When applying for naturalization to the US, there are numerous tasks that need to be completed, including completion of English language and American civics knowledge testing. For those with physical, developmental, or cognitive impairments, these naturalization requirements may be impossible. For this reason, there is a process in place to allow people to apply for exception from these requirements. An applicant for naturalization seeking an exception to the English and/or American civics requirements for naturalization because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairments should submit an N-648 form at the time he or she files an N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Per Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 312(b)(1), applicants are not required to fulfill the English and/or civics requirements if the person is unable to do so because of physical or developmental disability or mental impairments. The N-648 form needs to be completed by a Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Clinical Psychologist. That’s where the Grace Psychological Services team comes in. We conduct assessments, complete N-648 certification forms, and provide reporting as necessary for purposes of naturalization.
What is N-648 Certification?
N-648 certification is a testing and reporting process necessary to provide information to the USCIS as part of the naturalization process for those wishing to immigrate to the U.S. who are unable to complete their English language or civics requirement. This form is completed by a medical doctor, osteopath, or psychologist to provide documentation as part of the form N-400 application for naturalization. It is only necessary for those people seeking naturalization whose physical, cognitive, or mental impairment makes it impossible for them to complete their English language or American civics requirements. Those who are able to complete these sections with accommodations will be able to address these issues as part of the regular N-400 application, and they will not need to file the N-648 exception certification form.
What Happens During N-648 Certification Assessment?
After an initial intake interview, Dr. Reyes-McDonald will recommend a battery of tests. During your assessment for N-648 exception, Dr. Reyes-McDonald may conduct a number of tests to determine cognitive and language ability. Each person’s situation is unique, and our psychologists will work with you to choose tests that will assess mental and cognitive aptitude to provide the necessary documentation for your N-648 exception. This may include interviews and discussion as well as more traditional forms of testing.
Who Offers N-648 Certification?
N-648 certification can only be completed by a qualified medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist. In our office, Dr. Gracie Reyes-McDonald is happy to offer these services.
Dr. Gracie Reyes-McDonald
As a bilingual (Spanish/English) psychologist with experience and training working with those of diverse cultural/linguistic backgrounds, Dr. Reyes-McDonald is able to assist those needing a medical certification for disability exception for a developmental disability that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more. She has years of experiencing conducting assessments, completing N-648 certification forms, and helping those who are working to complete the U.S. naturalization process.
How do I get Started?
When you’re ready to get started, give us a call. A member of our team will be happy to answer your questions or schedule a time for you to visit Dr. Reyes-McDonald for an assessment. Grace Psychological Services is proud to offer N-648 assessments and reporting for residents of Spring, The Woodlands, the Greater Houston area, Harris County, and beyond.