ years ago AND you are 65+, you qualify. You might also qualify for the 50/20 or 55/15 English exemptions — ask your attorney or check uscis.gov.

The 20 Questions You Study

The officer will ask 10 of these 20. You need 6 correct to pass.

1. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? → Speech; religion; assembly; press; petition

2. What is the economic system in the United States? → Capitalist economy; market economy

3. Name one branch or part of the government. → Congress; President; the courts

4. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? → Senate and House of Representatives

5. Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now? → Check senate.gov

6. In what month do we vote for President? → November

7. What is the name of the President now? → Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates

8. What is the capital of your state? → Varies by state

9. What are the two major political parties? → Democratic and Republican

10. What is one responsibility only for U.S. citizens? → Serve on a jury; vote in a federal election

11. How old do citizens have to be to vote? → 18 and older

12. When is the last day to send in tax forms? → April 15

13. Who was the first President? → George Washington

14. What was one important thing Abraham Lincoln did? → Freed the slaves; saved the Union

15. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1900s. → WWI; WWII; Korean; Vietnam; Gulf War

16. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do? → Fought for civil rights; worked for equality

17. What is the capital of the United States? → Washington, D.C.

18. Where is the Statue of Liberty? → New York Harbor; Liberty Island

19. Why does the flag have 50 stars? → One for each state; 50 states

20. When do we celebrate Independence Day? → July 4

Practice the 65/20 Questions for Free

Our free quiz simulator includes a dedicated 65/20 Senior mode — practice only the 20 questions you need to master.

✅ Start 65/20 Quiz 🃏 Study Flashcards