Introduction

For many immigrants, the road to U.S. citizenship is not only about waiting the required years as a permanent resident. It’s also about overcoming the final barriers of the naturalization process: the English and civics tests and the $710 (for online filing) or $760 (for paper filing).

Some applicants — especially seniors, those with disabilities, or families facing financial hardship — feel that these requirements place citizenship just out of reach. A lifelong resident may worry that their limited English will prevent them from passing the test. A disabled applicant may find that studying or even sitting for the exam is medically impossible. Parents supporting children may feel that $710 (for online filing) or $760 (for paper filing) is too heavy a burden, especially if several family members apply together.

USCIS recognizes these challenges. To make the path to citizenship fairer, it offers a range of exemptions and waivers. But while these options are real, they are also technical, full of rules and fine print. Many applicants misunderstand them, send incomplete evidence, or apply under the wrong category — leading to rejections and delays.

This guide explains these exemptions in detail, showing who qualifies, how to apply, and how guided support can help you avoid mistakes.

Age-Based Exemptions

One of the most common concerns for older applicants is the English test. After decades of living in the U.S., many seniors feel comfortable speaking in their own language but never became fluent in English. USCIS recognizes that forcing someone in this situation to learn and test in English may be unfair.

That’s why it created age-based exemptions.

• Applicants who are 50 years old or older and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years do not have to take the English test. This is known as the 50/20 rule.
• Applicants who are 55 years old or older and have been permanent residents for 15 years are also exempt from the English test under the 55/15 rule.
• Applicants who are 65 years old or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years qualify not only for an English exemption but also for a simplified civics test. Instead of preparing for the full 128-question bank, they study only 20 selected questions. This is called the 65/20 rule.

In all of these cases, applicants are still required to pass the civics test, but they can do so in their native language with the help of an interpreter.

Example: Maria, who came to the U.S. from Colombia in the 1980s, has been a Green Card holder for more than 20 years and is now 67. Her spoken English is limited. Under the 65/20 rule, she can take the civics test in Spanish and only needs to prepare for 20 questions, giving her a fair chance to succeed.

Disability Waivers (Form N-648)

Not all challenges come with age. Some applicants have disabilities that make it impossible to meet the English or civics requirement. USCIS allows these applicants to apply for an exemption using Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate that a physical, developmental, or mental impairment prevents them from learning or demonstrating the knowledge required. A licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist must complete the form, explaining in detail:

• The nature of the disability.
• How it affects the applicant’s ability to learn or test.
• Whether the condition is expected to improve.

This process is strict. Many applications are denied not because the disability isn’t real, but because the form was incomplete or vague. USCIS expects detailed explanations and supporting evidence, not just a short doctor’s note.

Example: Ahmed, a long-term Green Card holder, suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. His physician completed Form N-648, explaining in medical terms how the injury affects memory and learning ability. Because the form was detailed and supported by records, USCIS approved his request to waive both the English and civics tests.

Fee Waivers (Form I-912)

For many families, the $710 online filing fee (or $760 if filing by paper) for Form N-400 can be a financial burden — especially when several household members apply for citizenship at the same time.
To make naturalization more accessible, USCIS allows eligible applicants to request a full fee waiver using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

Who Qualifies?

Applicants may qualify for a full fee waiver if they can prove one of the following:

• Their household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• They receive a means-tested public benefit, such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, or TANF.
• They are experiencing financial hardship, such as high medical expenses, disability, homelessness, or prolonged unemployment that makes it difficult to pay the filing fee.

If USCIS approves the fee waiver, the applicant does not have to pay any part of the N-400 filing fee or the biometrics fee — meaning the entire application becomes free.

Fee Reductions (Form I-942)

Not everyone qualifies for a full waiver. Some applicants have incomes slightly above the poverty line but still find the $725 fee difficult. For this group, USCIS offers a reduced fee using Form I-942.

Households with incomes between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can apply. If approved, the applicant pays only $320 for the application plus $85 for biometrics, a total of $405 instead of $725.

For families, this reduction makes a huge difference. Imagine a couple applying together: instead of paying $1,450, they pay $810 — a savings of $640.

Filing with Waivers or Reductions: What It Involves

Requesting a waiver or reduction is not as simple as checking a box. USCIS requires solid evidence. Applicants must:

1. Complete the N-400 form.
2. Attach either Form I-912 (for a waiver) or Form I-942 (for a reduction).
3. Include proof such as:
   
   • Tax returns or pay stubs to show income.
   • Award letters for government benefits.
   • Medical bills or records of hardship.
4. Submit everything together in a single package.

If any piece of evidence is missing, USCIS will likely reject the request and return the entire application. This means months of lost time.

Mistakes That Cause Problems

The most common mistakes are surprisingly simple:

• Submitting an N-648 disability form without enough medical detail.
• Forgetting to prove the length of residency for the 50/20 or 55/15 rules.
• Filing a fee waiver but leaving out tax returns or benefit letters.
• Paying the wrong fee when a waiver request is denied.

Each mistake may force an applicant to refile, losing money and time. What should have been a step forward turns into another long wait.

How We Help

This is where guided support makes a real difference. Applying for exemptions or waivers means dealing with detailed rules, forms, and evidence. We help applicants by:

• Providing a bilingual questionnaire in English and Spanish so the process is less intimidating.
• Explaining clearly which exemptions or waivers you qualify for — and which you don’t.
• Making sure you know exactly what supporting documents USCIS expects.
• Offering an optional attorney review for complex cases involving medical conditions or unusual financial circumstances.
• Preparing you for the interview, whether it’s in English, with an interpreter, or using the simplified civics test.

By filing with full documentation and understanding every rule, you avoid preventable denials and delays.

Closing Thoughts

Citizenship is a goal that should be open to all permanent residents who have built their lives in the United States. For some, the barriers are financial. For others, age or disability creates fear and uncertainty. USCIS’s exemptions and waivers exist to make the process fairer — but only if they are used correctly.

When applicants misunderstand the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 rules, when disability waivers are incomplete, or when fee waiver requests lack evidence, the result is rejection. But with careful preparation, those barriers become manageable.

By taking the time to understand these rules, gather strong documentation, and prepare your application with support, you can move forward with confidence. Citizenship should not be blocked by language, age, disability, or money. With the right guidance, it won’t be.