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  4. Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

Use this form if you are applying for U.S. citizenship and need to request an exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization because of physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.

Forms and Document Downloads

Form N-648 (PDF, 343.4 KB)
Instructions for Form N-648 (PDF, 343.07 KB)

Form Details

Edition Date

08/19/22. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it in, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same edition of the form. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different edition of the form, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions. 

Where to File

You may submit this form with your completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, or separately at a later date.

Form Filing Tips

Filing Tips: Go to our Tips for Filing Forms by Mail page for information on how to help ensure we will accept your application.

Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.

Special Instructions

Protect Yourself from Scams in the N-648 Process

USCIS does not want you to become the victim of an immigration scam involving fraudulent medical certifications for disability exception. You can read about criminal prosecutions of individuals involved in scams related to Form N-648 including Dr. Chilakamarri Ramesh; Habeeb Malik, Dr. Ira Weiner, and Dr. Thongchai Vorasingha; Dr. Roberto J. Velasquez; Dr.Fernando Mendez-Villamil; and Julia Nguyen.

When you seek a medical certification for disability exception because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from learning English and civics, please keep in mind the following:

  • There is no filing fee for Form N-648. However, a medical professional may charge a fee for a medical examination and for filling out forms.
  • Only a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist licensed to practice in the United States may certify Form N-648. You may contact your state medical board to determine whether the medical professional has a valid license.
  • An authorized medical professional must evaluate you in person or where the state law permits, a real-time telehealth examination, and diagnose you with a condition that prevents you from completing the educational requirements in order to qualify for the N-648.
  • Read and sign the Applicant’s (Patient’s) Attestation/Release of Information. A legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative, may also sign for an applicant who is unable to undergo any part of the naturalization examination because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment

Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources to help you avoid becoming a victim of an immigration services scam.

Related Links
  • Information for Medical Professionals Completing Form N-648
  • Disability Accommodations for the Public
  • USCIS Policy Manual guidance on the Medical Disability Exception
Last Reviewed/Updated:
12/28/2022
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