Fact Sheet - Naturalization for Lawful Permanent Residents Age 50 and Over - Why Naturalize and Become a U.S. Citizen?

Sep 18, 2026

Fact sheet explaining naturalization eligibility for lawful permanent residents age 50 and older, including key benefits and responsibilities of becoming a U.S. citizen. It outlines general requirements such as age, lawful residence, continuous residence, physical presence, state residence, good moral character, basic English skills, U.S. history and civics knowledge, constitutional attachment, and taking the Oath of Allegiance. It also describes English and civics test exemptions by age and residency length, medical/disability exceptions, interpreter needs, and next steps to apply with Form N-400 plus possible fee waivers or reductions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Why Naturalize and Become a U.S. Citizen?

General Requirements for Naturalization

Exemptions and Exceptions

What to Do Next to Apply

Fact Sheet NATURALIZATION FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS AGE 50 AND OVER WHY NATURALIZE AND BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN? Obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization offers many benefits and important responsibilities. For example, only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections and serve on a jury. As a U.S. citizen, you can get priority for sponsoring certain family members to come to the United States. You can also apply for certain federal jobs and become eligible for certain federal benefits, grants, and scholarships. Finally, if your children are under 18 years of age and are lawful permanent residents when you naturalize, they may automatically acquire citizenship.What are the general requirements for naturalization to Become a U.S. Citizen? WHAT ARE THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURALIZATION TO BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN? To be eligible for naturalization based on being a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years, you must: • Be at least 18 years of age when you submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization ([www.uscis](www.uscis). gov/n-400); • Show you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years; • Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately before the date you file Form N-400 and up to the time of naturalization; • Show you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately before the date you file Form N-400; • Show you have lived for at least 3 months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your place of residence; • Show that you are a person of good moral character; • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; • Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government of the United States (also known as civics); • Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution; and • Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. [uscis.gov/citizenship](uscis.gov/citizenship) USCIS Contact Center: 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) | 1 WHAT ARE THE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ENGLISH TEST? Certain applicants because of their age and time as a lawful permanent resident may have the naturalization interview in their native language. These applicants do not have to take the English tests for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Additionally, an applicant receives special consideration in the civics test if, at the time of filing the application, the applicant is 65 years of age or older and has been alawful permanent resident for 20 years or more. These applicants are administered a specially designated test. | The applicant is: | AND has been a U.S. lawful permanent resident for: | Then the English language component (speaking, understanding, reading, writing) is: | The applicant must take a civics test; however, it is administered in a language of their choice. | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Age 50 or over | 20 years or more | Exempt | Civics test | | Age 55 or over | 15 years or more | Exempt | Civics test | | Age 65 or over | 20 years or more | Exempt | Specially designated civics test | You may also 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 c(wwwompl.uestceisth.~~g~~iosv~~/~~fonrm-648). Only a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist can If you meet the requirements for an exception or exemption, you can complete the interview and test requirement (if applicable) 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 la

FAQs

What are the general requirements to apply for naturalization as a lawful permanent resident?

Applicants must be at least 18, show lawful permanent residence for at least 5 years, meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, live in the required state or USCIS district, demonstrate good moral character, have basic English ability, know U.S. history and civics, show attachment to the Constitution, and take the Oath of Allegiance.

Are there exemptions from the English test for applicants age 50 and older?

Yes. Certain applicants may have the naturalization interview in their native language and may be exempt from English tests. Exemptions and designated civics test rules depend on age and years as a lawful permanent resident.

How can an applicant request an exception to English and civics requirements due to disability?

Submit Form N-648 for a disability exception. If approved, the interview and applicable tests may be completed in the applicant’s native language, and the applicant must bring an interpreter fluent in both English and the native language.

What steps should be taken next to apply for naturalization and what about fees?

Apply by submitting Form N-400, including available online filing options and related exceptions or accommodations. A fee is required, but eligible applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or fee reduction.

Sep 18, 2026

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