On June 13, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an important policy update to the USCIS Policy Manual that affects Form N-648, which is used for Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
This update is intended to enhance the integrity of the naturalization process and prevent misuse of medical certifications submitted with naturalization applications.
Key Highlights of the Policy Update:
- Enhanced Integrity Requirements: USCIS will more closely review N-648 submissions to verify the validity of disability claims.
- Concurrent Filing Required (Pre-2022 Rule Restored): Form N-648 must be filed at the same time as Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), unless there are extenuating circumstances.
- Limits on Multiple Submissions: Submitting multiple N-648s could raise credibility concerns and lead to increased scrutiny.
- Clear Medical Justification Required: The medical professional must explain the connection between the disability and the applicant’s inability to meet English or civics test requirements.
- Credible Reasons for Doubt: USCIS clarified how it handles suspected fraud, including examples of credible reasons to question validity.
Learn More:
Visit the USCIS page on Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
Or read the full USCIS Policy Manual update.
Need Help?
The NPZ Law Group is here to help you navigate these changes. If you have questions about how this may impact your naturalization process or need assistance with Form N-648, reach out to our experienced immigration attorneys today.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.