U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new policy guidance on June 13 to strengthen the review process for Form N-648, the Medical Certification used by applicants seeking disability exceptions to naturalization requirements.
The updated policy aims to enhance the integrity of the naturalization process by focusing more rigorously on verifying the authenticity of medical certifications and preventing fraud. Over the years, USCIS has identified numerous cases where the disability exception process has been exploited, allowing individuals to bypass English language and civics requirements without proper justification. Fraudulent certifications undermine the credibility of the naturalization system and may result in the naturalization of individuals who do not meet eligibility standards.
Typically, immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship must demonstrate proficiency in English and a basic understanding of U.S. civics. However, applicants who have medically determinable physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments expected to last at least 12 months can seek exceptions by submitting Form N-648, completed and certified by a licensed medical professional.
The new guidance clarifies that the certifying medical professional must explicitly explain how the applicant’s disability prevents them from fulfilling the English and civics requirements — the mere presence of a disability is no longer sufficient grounds for an exception.
USCIS also noted that the submission of multiple Form N-648s for the same applicant within a short period will trigger closer scrutiny, as it may indicate attempts to abuse the system.
This policy update is particularly relevant to immigrant communities, including Caribbean immigrants, who often rely on these medical exceptions during the naturalization process. USCIS emphasizes that these measures protect the integrity of citizenship pathways while ensuring that legitimate applicants receive fair consideration.
The guidance is part of the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, and aligns with Executive Orders 14148 and 14159, which focus on safeguarding American institutions and protecting the nation. The changes apply immediately to all naturalization applications and Form N-648 submissions filed on or after June 13, 2025.
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