Form N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
Form N-648 lets a naturalization applicant ask USCIS to waive the English and civics testing requirements because of a medical disability. A licensed medical professional, not the applicant, completes and certifies the form.
This is the genuine USCIS PDF, unmodified. Source: USCIS official page.
What is N-648?
Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, is the USCIS form used to request an exception from the English language and civics requirements for naturalization. It applies when a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment prevents the applicant from learning or demonstrating that knowledge, and the condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.
The certification must be completed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. The professional describes the diagnosis, explains how the condition affects the applicant's ability to learn English or study civics, and certifies the form under penalty of perjury. USCIS reviews the N-648 as part of the naturalization case, usually at the interview.
Who files N-648?
- Naturalization applicants whose disability or impairment prevents them from meeting the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both
- Licensed medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologists, who must complete and sign the certification
- Legal guardians or designated representatives helping an applicant with a qualifying disability apply for citizenship
- Applicants whose condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months
How to fill out N-648
- Complete the applicant identification section, then bring the form to the licensed medical professional who treats or has evaluated you.
- Have the doctor or clinical psychologist fill in the clinical diagnosis, describe how the condition prevents you from learning English or civics, and sign the certification.
- Review the form for completeness; unanswered questions or vague explanations are a common reason USCIS finds an N-648 insufficient.
- Submit the N-648 together with Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. USCIS recommends filing them at the same time.
- Bring a copy to your naturalization interview, where the officer will review the certification and may ask follow-up questions.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is allowed to complete Form N-648?
Only a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist may complete and certify it. The applicant fills in basic identifying information, but the medical findings and certification must come from the professional.
Does an approved N-648 waive the entire naturalization test?
It can waive the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both, depending on what the medical professional certifies. It does not waive other naturalization requirements such as good moral character or the oath of allegiance, though a separate oath waiver exists for applicants who cannot understand its meaning.
When should I file the N-648?
USCIS recommends submitting it at the same time you file Form N-400. Filing it later, for example at the interview, is possible but can delay your case while the officer reviews it.