Form N-648 is the USCIS Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. It allows a licensed medical professional to certify that a physical, developmental, or mental impairment prevents you from meeting the English language requirement, the civics requirement, or both for naturalization.

Who qualifies for a citizenship test disability waiver with Form N-648?

You may qualify if you have a physical, developmental, or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, and a licensed doctor or clinical psychologist certifies that this disability prevents you from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English or civics. Illiteracy alone or advanced age alone does not qualify.

Can Form N-648 waive both the English and civics parts of the citizenship test?

Yes. Depending on how your disability affects your ability to learn or demonstrate the required knowledge, Form N-648 can waive the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both. The medical professional must explain the specific connection between your disability and each requirement being waived.

What Is Form N-648 and Who Qualifies for a Citizenship Test Disability Waiver?

Applicant completing Form N-648 with help from a family member at home

This article provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative for guidance on your specific situation.

Form N-648 is the USCIS Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. If you have a qualifying disability that prevents you from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English or U.S. civics, this form can exempt you from the English test, the civics test, or both during your naturalization process.

What Does Form N-648 Do?

The U.S. citizenship test normally requires you to demonstrate English language ability (reading, writing, and speaking) and knowledge of U.S. government and history (the civics test). Form N-648 lets a licensed medical professional certify that a disability prevents you from meeting one or both of these requirements. If USCIS approves the form, you are excused from the requirement(s) it covers.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for a disability exception using Form N-648, you must have a physical, developmental, or mental impairment that:

Has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months
Directly prevents you from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English, civics, or both

The key requirement is a clear connection (called a "nexus") between your specific disability and your inability to meet the test requirements. Your medical professional must explain exactly how the condition prevents you from learning or demonstrating the required knowledge.

What Does Not Qualify?

According to USCIS policy, certain conditions alone are not enough to qualify:

Illiteracy by itself is not a qualifying disability
Advanced age alone does not qualify (though age-based exceptions like the 50/20 or 65/20 rules may apply separately)
A condition that does not specifically prevent you from learning or demonstrating English or civics does not qualify

The form must show a direct connection between the disability and the inability to meet the test requirements.

Who Can Complete the Form?

Form N-648 must be completed and signed by a licensed:

Medical doctor (MD)
Doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO)
Licensed clinical psychologist

The medical professional must have examined you and be able to explain the diagnosis, how it affects your ability to learn, and why it prevents you from meeting the English or civics requirement.

When to Submit Form N-648

The medical certification must be dated no more than 180 days before you file your N-400 (Application for Naturalization). In most cases, you submit Form N-648 together with your N-400. If you realize later that you need the waiver, you may still submit it, but doing so early avoids delays at your interview.

What Happens at the Interview?

USCIS reviews Form N-648 during your naturalization interview. The officer may ask you questions about your disability and daily activities to verify the information on the form. USCIS can approve or deny the N-648 at the interview. If denied, you would still need to take the English and/or civics test to complete your naturalization.

How to Prepare

Even if you plan to file Form N-648, it helps to be familiar with the naturalization process and what to expect at your interview. Citizenry's mock interviews let you practice the interview format so you feel prepared and confident, regardless of which test requirements apply to you.

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Brisbane is a researcher and engineer focused on helping applicants navigate the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process. She previously served as an adjunct assistant professor at the City University of New York, where she taught courses and conducted research related to immigration and public policy.

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