Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone, especially for those who have spent decades contributing to the country as permanent residents. If you are 65 years or older, there are special rules that make this process easier, allowing seniors to access immigration benefits with fewer requirements than other applicants.

The U.S. government recognizes that older adults may face additional challenges in the naturalization process. To support them, certain rules are in place to simplify requirements, reduce language barriers, and provide specific exemptions for those who have lived in the country for an extended period. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for citizenship if you are 65 or older, including eligibility criteria, benefits, costs, required forms, and official resources to help you through the process.

Eligibility Requirements for Seniors Applying for U.S. Citizenship

To begin the naturalization process, you’ll need to confirm that you  meet the eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Permanent Residency and Length of Stay

To qualify for the simplified naturalization process for individuals aged 65 or older, you must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 65 years old at the time of applying.
  
• Continuous Residence: You must have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 20 years in the United States. This requirement is known as the “65/20 rule.” USCIS will verify this information in their database, so it’s essential to ensure your immigration history is in order.
  
• Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months within the last 5 years before applying. This means you must demonstrate that you have spent more than half of the required period in the U.S., and have avoided long absences that could affect your eligibility.
  
• Good Moral Character: You must prove a history of good moral character, which includes paying any required taxes, obeying the law, and having no serious criminal record. USCIS evaluates each case individually and may request additional proof if there are legal concerns.

To check your length of residency and verify eligibility, you can use USCIS’s official naturalization tool: Check Your Eligibility.

Exemptions for the English and Civics Test

USCIS offers special accommodations for applicants aged 65 and older, which makes the naturalization process more accessible:

• Exemption from the English Test: If you qualify under the “65/20 rule,” you are not required to take the citizenship test in English. Instead, you can take the civics test in your native language. However, you must bring a qualified interpreter to the interview if you do not speak English. The interpreter must be certified and cannot be an immediate family member.
  
• Simplified Civics Test: Instead of the standard 100-question civics exam, you will only need to study 20 key questions about U.S. history and government, and USCIS will ask you 10 of these questions during your interview. You must correctly answer at least 6 out of 10 to pass. You can find the official list of questions here.

Steps to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

The naturalization process involves several stages. Below, we break down each step in detail:

1. Preparing the Application

• Complete Form N-400 (Download here). This document is the official application for U.S. citizenship. You can submit it online or by mail.
• Gather Supporting Documents:
  • Copy of your Green Card: Both front and back must be legible.
  • Proof of Continuous Residence: Rent receipts, utility bills, or bank statements can serve as evidence.
  • Legal Name Change Evidence: If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you must provide the relevant legal documentation.
  • Tax Payment Proof: If USCIS questions if you’ve paid all your taxes, they may request copies of your tax returns for previous years.

2. Paying the Fees

Filing Fee: The application fee is $640, plus a biometric services fee of $85 (total: $725). You can pay online through USCIS myAccount or by check.

Fee Waivers and Reductions: If you have a low income or are currently facing financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver or reduction by submitting Form I-912. You must provide proof of income or government assistance to qualify.

3. Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, you will receive a notice to visit an Application Support Center where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected. This verification is mandatory to confirm your identity and conduct background checks in national and international databases.

4. Naturalization Interview and Test

• Interview Notice: You will receive a letter with the date, time, and location of your interview.
  
• USCIS Officer Review: The officer will go over your application and supporting documents.
  
• Civics Test: You will be asked 10 questions from a list of 20, and you must correctly answer at least 6 to pass.

If you qualify for the English language exemption, you may complete the interview in your native language with the assistance of an interpreter.

5. Oath of Allegiance and Naturalization Ceremony

If your application is approved, you will receive a notification to attend the ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance. Afterward, you will be issued a Certificate of Citizenship. This official document certifies you as a U.S. citizen and will allow you to apply for a passport immediately.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship for Seniors

Right to vote

Obtaining U.S. citizenship provides significant advantages that permanent residents do not have. One of the main benefits is the right to vote, allowing citizens to participate in federal, state, and local elections. Unlike Green Card holders, who cannot vote in national elections, U.S. citizens have a direct impact on political decisions that shape the country’s future.

Full protection from deportation

Another key benefit is full protection from deportation. While permanent residents can lose their status due to certain crimes or extended absences from the U.S., citizens cannot be deported unless they obtain citizenship fraudulently.

Government benefits

In terms of government benefits, while permanent residents can access Social Security and Medicare after meeting certain conditions, citizens often receive broader and unrestricted access. Additionally, citizens qualify for federal jobs that require U.S. citizenship and can apply for scholarships and financial aid that are not available to residents.

Unrestricted travel

One of the most valued benefits is the ability to obtain a U.S. passport, which allows unrestricted travel to and from the US and provides consular protection abroad. Citizens can also live abroad without the risk of losing their legal status, unlike Green Card holders who may lose residency if they spend too much time outside the U.S.

Family reunification

Finally, citizenship can speed up family reunification. Citizens can sponsor their parents, married children, and siblings for Green Cards, whereas permanent residents can only petition for spouses and unmarried children. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens receive priority processing, significantly reducing wait times.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

At Alvva, we understand the challenges immigrants face, and we’re here to support you at every stage of your naturalization journey. Our team of experts is ready to provide personalized guidance and ensure your path to citizenship is clear and hassle-free.

Schedule a free consultation today and secure your future in the U.S. with Alvva’s trusted guidance.