USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exception

USCIS issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect changes made in the new version of Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exception. The new edition of Form N-648 was approved on July 23, 2020, and as of October 13, 2020, USCIS only accepts the July 23, 2020, edition. The guidance is effective immediately; comments are due January 4, 2021.

Policy Highlights

• Provides that a properly completed Form N-648 includes dates of diagnosis and when the disability or impairment(s) began; description of severity of each disability or impairment; and description of how each relevant disability or impairment affects specific functions of the applicant’s daily life.
• Specifies that Form N-648 should be completed by the certifying medical professional no more than 6 months prior to the filing of the naturalization application.

Related Resources

• PowerPoint Presentation from Stakeholder Event: Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) – November 1, 2022
• USCIS Will Accept Only the Revised Form N-648 Starting November 21