U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued policy guidance on how the agency processes Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, to prevent fraudulent exceptions to naturalization requirements.

Key Points:
  • Under this policy guidance, USCIS is focusing greater attention on the accuracy of medical certifications and ways to identify and prevent fraud.
  • The guidance confirms that the medical professional completing Form N-648 must not only verify that the disability or impairment exists but also explain how it leaves the individual unable to complete naturalization requirements.
  • The guidance also states that submitting multiple Forms N-648 concurrently may raise concerns about the credibility of the disability claim and could be subject to further review.
  • The updated policy guidance is effective immediately and applies to all Forms N-648 filed on or after June 13, 2025.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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