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Naturalization Exceptions
USCIS has set strict rules for foreign-born individuals who want to become naturalized US citizens. Certain exceptions and accommodations for these rules do exist, and can be of huge help in certain situation.
For example, USCIS provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities, among other things.
The Applicant is 50 years of age and has a valid green card AND
The Applicant has lived in the US for at least 20 years or more This is referred to as the 50/20 exception Alternatively:
If the Applicant is 55 years of age and has a valid green card AND
The Applicant has lived in the US for 15 years This is referred to as the 55/15 exception You are 55 years of age and have a valid green card and have lived in the US for 15 years. It is also referred to as a 55/15 exception
An Applicant who fits either of these two profiles will be allowed to take the civics test in their native language so long as they attest that they not comfortable with spoken English, and so long as they bring their own interpreter. Individuals 65 years of age and older, and with more than 20 years of permanent residence can also be provided special consideration on the civics requirement if so requested.
English Language Exemption
Applicants may be exempted from the English language requirements for naturalization if the following conditions are met:The Applicant is 50 years of age and has a valid green card AND
The Applicant has lived in the US for at least 20 years or more This is referred to as the 50/20 exception Alternatively:
If the Applicant is 55 years of age and has a valid green card AND
The Applicant has lived in the US for 15 years This is referred to as the 55/15 exception You are 55 years of age and have a valid green card and have lived in the US for 15 years. It is also referred to as a 55/15 exception
An Applicant who fits either of these two profiles will be allowed to take the civics test in their native language so long as they attest that they not comfortable with spoken English, and so long as they bring their own interpreter. Individuals 65 years of age and older, and with more than 20 years of permanent residence can also be provided special consideration on the civics requirement if so requested.
Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics
You are eligible for an exception to civics and English naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a developmental or physical disability or mental impairment. File Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions to request an exemption. The form will need to be completed by a licensed medical professional, a licensed clinical psychologist or an osteopathic doctor.Other appropriate exemptions and modifications may be allowed by USCIS in situations where the applicant can prove a significant issue relating to their ability to proceed through the naturalization process. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization provides a space for applicants to list their needs as requested accomodations.
Continuous Residence Exceptions
Generally speaking, five years of continuous residence in the US is required before an individual can become eligible for naturalized citizenship. That requirement may be waived in some situations. For example, someone engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment may be eligible for an exception to the continuous residence requirement, so long as they can provide strong evidence to establish that their residency was not otherwise disrupted and that sufficient ties to the US mainland were otherwise maintained. Some of the evidence considered that speaks to these qualifications:You didn’t terminate employment in the US
Your immediate family resided in the US
You had full access to your home in the US
If you have questions about these exceptions and accommodations, please get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. The reputable immigration attorneys at Rijal Law Firm specialize in the naturalization process, and our team will diligently work with you to ensure best results.
