Naturalization Requirements now include stricter review standards for applicants seeking waivers due to disability. As of June 13, 2025, USCIS requires detailed medical evidence showing how a physical, developmental, or mental impairment prevents an individual from meeting English and civics tests. This new guidance tightens oversight of Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, to verify medical credentials, evaluate functional limitations, and prevent fraudulent claims. By reinforcing the integrity of the disability exception process, USCIS ensures that only eligible applicants receive relief, while preserving the rigor and fairness of U.S. citizenship testing.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of Naturalization Requirements Update
On June 13, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rolled out new policy guidance in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual, refining how Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) factors into Naturalization Requirements. The update aims to:
1. Strengthen the review process for disability-based waivers.
2. Ensure only eligible applicants receive exceptions.
3. Uphold public confidence in U.S. citizenship tests.
These changes respond to decades of occasional misuse, where false medical certifications allowed applicants to bypass English and civics testing without genuine disability, undermining the integrity of Naturalization Requirements.
2. Naturalization Requirements for Disability Exceptions
Normally, applicants must meet these Naturalization Requirements:
-
English Proficiency: Speak, read, and write basic English.
-
Civics Knowledge: Pass a 100-question U.S. history and government test.
Disability Exception
Applicants with a medically determinable physical or developmental disability—or mental impairment—lasting at least 12 months may apply for an exception to one or both requirements. To qualify, they must submit Form N-648 certified by a licensed medical professional.
Key Form N-648 Elements
| Section | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Applicant Information | Name, A‑Number, contact info |
| Medical Diagnosis | ICD‑10 code, disorder description |
| Functional Limitations | How condition prevents learning English or civics |
| Duration and Prognosis | Onset date, expected duration, treatment plan |
| Medical Professional’s Details | License number, specialty, signature, contact details |
Tip: Download Form N-648
Including clear medical evidence ensures USCIS can align each waiver with true disability, preserving Naturalization Requirements for those who meet them.
3. Verifying Medical Certifications under Naturalization Requirements
Under the new policy, USCIS officers must:
-
Assess Certification Veracity
-
Confirm medical license and professional standing via state medical board websites.
-
Check that ICD‑10 codes match the described impairment.
-
-
Evaluate Functional Explanations
-
Require a detailed narrative explaining how the condition directly prevents study or test-taking.
-
Reject forms that list only the diagnosis without linking it to English or civics deficits.
-
-
Flag Multiple Submissions
-
Submitting two or more N-648 forms at once raises credibility issues.
-
Officers may request additional medical records or schedule interviews.
-
These steps tighten oversight, reducing fraud and ensuring true eligibility aligns with Naturalization Requirements.
4. Preventing Fraud in Disability Exception Claims
USCIS’s update focuses on fraud prevention to protect Naturalization Requirements:
-
License Verification
-
Cross‑check medical professional credentials against state licensing boards.
-
-
Document Authentication
-
Use USCIS e‑Verify for electronic doctor signatures when available.
-
-
Random Audits
-
Conduct unannounced audits of N-648 submissions nationwide.
-
-
Enhanced Training
-
Train officers on spotting red flags, such as inconsistent medical records or misspelled terms.
-
| Fraud Indicator | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| Multiple concurrent N‑648 forms | Automatic referral for fraud review |
| Vague functional explanation | Request for supplemental medical documentation |
| Unverifiable medical license | Referral to Office of Professional Responsibility |
By embedding these checks, USCIS strengthens both public trust and adherence to Naturalization Requirements.
5. Impact on Applicants and Next Steps for Naturalization Requirements
Who Is Affected by Naturalization Requirements Update
All applicants who file Form N-648 on or after June 13, 2025, face these new rules. This includes anyone requesting an exception to:
-
English Requirements: Speaking, reading, or writing waiver.
-
Civics Requirements: U.S. history and government test waiver.
If you submit Form N-648 on or after the effective date, USCIS applies the updated review standards. Even applicants who filed a prior version of Form N-648 but did not complete their interview must follow the new policy.
Action Items for Meeting Naturalization Requirements
-
Choose a Qualified Provider
-
Find a licensed medical professional with USCIS disability-exception experience.
-
Verify their state license at the relevant medical board website.
-
Confirm they can document functional limitations linked to language or civics tests.
-
-
Provide Detailed Evidence
-
Gather recent treatment records and test results showing your condition’s impact.
-
Ask your provider to describe, in clear terms, how your disability stops you from learning or recalling English and civics facts.
-
Attach third‑party evaluations or therapy notes, if available.
-
-
Monitor Form Status
-
Use USCIS Case Status Online to track your application.
-
Note any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) and respond within deadlines.
-
-
Prepare for Possible Requests
-
Be ready to submit additional medical records or detailed narratives.
-
Schedule follow‑up visits with your medical professional before your interview.
-
Stay in contact with your attorney or accredited representative for guidance.
-
Next Steps
-
Review Your Documents: Double‑check every entry on Form N-648 for clarity and accuracy.
-
Consult an Expert: Talk to an immigration attorney if you have questions about the new standards.
-
Plan Ahead: Start gathering evidence early to avoid delays.
By following these steps, you align with USCIS’s strengthened Naturalization Requirements, improve the credibility of your disability claim, and boost your chances of a successful waiver request.
Legal Advice
Consult an immigration attorney for guidance.
References
Conclusion
USCIS’s June 13, 2025 update tightens how disability exceptions fit into Naturalization Requirements, ensuring only qualified applicants receive waivers. By demanding precise medical evidence, verifying provider credentials, and flagging potential fraud, USCIS preserves the integrity of the English and civics tests.
Applicants filing Form N-648 must choose experienced medical professionals, compile thorough treatment records, and clearly link their disability to test inability. Monitor your case online, respond promptly to any requests, and work with legal counsel when needed.
This article interprets USCIS’s June 13, 2025 policy guidance on naturalization disability exceptions. It explains how the update refines Naturalization Requirements, clarifies documentation standards, and tightens fraud prevention to safeguard the integrity of U.S. citizenship tests.
Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm
Ready to navigate USCIS’s updated disability exception process with confidence? Contact Maple Crest Law today for expert guidance on completing Form N‑648, gathering detailed medical evidence, and ensuring your waiver request meets all requirements. Let our experienced attorneys help you avoid delays and secure a smooth path to U.S. citizenship—schedule your consultation now!
