USCIS has revised the guidance for submitting and reviewing Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. The form is used by people with disabilities to request an exception to English and civics requirements for naturalization.
Key changes include:
- N-648 must be submitted concurrently with the N-400 application: except where an alien demonstrates extenuating circumstances.
- Multiple N-648s: Submitting multiple N-648s concurrently may raise credibility concerns.
- Focus on medical evidence showing a connection between the disability and the inability to meet the English and civics requirements: the medical professional must clearly explain the connection (also referred to as the “nexus”) between the disability or impairment and how it renders an alien unable to demonstrate the English and civics requirements for naturalization.
These changes are effective immediately and apply to all naturalization applications and associated Form N-648s filed on or after June 13, 2025
Policy Manual: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-e-chapter-3
Policy Alert: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250613-N-648MedicalCertification.pdf