Form N-648 Medical Certification of Disability Exceptions - Instructions and Guidance

Sep 20, 2026

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Request package for U.S. citizenship applicants who may qualify for an exception to English and/or civics requirements due to a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment lasting (or expected to last) 12 months or more. Includes explanation of Form N-648, who may certify it, certification requirements after an in-person examination, and risks of incorrect completion. Highlights key items to address, such as DSM-IV codes for Question 1, diagnostic methods for Question 9, and a detailed condition-based explanation for Question 10.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

Guidance for Form N-648

Eligibility and purpose

Certification requirements and authorized professionals

Key questions to address (Q1, Q9, Q10)

Submission risks and reminders

Part I: Applicant information

Part II: Medical professional information

Dear Medical Professional: Your patient is in the process of applying for U.S.citizenship.As you may know,applicants for citizenship must beable to read,write,and speak basic English,as well as demonstrate knowledge of U.S.history and government.Webelieve that your patient may be unable to meet these requirements because of a disability or medical condition. Enclosed,you will find a copy of Form N-648,Medical Certification of Disability Exceptions,and USCIS'sinstructions for completing this form.Submission of this form may allow your patient to qualify for a waiver of theEnglish and/or civics requirements.Only a medical doctor,clinical psychologist,or doctor of osteopathy maycertify this form.Please remember that this form will be evaluated by a U.S.immigration officer and not by atrained medical professional,so your answers to all questions should be stated as simply and clearly as possible. Failure to fully and accurately complete this form can result in your patient being denied U.S.citizenship.Inthe case of a denial,your patient would lose any paid $680 application fee.In extreme cases,your patient could beinvestigated for fraud. In order for your patient to have the best possible chance of the waiver being accepted,I would like to draw yourattention to a few specific questions: · In Question 1,remember to include DSM-IV codes.Additionally,please be aware that referring to a patient'siliteracy,lack of formal education,or advanced age can lead to rejection,as these factors alone are notsufficient to qualify for the waiver. · No specific tests are required for Question 9.Please describe your diagnostic methods,including any tests youused,your patient's results,and what those results mean. · Question 10 is the most important question on this form.Your answer to this question must include adetailed description of your patient's medical condition and explain how that condition specificallyprevents your patient from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and/or civics.Question 10 isalso a good place to describe your patient's medications and any effects those medications might have on yourpatient's cognitive abilities.Please refer to the enclosed examples of sufficient and insufficient answers to thisquestion for further guidance. We understand that this is a long and complicated form and appreciate your willingness to assist your patient withthis matter.If you have any concerns or questions,please feel free to contact me at (617)694-5949 or atvserrato@projectcitizenship.org. Thank you, Veronica Serrato Executive Director Project Citizenship ALL parts of this form,except the "APPLICANT ATTESTATION"and "INTERPRETER'SCERTIFICATION"must be certified by alicensed medical professional as provided in the instructions for Form N-648.Before certifying this form,the medical professional mustconduct an in-person examination of the applicant.(Se instructions for Form N-648 for additional information which is also located in the"FORMS"section at www.uscis.gov.) Reminder About Eligibility Requirements This form is intended for an applicant who seeks an exception to theEnglish and/or civics requirements due to a physical ordevelopmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted,or isexpected to last,12 months or more.An applicant who withreasonable accommodations provided under the Rehabilitation Act of1973 can satisfy the English and civics requirements does not need tosubmit this form.Reasonable accommodations include,but are notlimited to,sign language interpreters,extended time for testing,andoff-site testing. Type or print clearly in black ink. # Part I.APPLICANT INFORMATION I certify that I have examined: Middle Name First Name Last Name Address(Street Number and Name) City E-Mail Address (if any) Telephone Number # Part II.MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION 1.Currently licensed as a(Check all that apply):□ Medical Doctor Completing and Certifying This Form All quest

FAQs

Who is allowed to certify Form N-648?

Only a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or a clinical psychologist licensed in the United States may certify the form. The certifying professional must conduct an in-person examination of the applicant.

What is Form N-648 used for?

Form N-648 supports an exception to the English and/or civics requirements for applicants with a qualifying disability or mental impairment lasting, or expected to last, 12 months or more.

Which answers on the form require the most detailed medical explanation?

Question 10 requires the most important response, including a detailed description of the patient’s medical condition and how it specifically prevents learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and/or civics.

Sep 20, 2026

Upload by Ophelia