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Form N648 Waiver Certification

Available at Our St. Louis Park Office  |  Languages Spoken: Spanish & Russian
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Support for Your Citizenship Journey

Securing an exemption from the English or civics exam can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our experienced medical team carefully evaluates your situation, documents your condition, and ensures your waiver application is completed with accuracy and care. We are committed to helping you move forward with confidence toward citizenship.

Patient Reviews

Understanding the Form N648 

For many immigrants, becoming a United States citizen is a matter of pride.

I remember how happy we were when we finally became citizens in 1985,” says Dr. Mirman.

To complete the naturalization process, applicants must pass a citizenship exam covering:


  • English proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing)


  • U.S. civics knowledge (history, government, and more)


While most applicants can prepare and pass successfully, some face challenges due to medical conditions. For these individuals, the Form N648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) provides a path to request exemption from the English and civics exam requirements.

Who Qualifies for the Form N648 Waiver

According to U.S. law, an N648 is available to applicants with a physical, mental, or developmental disability that:


  • Is expected to last 12 months or more

  • Makes it impossible to meet the English or civics requirements (or both), even with reasonable accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may include sign language interpreters, extended testing time, or off-site testing. If you can pass the exam with accommodations, you do not need this form.

AM Physicians’ Form N648 Process

Our doctors have been completing N-648 forms since 1996, with hundreds of successful approvals. We take care to complete the form correctly the first time to avoid USCIS rejections. If your application is rejected, we will make all necessary corrections at no additional cost to make it ready for resubmission.

Our Civil Surgeons’ Guarantee

We stand by our work with a money-back guarantee:


  • If we feel you are eligible for the exemption,, we will work with you until eventual approval of the waiver by USCIS.

  • If your form is denied, we will fix and resubmit it as many times as necessary until it is approved — at no extra charge.

  • If you filed in Minnesota and your form is rejected irreversibly with no chance to reapply, we will refund all fees paid.

  • For applicants outside Minnesota, we will continue working with you until approval but cannot offer a refund due to cross-state complications.

Our doctors will only agree to complete your N-648 after confirming that you or your loved one meet the disability requirements and are unable to learn the necessary exam material.

Free Consultations

If you are unsure whether you qualify for an N648 waiver, we offer free consultations to review your individual case and determine eligibility.

Schedule Yours Now

Cost of the Form N648 

Our pricing for Form N648 completion depends on your specific situation:

one person

Individuals

$1500 per person

Ideal for single applicants completing the Form N648

Couples

$2500 per couple

Designed for married couples applying together.

Note: This service is not covered by your medical insurance. In rare cases, additional tests may be required to confirm the disability, which may result in extra charges, but these charges may be covered by your insurance.

Nearby Hotels For Our Out-of-Town Patients

If you’re visiting from out of town, we want your trip to feel as easy as possible. To help you plan, we’ve put together a short list of nearby hotels that our patients often choose. Each one is close to the office, and a couple offer special rates for our patients. Take a look at the options below and pick the one that works best for your stay.

Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis West in St. Louis Park


Address: 9980 Wauyzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55426S


Discount Information: Mention code G11 to receive 10% off

AC Hotel by Mariott Minneapolis West End


Address: 5075 Wayzata Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416


Phone: 763-545-0000

Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Park at West End


Address: 5305 Wayzata Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416


Phone:  952-544-0495

Schedule Your Consultation

Don’t let medical challenges hold you back from achieving your dream. Our experienced physicians are here to make the Form N648 process smooth, accurate, and stress-free.


Call (952) 564-3884 to book your free consultation today.

Call Now (952) 564-3884

Recent Blog Articles

December 21, 2025
Learn how USCIS Form N-648 helps individuals with medical disabilities qualify for U.S. citizenship. Life Medical provides expert N-648 evaluations in St. Louis Park, MN.
December 19, 2025
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION ABOUT FORM N-648 Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) allows certain applicants to request an exemption from the English and/or civics requirements for U.S. naturalization due to a qualifying medical condition. A key point to understand: Any licensed medical doctor (MD or DO) or clinical psychologist may complete Form N-648. The provider does NOT need to be a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to complete Form N-648. Civil surgeon certification is only required for Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) and does not apply to N-648 disability waivers. What matters most is that the evaluating provider: Is properly licensed Has sufficient medical expertise Clearly explains how the patient’s condition prevents them from meeting naturalization exam requirements Completes the form accurately and in accordance with USCIS standards WHAT IS FORM N-648 AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? Becoming a U.S. citizen requires passing a naturalization exam that includes English proficiency and U.S. civics knowledge. For some individuals, physical, developmental, or mental impairments make it impossible to meet these requirements. Form N-648 provides a lawful medical exemption for applicants whose condition prevents them from learning or demonstrating the required knowledge. Approval depends on clear, thorough medical documentation , not on the provider being a civil surgeon. WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR AN N-648 MEDICAL WAIVER? USCIS requires evidence of a legitimate medical condition that directly interferes with the ability to meet exam requirements. Common qualifying conditions include: Dementia or age-related cognitive decline Traumatic brain injury Stroke or cerebrovascular disease Intellectual or developmental disabilities PTSD, schizophrenia, or severe depression Neurological conditions affecting memory or language Medication side effects that impair cognitive function Each case is evaluated individually. The critical factor is demonstrating the functional impact of the condition on learning, memory, or communication. WHY THE QUALITY OF THE MEDICAL EVALUATION MATTERS USCIS officers review N-648 forms carefully and often critically. Applications may be denied if: The explanation is vague or overly technical The connection between the diagnosis and exam limitations is unclear Documentation does not adequately support the condition The form fails to anticipate common USCIS concerns A well-prepared evaluation explains complex medical issues in plain language and directly addresses how the condition prevents exam completion.  HOW LIFE MEDICAL HANDLES N-648 EVALUATIONS Life Medical provides in-person N-648 evaluations exclusively at our St. Louis Park, Minnesota location . Our approach combines medical expertise with a strong understanding of USCIS expectations. Comprehensive Medical Assessment Our evaluations include: Review of medical history and diagnoses Medication review and cognitive side effects Relevant medical records and testing Assessment of learning, memory, and functional limitations Clear, USCIS-Focused Documentation USCIS officers are not clinicians. We complete Form N-648 using clear, accessible language while meeting all medical and legal requirements. PRICING FOR N-648 DISABILITY WAIVERS Life Medical offers transparent, flat-rate pricing for N-648 evaluations: $1,500 for an individual evaluation $2,500 for couples evaluated together This pricing includes: Comprehensive medical evaluation Completion of Form N-648 Follow-up support if USCIS requests additional information LOCATION FOR N-648 SERVICES All N-648 evaluations are conducted at: Life Medical – St. Louis Park 4201 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Phone: (952) 933-8900 Spanish and Russian-speaking staff are available at this location.
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December 3, 2025
Learn how USCIS Form N-648 helps applicants with medical disabilities qualify for naturalization without the English or civics exam. See how Life Medical prepares clear, accurate N-648 forms and supports patients in Minnesota and across the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Form N-648 for?

    Form N-648 is used for patients who can’t meet the English or civics testing requirements for naturalization because of a medical condition. It lets a licensed medical professional explain why the condition prevents the patient from taking the tests.

  • What is the N-648 form for?

    It’s a medical certification that helps a patient request an exemption from the English and/or civics portions of the citizenship test. It must be completed by a qualified medical professional who can document the patient’s condition.

  • What happens if USCIS rejects an N-648 disability waiver?

    If the form is rejected, the patient will usually be expected to take the English and civics tests at their naturalization interview. The patient can submit a new or corrected N-648, but USCIS won’t postpone the interview unless there’s a valid reason. A clear, well-supported explanation reduces the risk of rejection.

  • Who is exempt from taking the citizenship test?

    Someone may be exempt if they have a physical, developmental, or mental impairment that makes it impossible for them to meet the test requirements. A medical professional must document the condition on Form N-648. Age or time as a permanent resident alone does not qualify someone for this specific exemption.

  • How long is N-648 valid for?

    The form doesn’t have a set expiration date, but it must reflect the patient’s current medical condition when they apply for naturalization. If too much time passes or the condition changes, USCIS may ask for updated documentation.

  • What is proof of disability in the US?

    Proof of disability can include medical records, diagnoses, evaluations, treatment histories, and statements from licensed medical professionals. For the N-648, the doctor’s certification on the form is considered the supporting evidence.

  • How will the USCIS interview approve or deny an N-648 disability waiver?

    The officer reviews the form and asks basic questions to confirm the information. They’re checking for completeness, consistency, and whether the condition truly prevents the patient from taking the tests. They’ll approve it if the explanation is clear and well-supported.

  • Can I use my own doctor for the USCIS medical exam?

    You can only use a USCIS-designated civil surgeon for the immigration medical exam (Form I-693). However, for Form N-648, you can use your regular treating doctor if they are an MD, DO, or clinical psychologist.

  • Who can be a preparer for USCIS forms?

    A preparer can be anyone who helps complete the form, such as a family member, interpreter, attorney, or accredited representative. Medical forms like the N-648 must still be signed by the qualified medical professional.

  • What if my doctor won’t fill out my disability forms?

    A doctor isn’t required to complete disability paperwork. If they decline, the patient can ask another qualified medical professional who is familiar with their condition and willing to document it accurately.

  • Does a medical condition affect citizenship applications?

    A medical condition on its own doesn’t stop someone from becoming a citizen. The key factor is whether the condition affects their ability to meet requirements like taking the English or civics tests. That’s where the N-648 comes in.

  • How much does a USCIS doctor cost?

    Civil surgeon fees vary. Immigration doctors set their own prices, so costs may range widely depending on location and what’s included in the exam.

  • How will the USCIS interview approve or deny an N-648 disability waiver?

    The officer reviews the form and asks basic questions to confirm the information. They’re checking for completeness, consistency, and whether the condition truly prevents the patient from taking the tests. They’ll approve it if the explanation is clear and well-supported.

  • How do you know if your USCIS interview went well?

    Most applicants can tell because the officer explains the next steps, gives positive feedback, or approves the application at the end. For N-648 cases, the officer may also confirm whether the exemption is accepted.

  • Can citizenship be denied after an interview?

    Yes. USCIS can deny citizenship if the applicant doesn’t meet the requirements, fails the tests without an approved exemption, has certain legal issues, or doesn’t provide enough evidence.

  • What is the USCIS Form N-648 medical certification for disability exceptions?

    It’s a form completed by a qualified doctor that explains why a patient has a physical, developmental, or mental impairment that prevents them from learning or demonstrating English or civics knowledge.

  • What is the denial rate for USCIS?

    Denial rates vary depending on the year and the type of application. For N-648s, denial rates can be higher if the form isn’t filled out clearly or doesn’t provide enough detail.

  • Can I become a US citizen without taking the test?

    Yes, but only if you qualify for a medical exemption through Form N-648 and USCIS approves it.

  • Can you get your citizenship without taking the test?

    If you have a medical condition that makes it impossible to take the tests, and your N-648 is approved, you may be excused from the English and/or civics requirements.

  • Do you have to do a test to become an American citizen?

    Most people do. The English and civics tests are required unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

  • Who is exempt from the English test for citizenship?

    People who have an approved N-648 medical waiver or those who qualify for age- and time-based exemptions (like the 50/20 or 55/15 rules) may be exempt from the English test.

  • What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

    General requirements include:

    1. Being at least 18
    2. Having lawful permanent resident status for the required time
    3. Showing continuous residency and physical presence
    4. Demonstrating good moral character
    5. Passing the English and civics tests (unless exempt)
  • What is the quickest way to become a U.S. citizen?

    Marriage to a U.S. citizen can shorten the residency requirement to three years, but there’s no true “quick” path. Processing times still apply.

  • Did the citizenship test change in 2025?

    USCIS occasionally reviews or updates the civics test, but any changes are announced publicly before they take effect. Applicants should check the latest USCIS information before their interview.