On October 19, 2022, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released clarifying guidance for applicants with a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment seeking to request for an exception to the English and civics testing requirements. Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, which was simplified to help naturalization applicants with disabilities file for an exception to the English and civics testing requirements.
Previously, Applicants were required to have the N-648 form completed by a medical professional no more than 180 days prior to the filing of their naturalization application, and medical professionals were also required to conduct the medical examination with the applicant in-person prior to certifying their form. USCIS removed the 180 day requirement and will now accept N-648 filings after the naturalization application is filed.
USCIS is allowing licensed medical professionals to conduct the required medical examinations via telehealth, as long as all applicable laws are followed as well. Medical professionals completing the N-648 also now have the option to request for an oath waiver on the applicant’s behalf.
With the latest August 19, 2022 edition of the N-648, USCIS condensed the form and effectively removed questions related to:
- Dates of diagnosis and when the applicant’s disability or impairment(s) began;
- Description of the severity of each disability or impairment;
- Description of how each disability or impairment impacts the applicant’s daily life;
- Whether the certifying medical professional and the patient had a pre-existing relationship;
By November 21, 2022, USCIS will only accept the 08/19/22 edition of the form.
If you have any questions regarding the new N-648 form, or any immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact KILO Immigration, please do not hesitate to contact KILO Immigration, a Sacramento law firm, by filling out this contact form.