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Form N-648: Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form N-648 is the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, used by naturalization applicants who cannot meet English or civics requirements even with accommodations. The form must be signed by hand; USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name.
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USCIS Form N-648 - Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form N-648 is the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, used by naturalization applicants who cannot meet English or civics requirements even with accommodations. The form must be signed by hand; USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form N-648 without a handwritten signature results in rejection.
- 2Providing an incomplete Form N-648; USCIS will deem it insufficient.
- 3Using non‑black ink or illegible handwriting on the medical professional’s answers.
- 4Leaving any question unanswered, including items required when telephonic interpretation was used.
- 5Submitting a stamped or typed name instead of a handwritten signature.
Plain English
Form N-648 lets a doctor certify that a naturalization applicant’s disability prevents them from passing the English or civics test, even with help. The applicant sends this certification with their naturalization filing.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 a naturalization applicant requests an English and/or civics exemption due to a physical, developmental, or mental disability.
- Do not use it when the certifying medical professional completed the form more than 180 days before filing Form N-400, because USCIS may not consider it.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need information about the filing fee for Form N-648.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applicant filing naturalization
N-400 is the primary naturalization application; N-648 only supports a disability exception
✓ Confirm N-400 is ready and will be submitted together with N-648
Need to determine filing fee
G-1055 lists the specific fee amounts for Form N-648
✓ Verify the correct fee amount and payment method before submitting
Medical professional completing exam
N-648 must be completed within 180 days of the N-400 filing to be valid
✓ Ensure the exam date is within the 180‑day window before filing
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Disability description
Detailed statement of how the disability prevents learning English or civics · Form N-648 medical certification section
Physician signature
Handwritten ink signature of certifying medical professional · Form N-648 signature line
Exam date
Date the medical examination was completed · Physician’s notes attached to Form N-648
Applicant signature
Handwritten ink signature of applicant or legal guardian · Form N-648 applicant signature line
Supporting medical records
Lab reports, diagnostic test results · Applicant’s medical file
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the certifying medical professional has completed every item except Item 6 if telephonic interpretation was used.
- 2Ensure the disability description explains the effect on English and civics learning.
- 3Verify the form is dated within 180 days of the intended Form N-400 filing.
- 4Provide a handwritten ink signature of the medical professional.
- 5If the applicant is legally incompetent, obtain a legal guardian’s handwritten signature.
- 6Attach any required supporting medical documentation.
- 7Include Form N-400 with the N-648 package.
- 8Do not use a stamped or typed name in place of any signature.
- 9Retain a copy of the completed Form N-648 for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Gather required medical documentation and complete Form N-648.
- 2Sign the form by hand (or have a legal guardian sign if applicable).
- 3Combine Form N-648 with Form N-400 application package.
- 4Submit the combined package to USCIS using the designated filing address or online portal and keep the receipt notice.
- 5Verify receipt of filing through USCIS case status or receipt notice.
Known limitations
- 1Not for applicants who can meet the English and civics requirements without an exemption.
- 2Not for forms completed more than 180 days before filing Form N-400.
- 3Not for disabilities that do not stem from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities.
- 4Not applicable to U.S. citizens; only naturalization applicants use the form.
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 form shows an expiration of 09/30/2027 and the instruction page is dated 09/25/24, indicating the current edition.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instruction page reads 09/25/24
- Expiration date — confirm the form expires 09/30/2027
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm a handwritten ink signature is provided; stamps or typed names are not accepted
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the signed copy of Form N-648 in your personal file.
- 2Monitor your USCIS case status for acknowledgment of the disability exemption.
- 3If USCIS requests additional information, submit the revised Form N-648 promptly.
- 4Update your address with USCIS within 10 days of any move, as required for non‑citizens.
- 5Retain any receipt notices or correspondence for at least the duration of the naturalization process.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form N-648 is to request an exception from English and/or civics requirements due to disability.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — applicants should submit Form N-648 when they file Form N-400.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — USCIS may not consider Form N-648 if completed more than 180 days before Form N-400 submission.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — a legal guardian may sign for an applicant deemed legally incompetent.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — fee information is found on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — address change must be reported within 10 days of moving.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — do not mail completed Form N-648 to the OMB address listed.
Common confusion points
Can I submit Form N-648 after filing Form N-400?
Unclear timing may lead to the form being older than 180 days.
→ Verify the exam date is within 180 days of the N-400 filing date.
Do I need to pay a fee with Form N-648?
Fee information is referenced but not listed on the form.
→ Check Form G-1055 for the correct fee amount before submitting.
Is a scanned copy of the signature acceptable?
USCIS accepts photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original handwritten signature.
→ Ensure the scanned signature is clear and the original document is retained.
What if telephonic interpretation was used during the exam?
Item 6 is exempt, but other items must still be completed.
→ Confirm all required items except Item 6 are filled out.
Can a legal guardian sign for an incompetent applicant?
The form allows a legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative to sign.
→ Obtain the guardian’s handwritten signature and attach proof of incompetence if needed.
Should I mail Form N-648 to the address listed in the burden statement?
The burden statement includes a mailing address that is not for filing.
→ Use the USCIS filing address indicated on the Form N-400 instructions, not the OMB address.
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Questions about USCIS Form N-648
What is USCIS Form N-648 used for?
Form N-648 lets a doctor certify that a naturalization applicant’s disability prevents them from passing the English or civics test, even with help. The applicant sends this certification with their naturalization filing.
Who must file USCIS Form N-648?
Applicants who cannot satisfy the English and/or civics requirements for naturalization, even with reasonable accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act, must file Form N-648.
What information does USCIS Form N-648 require?
The form collects the applicant’s medical diagnosis, how the disability impairs the ability to learn English and civics, and the certifying physician’s detailed certification.
Where do I file USCIS Form N-648?
Upload the completed Form N-648 as additional evidence with the electronic naturalization application.
How do I complete USCIS Form N-648?
The certifying medical professional answers every question on Form N-648 in legible black ink, then provides the completed form to the applicant. The applicant signs the form by hand and includes it with the naturalization filing, either by uploading it as additional evidence for electronic filing or by mailing it according to USCIS instructions.
What happens if USCIS Form N-648 is filed incorrectly?
If the form is incomplete or missing required information, USCIS may deem it insufficient and reject the request.
Can I submit Form N-648 after filing Form N-400?
Unclear timing may lead to the form being older than 180 days. Verify the exam date is within 180 days of the N-400 filing date.
Do I need to pay a fee with Form N-648?
Fee information is referenced but not listed on the form. Check Form G-1055 for the correct fee amount before submitting.
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