What is an N-648 and why do I have to do it?

The N-648 is the disability waiver that exempts applicants for U.S. citizenship from (1) demonstrating they can speak, read, and write English, and/or (2) passing a test of U.S. history and civics. With a waiver, the applicant can have the interview in his/her native language and will not have to answer questions about U.S. history and government. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) relies on the medical opinion of the applicant’s doctor in deciding whether to grant the waiver. CIS generally makes a decision as to whether to grant or deny citizenship at the naturalization interview. Under current law, the N-648 must be submitted at the same time as the N-400 application for citizenship.

Note: The doctor completing the N-648 must have the appropriate expertise to diagnose the named disability/ies. If you are not a specialist in the field of the patient’s disability, you should have training, experience or other qualifications to assess such disability. Sometimes, because the regular treating physician has no such training or qualification, a specialist may complete the form. Then, he will need to briefly explain the reason and the plan of treatment.

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