USCIS Strengthens Fraud Prevention with Updated Form N-648 Policy Guidance

Key Updates to Form N-648 Medical Certification Process

On June 13, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced enhanced fraud prevention measures for Form N-648, the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This policy update aims to ensure the integrity of the naturalization process while safeguarding legitimate disability claims.

Highlights of the New N-648 Policy Guidance

1. Stricter Scrutiny for Fraud Prevention

   • USCIS is intensifying efforts to detect fraudulent submissions, ensuring only eligible applicants receive exemptions from English and civics testing.

   • Medical professionals must now provide detailed explanations linking the disability to the applicant’s inability to meet testing requirements.

2. Clear Nexus Between Disability and Testing Inability

   • Simply listing a medical condition is no longer sufficient. Doctors must explain how the disability prevents learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and U.S. civics.

3. Red Flags for Multiple N-648 Submissions

   • Submitting multiple forms for the same applicant may trigger additional review to verify legitimacy.

4. Immediate Implementation

   • The policy applies to all Forms N-648 filed on or after June 13, 2025.

What Applicants and Medical Professionals Need to Know

• Eligibility: Only applicants with long-term physical, developmental, or mental impairments qualify. Conditions like Alzheimer’s or severe cognitive disorders may apply.

• Submission: File Form N-648 with Form N-400 (or later with an explanation).

• Consequences of Fraud: False claims may lead to denial, FDNS investigations, or deportation.

• Accommodations vs. Exemptions: If accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters) suffice, applicants should request those instead of an N-648 exemption.

For more details on USCIS biometric and medical exam policies, check our related guide: CBP Biometric Border Technology at U.S. Airports.

Conclusion

USCIS’s updated Form N-648 policy strengthens fraud prevention while ensuring fair access for applicants with legitimate disabilities. Medical professionals and applicants should ensure submissions are accurate, well-documented, and free of inconsistencies.

For official updates, visit USCIS.gov.

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• Fraud Prevention (in title, H2, and content)

• Form N-648 (in title, H2, and content)

• Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (in content)