Medical certification for disability exemption: Individuals who suffer from some types of disabilities/impairments may seek exemption from the English and Civics requirements for naturalization.

Psychological evaluations explore how a “physical or developmental disability or mental impairment” hinders a person’s memory, attention, concentration, and/or ability to learn. Objective psychological tests measure the nature and severity of the impairments.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates a citizenship test for the naturalization process. This examination assesses an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history, government, and the English language. Yet, individuals with medically certifiable physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments may be exempted from this requirement through a Citizenship Examination Waiver.

Our team at Immigration Psychology, a Florida-based firm with a reach across 39 states, including New York, facilitates these assessments through our HIPAA-compliant secure video conference system.

Citizenship Examination Waiver and Immigration Psychology Evaluation

A Citizenship Examination Waiver acknowledges that specific physical, developmental, or mental impairments can unjustly hinder an individual’s ability to meet the standard requirements of the citizenship examination. However, obtaining this waiver is marked by meticulous scrutiny to ensure its integrity and fairness.

These waivers are not distributed indiscriminately; they necessitate a comprehensive and specialized immigration psychology evaluation. This evaluation aims to provide a detailed understanding of the applicant’s medical condition and to articulate how it substantially disrupts their learning, memory, and comprehension capabilities.

The evaluation seeks to differentiate between temporary and chronic conditions, ensuring that only those with enduring and substantial impairments are considered for the waiver. This rigorous process underscores the commitment to maintaining the waiver’s sanctity while offering a fair chance to all applicants.

Choosing Immigration Psychology

The path to U.S. citizenship is complex, but the Citizenship Examination Waiver provides a necessary route for those facing unique challenges.  Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) is key to this exception. Licensed medical professionals, particularly those specializing in immigration psychology, must conduct evaluations and complete this form.

Immigration Psychology specializes in these objective assessments. Our immigration psychology evaluations in New York are thorough and accessible via secure videoconferencing, ensuring clients from New York to Florida and beyond can easily access our services.

If you or someone you know might qualify for this waiver, do not hesitate to contact Immigration Psychology today for a complimentary consultation.

How Psychological Evaluations Help Support Citizenship Examination Waivers

The naturalization process requires applicants to demonstrate basic English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. civics. For individuals with serious cognitive, psychological, or developmental impairments, this expectation may create an unfair and impossible barrier. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows certain applicants to request an exemption from the test through a citizenship examination waiver.

A psychological evaluation can provide objective documentation showing how a long-term condition affects memory, communication, learning ability, or information processing to support this request. Immigration Psychology conducts evaluations that help confirm whether an applicant’s impairment meets the legal standard required for Form N-648.

What the Evaluation Process Involves

Evaluations for naturalization waivers are focused and structured to meet specific USCIS guidelines. They include a clinical interview with the applicant, often involving a caregiver or family member, and may incorporate cognitive or psychological testing depending on the situation.

The purpose is to understand how the individual’s condition limits their ability to study for or complete the English and civics exam. Immigration Psychology’s providers are trained to document functional impairments in ways that align with USCIS expectations for Form N-648.

What the evaluation may include:

  • Review of relevant medical or mental health history (if available)

  • Discussion of daily challenges related to learning or memory

  • Use of validated tools to assess cognitive function

  • A written report supporting the waiver request if the applicant qualifies

The goal is to provide a clear and medically supported explanation of why the individual cannot meet the naturalization testing requirements.

Who Might Qualify for the Waiver

The citizenship examination waiver is available to individuals whose physical or mental impairment is expected to last 12 months or longer and significantly limits their ability to fulfill testing requirements. Immigration Psychology works with clients who present with a range of conditions that may qualify under USCIS standards, such as:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

  • Intellectual or developmental disabilities

  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

  • Schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Severe depressive or anxiety disorders

  • Post-traumatic stress that disrupts memory and communication

Not all conditions automatically qualify. The evaluation must demonstrate that the impairment interferes explicitly with the individual’s ability to understand or participate in the naturalization test. That’s why careful documentation is essential.

Why Evaluations Must Be Structured for USCIS

For acceptance, psychological evaluations submitted with Form N-648 must meet specific USCIS standards. These assessments differ from general mental health evaluations and must directly explain how the applicant’s condition affects their ability to meet naturalization test requirements.

At Immigration Psychology, each evaluation is structured to clearly outline the diagnosis, describe how the condition impacts memory, learning, or communication, and confirm that the impairment is ongoing. Reports are written using precise, medically supported language to meet federal review expectations and help avoid unnecessary delays or denials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the N-648 form, and who completes it?
Form N-648 is a medical certification required to request a waiver from the citizenship test. It must be completed by a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist after a qualifying evaluation.

Will I automatically qualify if I have a mental health condition?
Not automatically. The condition must severely limit your ability to understand, learn, or remember test content, and it must be ongoing, not temporary.

Can I be evaluated remotely?
Yes. Immigration Psychology offers secure video evaluations for clients in states where telehealth is permitted, making the process accessible to more applicants.

Do I need medical records?
While helpful, medical records are not always required. The evaluator will determine if additional documentation is needed during the intake process.

What if I have trouble understanding questions or answering them clearly?
Evaluators are trained to accommodate those challenges and can arrange interpreters when necessary to ensure effective and respectful communication.