Interview Exceptions
Some people are able to have their interviews conducted in their native language. Here are the available exceptions.
If you are over 50 and have lived in the U.S. for 20 years, or you are over 55 and have lived in the U.S. for 15 years, you may be eligible to take the interview in your native language. However, you will have to supply your own interpreter.
If you are over 65 and have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, or have a disability that would complicate learning the civics information, you may be eligible for an easier civics exam. Rather than a study list of 100 questions, you will be expected to know only 20. If you qualify based on age, you will also qualify to take the test in your native language.
These requirements are based on total time as a legal permanent resident in the U.S., and do not have to be continuous. For instance, while maintaining LPR status for 22 years, you could have been out of the country for two years and still be eligible to interview in your native language.
Do you have questions? Comments? Concerns?
