N-648 Form for Immigrants with Disabilities

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/03/11 - Updated: 2024/04/13
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful
Category Topic: Lawyers and Rights - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Immigrants suffering from disabilities or impairments can apply for an exception to waive the English and civics requirements. The new form is touted to help immigration officials understand a medical professional's diagnosis of the particular disability and how it affects naturalization guidelines.

Introduction

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently revised the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, also known as Form N-648.

Main Content

Immigrants suffering from disabilities or impairments can apply for an exception to waive the English and civics requirements. The USCIS is holding public info sessions in regards to the N-648 changes, but it is highly recommended to have an experienced immigration attorney review an individual's case.

The new form is touted to help immigration officials understand a medical professional's diagnosis of the particular disability and how it affects naturalization guidelines. The new N-648 has revised instructions, making it easier to complete the form on paper or electronically. Beginning March 22, 2011, all the old versions of the N-648 will be obsolete and barred from use.

The disability must show that the applicant is unable to learn the history and civics part of the test. Old age or depression is not an excuse. Individuals can benefit by speaking to an attorney to clarify their best route to citizenship, no matter the circumstance.

Any individual wanting naturalization usually has to show proficiency of U.S. history, government and the English language. A disabled applicant can now use an interpreter or medical professional to complete the certification section. Previous disability evaluations from other government agencies and a log of daily activities are no longer needed with the new form.

Filling Out the Form

It is critical to fill out the form with ample details as there are many stories of people who did not fill it out correctly and then must start the process over again.

An immigration lawyer will review that the disability diagnosis and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders code is filled out correctly. The linkage between the disability and how it hampers the applicant from taking the exams is crucial. For example, an applicant with Alzheimer's disease would have less blood flow to the brain, causing memory loss. The applicant would be unable to learn facts or the English language for the test. The USCIS will want to know that drugs or alcohol did not cause the disability; so showing the causation of the disease, the age of onset, and the permanence of the condition is important.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2011, March 11 - Last revised: 2024, April 13). N-648 Form for Immigrants with Disabilities. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 11, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/legal/n-648-form.php

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