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Form N-648: Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
USCIS Form N-648 is Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, used to request an exception from English/civics requirements for naturalization. The disability must result in functioning so impaired that the applicant cannot demonstrate required knowledge.
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USCIS Form N-648 - Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
USCIS Form N-648 is Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, used to request an exception from English/civics requirements for naturalization. The disability must result in functioning so impaired that the applicant cannot demonstrate required knowledge.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit an incomplete Form N-648; USCIS will not accept it if questions are left unanswered.
- 2Filing without a medical condition resulting from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities.
- 3Not addressing how the disability affects the ability to learn English and civics on Form N-648.
- 4Submitting an incomplete form where any question/item is left unanswered by the certifying professional.
- 5Using handwritten responses that are not legible or written in black ink.
Plain English
This form allows someone applying for U.S. citizenship to ask for a waiver regarding their ability to pass the English and civics tests. If the person has a medical condition that prevents them from learning or demonstrating this knowledge, they submit Form N-648. This helps ensure they can still qualify for naturalization.
Submission Date
- Filing date: If an applicant is unable to complete the requirements even with accommodations, they must file Form N-648; there is no specific deadline stated for filing once the inability occurs.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when an applicant needs to request an exception from the English and/or civics requirements for naturalization because of a physical or developmental disability, or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments).
- Do not use it when the applicant's inability to learn/demonstrate knowledge is due to reasons other than a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information regarding applicable filing fees for this form.
Deadline or filing window
The trigger for filing Form N-648 is being unable to complete the English and/or civics requirements even after accommodations have been provided. There is no specific deadline mentioned, but the applicant must file the form to request the exception from these requirements.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Purpose
Certification by medical professional on behalf of applicants requesting exception from English/civics requirements · Form N-648 (Instructions p.1)
Disability Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis of the applicant’s medical disability and/or impairment · Part 3, Item Number 1
Telephonic Interpretation Used
Yes or No selection in Part 4 (Item 1) · Form N-648 (Form p.4)
Legal Guardian Signature
Signature of legal guardian/surrogate for an incompetent applicant · Instructions p.3
Required Attachments
Supporting medical diagnostic reports or records (optional) · Instructions p.2
Filing Fee Information
See Form G-1055 for specific fees · Instructions p.3
Before you submit
- 1Verify that a handwritten, ink signature is present (no stamps or typewritten names).
- 2Confirm that the applicant's name fields (Family Name/Given Name) are fully completed.
- 3Ensure Part 3, Item Number 1 provides the clinical diagnosis of the medical disability/impairment.
- 4If telephonic interpretation was used, confirm all items in Part 3 are complete except Item Number 6.
- 5Verify that if an applicant is legally incompetent, a guardian/representative signature is included.
- 6Check that the date of signature (Part 4, Item 2) matches the signing date.
- 7If submitting via mail, confirm the form is addressed to USCIS and includes necessary fees.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part 3 by providing a detailed assessment of the applicant’s disability/impairment and stating the clinical diagnosis for Item Number 1.
- 2If applicable, attach supporting medical diagnostic reports or records to Form N-648.
- 3Fill out Part 4, indicating whether telephonic or video interpretation was used (Item 1), and complete all other items in that section.
- 4Ensure the form is properly signed by the certifying professional (or guardian) and submit it to USCIS.
Known limitations
- 1The disability and/or impairment must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques.
- 2If the responses do not address how the applicant’s disability affects their ability to learn English and civics, USCIS will request a revised or second Form N-648.
- 3Applicants who can satisfy the English and civics requirements with reasonable accommodations (like sign language interpreters or extended time) do not need to submit this form.
- 4Illiteracy and advanced age alone are not valid reasons to seek an exception from the English and/or civics requirements.
- 5USCIS may not consider a Form N-648 if the certifying medical professional completed it more than 180 days before the submission of Form N-400.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Eligibility
1 items
Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.
Personal Info
3 items
Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.
Residence
2 items
All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).
Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.
Moral Character
1 items
Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.
Signatures
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form N-648 has a revision date listed as 09/25/24, and the form's expiration date is 09/30/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form page header reads 09/25/24.
- Expiration date — confirm the top of the document reads 09/30/2027.
- Filing fee information — refer to Form G-1055 for specific details.
- Signature requirement — ensure a handwritten, ink signature is present (stamps or typewritten names are not accepted).
- Address change notification window — confirm the applicant notifies USCIS within 10 days of moving.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the submitted USCIS Form N-648.
- 2Ensure the form is completed and certified by a medical professional.
- 3The applicant does not have to fulfill the English and/or civics requirements if their Form N-648 is found sufficient (per Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 312(b)(1)).
- 4If an accommodation is requested online or by calling, the filer must still file Form N-648 if they are unable to complete the requirements even with that accommodation.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form N-648 is to certify exceptions from English/civics requirements for naturalization due to a disability/impairment.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — An applicant qualifies if they cannot learn/demonstrate knowledge because of a physical or developmental disability, or mental impairment.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The form must be submitted when applicants file Form N-400 with USCIS.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — USCIS may not consider the Form N-648 if it was completed more than 180 days before submitting Form N-400.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Applicants who can satisfy requirements with reasonable accommodations do not need to file this form.
- SRCForm p.3 — Part 3 of Form N-648 addresses information about disabilities and/or impairments, including whether they last 12 months or more (Item Number 1).
- SRCInstructions p.5 — The public reporting burden is estimated at 2 hours per response for the medical professional.
- SRCForm p.1 — The official form title is Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions and it expires on 09/30/2027.
Common confusion points
Who needs to submit this form?
Applicants for naturalization seeking an exception because of a physical/developmental disability or mental impairment should submit it when filing Form N-400.
→ Check if you are applying for naturalization and have one of these specific types of impairments.
When must the medical professional fill out Form N-648?
The form must be completed within 180 days before the submission of Form N-400 to USCIS.
→ Confirm the completion date on the form relative to your Form N-400 filing date.
What if I think my disability is valid, but it's just 'illiteracy'?
Illiteracy alone is not a valid reason to seek an exception from the English/civics requirements; the impairment must be more specific.
→ Check Part 3 of Form N-648 to ensure the impairment listed isn't just general illiteracy or advanced age.
Do I need this form if they offer me accommodations?
Yes, you must file Form N-648 even if an accommodation is offered, but only if you are unable to complete the requirements *even with* that accommodation.
→ Review the list of reasonable accommodations (e.g., extended time) and confirm your inability to pass them.
What kind of disability counts?
It must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities, which can be shown by medical techniques.
→ Ensure the condition listed in Part 3 is medically verifiable according to these three categories.
Who fills out this form?
A certifying medical professional completes Form N-648 on behalf of the applicant.
→ Verify that the signature block indicates a certified medical professional.
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Questions about USCIS Form N-648
What is USCIS Form N-648 used for?
This form allows someone applying for U.S. citizenship to ask for a waiver regarding their ability to pass the English and civics tests. If the person has a medical condition that prevents them from learning or demonstrating this knowledge, they submit Form N-648. This helps ensure they can still qualify for naturalization.
Who must file USCIS Form N-648?
Applicants who cannot complete the English and/or civics requirements even with reasonable accommodations must file USCIS Form N-648 to request an exception.
What information does USCIS Form N-648 require?
The form collects details about the applicant's disability, which must stem from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities. The certifying medical professional answers all questions regarding how the disability affects the ability to learn English and civics.
When is USCIS Form N-648 due?
If an applicant is unable to complete the requirements even with accommodations, they must file Form N-648; there is no specific deadline stated for filing once the inability occurs.
Where do I file USCIS Form N-648?
Applicants may upload Form N-648 as additional evidence when electronically filing naturalization applications. Otherwise, the form should be submitted to USCIS, and it should not be mailed to the Lockbox facilities if requesting an address change.
How do I complete USCIS Form N-648?
The certifying medical professional must fully and accurately answer all questions, using black ink if handwritten. This professional provides the completed form to the applicant for submission. Each submitted Form N-648 must be properly signed; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted as a signature.
What happens if USCIS Form N-648 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to provide all information requested on Form N-648 may result in USCIS determining that the form is insufficient. USCIS will notify the applicant of the decision regarding eligibility for the exception in writing.
Who needs to submit this form?
Applicants for naturalization seeking an exception because of a physical/developmental disability or mental impairment should submit it when filing Form N-400. Check if you are applying for naturalization and have one of these specific types of impairments.
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