Instructions For Form N-648 - Uscis printable pdf download

OMB No. 1615-0060; Expires 03/31/2017

Instructions for Form N-648, Medical

Department of Homeland Security

Certification for Disability Exceptions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

What Is the Purpose of This Form?

How to Complete This Form?

In general, applicants for naturalization must demonstrate an

All parts of Form N-648 except the "Applicant Attestation"

understanding of the English language, including an ability to

and "INTERPRETER'S CERTIFICATION", must be certified

read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage. They must

by a licensed medical professional. Before certifying Form

also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the

N-648, the medical professional must have conducted an in-

fundamentals of the history and principles and form of

person examination of the applicant.

government of the United States. Together, these are known as

All questions or items must be answered fully and accurately.

the English and civics requirements for naturalization. This

USCIS will not accept an incomplete Form N-648. Responses

form is intended for applicants who seek an exception to the

should use common terminology, without abbreviations, that a

English and/or civics requirements due to a physical or

person without medical training can understand. If completed

developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted,

in writing, all responses must be legible and appear in black

or is expected to last, 12 months or more.

ink. USCIS recommends that the certifying medical

professional use the electronic Form N-648 located in the

"FORMS" section at

Who Should Submit This Form and When?

Failure to provide all information requested on the form may

An applicant for naturalization seeking an exception to the

result in USCIS determination that the form is insufficient. In

English and/or civics requirements for naturalization because

addition to providing a detailed assessment of the applicant's

of a physical or developmental disability or mental

physical or developmental disability or mental impairment as

impairment(s) should submit this form at the time he or she

requested on the form, a medical professional completing the

files an N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS.

form may attach supporting medical diagnostic reports or

Per Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 312(b)(1),

records. However, these attachments may not take the place of

applicants are not required to fulfill the English and/or civics

written responses to each question or item on Form N-648.

requirements if the person is unable to do so because of

physical or developmental disability or mental impairment(s).

The following are examples of sufficient responses to some of

the items on Part III of Form N-648:

NOTE: Failure to submit Form N-648 with Form N-400

may delay the time for the adjudication of Form N-400.

1. Provide the clinical diagnosis and DSM IV code (if

applicable) of the applicant's disability and/or

impairment(s) that form the basis for seeking an

Who Should Not Submit This Form?

exception to the English and/or civics requirements.

An applicant who can satisfy the English and civics

If you cannot provide a DSM IV code, write "N/A" and

requirements for naturalization with reasonable

explain why you cannot provide a DSM IV code.

accommodations provided under the Rehabilitation Act of

"DSM-IV 318.0 Down syndrome."

1973 does not need to submit this form. Reasonable

accommodations include, but are not limited to, sign language

2. Provide a basic description of the disability and/or

interpreters, extended time for testing and off-site testing. An

impairment(s).

applicant requesting an accommodation should so indicate on

Part 3 of his or her completed Form N-400. Illiteracy alone is

"Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong

not a valid reason to seek an exception to the English and

intellectual disability (also referred to as mental

retardation), developmental delays, and other problems."

civics requirement by submitting this form.

8. What caused the applicant's medical disability and/or

Who Is Authorized to Certify This Form?

impairment(s) listed in number 1?

Only medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, or clinical

"Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell

psychologists licensed to practice in the United States

division occurring in utero. The cause of such errors in cell

(including the U.S. territories of CNMI, Guam, Puerto Rico,

division is currently unknown."

and the Virgin Islands) are authorized to certify the form.

While staff of the medical practice associated with the

medical professional certifying the form may assist in its

completion, the medical professional is responsible for the

accuracy of the form's content.

Form N-648 Instructions 03/11/15 Y Page 1

Instructions For Form N-648 - Uscis

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