In a bid to bolster the integrity of the naturalization process, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance to strengthen scrutiny of Form N-648, the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
Effective immediately, the revised guidance—part of Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual—focuses on verifying the accuracy and legitimacy of medical certifications submitted by naturalization applicants seeking exemption from English language and civics requirements due to disability.
The move comes in response to longstanding concerns over abuse of the system. “When a medical professional provides a false certification, it not only undermines the purpose of the disability exception but also weakens the credibility of the entire naturalization system,” the USCIS stated.
Under U.S. law, naturalization applicants are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in English and knowledge of U.S. history and government. Those with a medically determinable physical, developmental, or mental impairment lasting at least 12 months may apply for an exemption using Form N-648, completed by a licensed medical professional.
However, USCIS emphasized that a mere diagnosis is insufficient. The certifying medical professional must clearly explain how the applicant’s condition prevents them from fulfilling naturalization requirements. Furthermore, filing multiple Forms N-648 at once could trigger suspicion and lead to additional investigation.
The updated policy supports Executive Orders 14148 and 14159, which aim to reverse previous directives deemed harmful and enhance protections for the American public.
These changes apply to all naturalization applications and associated disability exemption forms filed on or after June 13, 2025.
