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Form N-648 – Requesting An Exception to the English or Civics Test

Certain factors such as old age, poor education, or rudimentary command of the English language will not give you a medical exemption.

The English and civics tests of the U.S citizenship application are challenging for many people. Although candidates can retake the test if they fail due to insufficient preparation, some applicants struggle to pass the exam because of a developmental disability or a mental impairment.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states applicants for naturalization generally must demonstrate that they understand the English language, “including the ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage.” They must also show that they know and understand the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of government of the United States.

It’s unfair for USCIS to expect these candidates to pass the tests and to be denied naturalization due to a disability. 

You can use Form N-648 to request an exception to the English and civics tests because of your disability. You must get the form certified by a licensed medical professional. Only medical doctors, clinical psychologists, or doctors of osteopathy licensed in the United States can certify the N-648 medical waiver. A nurse may help you fill in the form but it must be certified by a doctor. An immigration lawyer can walk you through the process.

The good news for those seeking a waiver is they do not need to provide their complete medical history. However, you must explain on the form why the petitioner’s diagnosis means you cannot pass the English or civics test.

Relevant disorders that could allow an N-648 waiver include learning disabilities, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dementia, and other memory-related conditions.

The forms request pertinent information such as the date of your relevant diagnosis and the method of diagnosis. USCIS wants to gain an idea of the severity of your condition before deciding if you are eligible for a test waiver.

In order to qualify, the physical or developmental disability or mental impairment must have lasted, or must be expected to last, for 12 months or more. You should file N-648 at the same time as you file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).

You should not submit form N-648 if you are an applicant who can satisfy the civics and English requirements for naturalization with reasonable accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Reasonable accommodations include sign language interpreters, off-site testing, and an extended time period for testing. There is no filing fee for submitting N-648 to USCIS.

For legal help and advice on a medical waiver for the English or civics section of the citizenship test, please contact our immigration team.

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Well, hard to believe… job done! I’m frank to admit I had no idea that it would be so involved compared to 10 years ago when I did the renewal myself. Happily I was fortunate enough to find the best people to help get it done this time. When I was a working stiff it was mostly as a field guy in sales & marketing. High tech communication in those days was a pay phone in customers’ lobbies, so someone back in the office skilled in dealing w/problems was absolutely essential when I couldn’t be contacted. Most of those who supported me that way were good at what they did, some were outstanding. None were better than you!! This tedious & sometimes worrisome process would have been unbearable without your keeping it, & me, on track. So we want to extend our thanks to you and Radlyn. Hoping for Gardner & Mendoza to continue the good work for many years to come. - Anonymous
Gardner and Mendoza Law Firm is a great law firm no matter what kind of situation you may be in! For example I had court today, John Gardner, my attorney represented me today and got the charged dismissed totally the first time we both appeared in front of the judge in Virginia Beach Traffic Court. He uses every bit of knowledge he can to help you get the best results!! He also works very well with Latinos! They have a Spanish speaking person in their office at all times!! - Sebastian
My husband and I had a great experience with Mrs. Mendoza. She provided excellent information and a sense of urgency with every step of our immigration process. Her team was always supportive in getting us the information we needed throughout the whole process. This legal firm also treats their clients with the highest levels of respect. In all of Virginia I would say that the Gardener & Mendoza team is the best recommendation for same sex immigration cases and for immigration cases in general. It was a pleasure to work with them. - Anonymous
I Highly Recommend Radlyn Mendoza, An Excellent Immigration Lawyer. My wife and I were very worried about my wife’s immigration and legal status. We were quite impressed with Attorney Mendoza during our initial consultation. She proved to be a smart, knowledgeable, and very capable immigration attorney. She and her staff were very helpful and responsive to all of our requests. Kudos to her and staff, especially Leesa, for successfully handling our case. Thanks for a job well done. - Thomas and Cheong W.
My daughter received a reckless driving ticket going 60 in a 35 mph zone, so understandably, I was very concerned. In court, Mr. Gardner was able to get the reckless driving charge and ticket completely dismissed due to his knowledge of what the police officer had to present in court. Mr. Gardner was a familiar face to the judge and the clerks in the Virginia Beach courthouse. When we contacted John Gardner’s office at Gardner & Mendoza, he and his staff made us feel comfortable by explaining the whole process to us. His track record and the reviews online helped make the decision to choose Mr. Gardner over other attorneys easy. I highly recommend Mr. Gardner. He gave us peace of mind and won the case too! - Michelle

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