Effective June 13, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating its policy for reviewing Form N-648, which is used by applicants for U.S. citizenship who request an exception to the English and civics test requirements due to a physical, developmental, or mental disability. The updated guidance emphasizes the need to verify the accuracy of medical certifications and prevent fraud. In the past, some medical professionals have submitted false certifications, resulting in individuals being granted citizenship despite not meeting the legal requirements. Under the new policy, the medical professional completing Form N-648 must clearly explain how the applicant’s condition prevents them from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and U.S. civics—simply having a disability is not enough. Additionally, filing multiple N-648 forms at once may raise red flags and lead to further investigation.

The purpose of this policy update is to protect the integrity of the naturalization process by ensuring that only applicants who truly qualify for disability exceptions receive them. This change aligns with Executive Orders 14148 and 14159, which seek to reverse harmful past policies and strengthen national security. The updated guidance is included in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual and applies to all naturalization applications and Form N-648 submissions filed on or after June 13, 2025.

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Update to Policy on Disability Exceptions to Naturalization Requirements | USCIS

USCIS Policy Alert on Revised Guidance for Form N-648 Submission and Review Process