N-400 English Language Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following language skills are tested during the N-400 naturalization interview?
- Reading, writing, and speaking (Correct answer)
- Only speaking
- Reading and writing only
- Listening comprehension only
Correct answer: Reading, writing, and speaking
USCIS evaluates an applicant's ability to read, write, and speak basic English during the naturalization interview.
Question 2: Who is exempt from the English language requirement when applying for naturalization?
- Applicants who are 50+ years old with 20+ years as a permanent resident (Correct answer)
- All applicants over age 40
- Applicants who have lived in the U.S. for 5 years
- Anyone with a disability
Correct answer: Applicants who are 50+ years old with 20+ years as a permanent resident
The 50/20 exception exempts applicants who are at least 50 years old and have been a permanent resident for 20+ years.
Question 3: What is the '55/15' exception to the English language requirement?
- Applicants 55+ with 15+ years as a permanent resident (Correct answer)
- Applicants 55+ who have lived in the U.S. 15 years
- Applicants who are 55 and pass a waiver form
- Applicants over 55 with a medical exemption
Correct answer: Applicants 55+ with 15+ years as a permanent resident
Applicants who are at least 55 years old and have held permanent residency for at least 15 years qualify for the 55/15 exception.
Question 4: Can an applicant request an interpreter for the English portions of the naturalization interview?
- No, interpreters are not permitted for English portions (Correct answer)
- Yes, any interpreter is allowed
- Yes, but only for the civics test
- Yes, a family member can interpret
Correct answer: No, interpreters are not permitted for English portions
Applicants must demonstrate English ability themselves and may not use an interpreter for the English reading and writing portions.
Question 5: What level of English proficiency is required to pass the N-400 naturalization interview?
- Basic English (Correct answer)
- Fluent English
- Academic English
- Business English
Correct answer: Basic English
USCIS requires only a basic ability to read, write, and speak English — not advanced or academic fluency.
Question 6: How is the English reading portion administered during the naturalization interview?
- The officer asks the applicant to read one sentence aloud from approved vocabulary (Correct answer)
- The applicant takes a written multiple-choice test
- The officer gives a paragraph to read silently
- The applicant submits a written essay
Correct answer: The officer asks the applicant to read one sentence aloud from approved vocabulary
The reading test requires the applicant to read one sentence correctly from a set of sentences drawn from USCIS's approved civics vocabulary list.
N-400 English Language Requirements 1
Which of the following language skills are tested during the N-400 naturalization interview?