DEEP DIVE · 50/20 + 55/15 ENGLISH EXCEPTIONS
8 CFR §312.1(b) provides two age-based exceptions to the English literacy requirement. They waive English (reading, writing, speaking). They do not waive the civics test — you still take that, but in your language of choice.
(b) Exceptions. The following persons need not demonstrate an ability to read, write and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language: (1) A person who, on the date of filing of his or her application for naturalization, is over 50 years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totalling at least 20 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence; (2) A person who, on the date of filing his or her application for naturalization, is over 55 years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totalling at least 15 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence;50/20
Applicants 50 years of age or older with 20 or more years as a lawful permanent resident may take the civics test in their language of choice. The English literacy requirement is waived. The civics test is still required (in their language).
55/15
Applicants 55 years of age or older with 15 or more years as a lawful permanent resident may take the civics test in their language of choice. The English literacy requirement is waived. The civics test is still required (in their language).
Per 8 CFR §312.2(a), an applicant exempt from the English literacy requirement under §312.1(b)(1) or (2) must still satisfy the civics-knowledge requirement. You take the civics test, but in your language of choice. The underlying test version (2008 or 2025) is determined by your N-400 filing date.
If you meet the 65/20 thresholds (65+ AND 20+ years LPR), you get both the English-literacy waiver AND a 20-question senior subset of the civics test (rather than the full bank), and you take the civics test in your language of choice. See the 65/20 deep-dive.