US Citizenship: Exam Exemption

One of the key requirements for obtaining US citizenship is the successful completion of two tests: the English language test and the basic US political science test. The applicant must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language skills, including the ability to read, write and communicate. In addition, candidates must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics of history and the principles and forms of government of the United States.

Exemption from exams: when is it possible?

Some applicants may qualify for an exemption from the English language, political science, or both exams. Below is a table that contains the categories of persons who may be exempted from taking these exams.

Categories of persons who may be exempted from taking exams:

• Individuals age 50 or older who have lived in the US as a green card holder for the past 20 years. Exemption: from the English test, but not from the political science test. However, you can take the political science exam in your native language with the use of an interpreter.
• Individuals age 55 or older who have lived in the US as a green card holder for the past 15 years. Exemption: from the English test, but not from the political science test. The exam in political science can be taken in your native language with the help of an interpreter.
• Individuals age 65 or older who have lived in the US as a green card holder for the past 20 years. Exemption: from the English language test, but not from the political science test. The exam in political science is based on a simplified program and can be taken in your native language with the use of an interpreter.
• Persons who have medical indications that make it impossible to take exams. Exemption: may be granted from both the English and Political Science exams.

Exemption based on age and length of residence

The applicant is exempted from taking the English language exam under the following conditions:

1. At the time of application for citizenship, the applicant is 50 years old and has lived in the United States for at least 20 years.
2. At the time of application for citizenship, the applicant is 55 years of age and has lived in the United States for at least 15 years.

However, exemption from the English language test does not exempt the applicant from taking the political science test. The political science exam remains mandatory, but can be taken in the native language with the use of an interpreter.

Senior Political Science Exam: applicants age 65 and older who have lived in the US for at least 20 years as a green card holder are not exempt from taking the political science exam. However, specially developed simplified forms of tests are provided for them. Also, these applicants can take the exam in their native language with the help of an interpreter.

Medical indications for exemption from exams

Applicants who cannot sit the English and Political Science exams due to medical reasons may be exempted from one or both exams. In 1994, Congress passed legislation exempting individuals with physical or mental disabilities from taking English and/or political science exams.

The applicant must prove that his physiological disorders or mental disabilities are so significant that even with the creation of favorable conditions for taking the exam, he will not be able to cope with it. 

Important. Illiteracy or advanced age are not in themselves grounds for exemption from exams. In addition, mental retardation or impaired functioning of the psychological system must be confirmed by medical documents.

Questions and answers

  How to get US citizenship for a Ukrainian? The procedure for obtaining a medical exemption

An applicant who claims to be exempted from taking the exams must provide medical confirmation that his health condition prevents him from successfully taking the exams. It is recommended that medical documents be submitted with the citizenship application, but they can be submitted at any stage of the naturalization process.

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) determines which medical professionals are authorized to diagnose for exam exemptions. Such medical professionals include doctors, osteopaths and clinical psychologists.

The doctor is obliged to:

• Conduct a medical examination of the applicant;
• Explain how the state of health makes it impossible to pass exams;
• Confirm that the applicant will be in this state for at least 12 months;
• Confirm that the causes of the health condition are not related to illegal drug use.

The doctor must also provide supporting documents to support the diagnosis, including medical records, test results, etc.

  US citizenship for Ukrainians. How a lawyer can help with the US citizenship process

The process of obtaining US citizenship can be complex and multi-step, especially for those who are not familiar with US law. A lawyer who specializes in immigration issues can become an important assistant in solving many aspects related to how to obtain US citizenship for a Ukrainian. Here are some basic ways a lawyer can help:

The lawyer will explain what is required for US citizenship, help you collect all the necessary documents and fill out the applications correctly to avoid possible mistakes that could lead to rejection.

A professional will advise on the procedure how to obtain US citizenship, taking into account your individual circumstances and status in the country.

A lawyer will help assess your chances of success and determine whether you meet the requirements to obtain US citizenship.

A specialist will help you understand how much does US citizenship cost, including the cost of filing an application and associated costs.

The lawyer will provide recommendations on possible ways to obtain US citizenship for Ukrainians, taking into account the latest changes in legislation and special programs for immigrants from Ukraine.

In general, legal support Obtain US citizenship much easier, reducing risks and ensuring that all procedures are correct, which is critical for those seeking to learn how to obtain citizenship in the usa.