USCIS Tightens Disability Exception Policy for Naturalization Process
The government claims to want to curb fraudulent disability claims and tighten standards for naturalization exemptions.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance aimed at curbing fraud in the use of disability exemptions during the naturalization process, the agency announced on June 13.
The updated guidance targets misuse of Form N-648, the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, which allows certain applicants to bypass the English and civics testing requirements if they have a medically determinable physical, developmental, or mental impairment lasting at least 12 months.
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USCIS says the new measures will place “greater attention on the veracity of medical certifications and identification and prevention of fraud, thereby enhancing the integrity of the process.”
Agency officials cited a history of abuse in the system, with some medical professionals submitting false certifications that resulted in ineligible applicants gaining U.S. citizenship. “When a medical professional provides a false certification, it not only undermines the purpose of the disability exception but also weakens the credibility of the entire naturalization system,” USCIS stated.
Under the revised rules, medical professionals must now clearly explain how an applicant’s condition prevents them from fulfilling the English and civics requirements. “The presence of a disability alone is not sufficient,” the agency noted.
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Additionally, the policy warns that submitting multiple Form N-648s concurrently may raise concerns about the legitimacy of the claims and could trigger additional scrutiny.
The new guidance, which took effect immediately, is detailed in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual and applies to all Form N-648 submissions filed on or after June 13, 2025.
According to USCIS, the changes align with Executive Order 14148, which rescinds certain prior immigration policies, and Executive Order 14159, aimed at protecting national interests.
By increasing oversight, USCIS says it seeks to “restore trust in the naturalization process and ensure that only eligible applicants receive exemptions.”
