Key Takeaways
• USCIS allows Oath waiver for disabilities preventing understanding or communication from June 2025 onward.
• Form N-648, completed by a licensed medical professional, is required to apply for the waiver.
• Waivers also apply to English and civics tests for applicants with qualifying disabilities.
For many immigrants, taking the Oath of Allegiance is the final and most meaningful step in becoming a U.S. citizen. But what happens if someone cannot understand or communicate the Oath because of a physical or developmental disability? As of June 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clear rules that protect the rights of people with disabilities during the naturalization process. These rules ensure that no one is unfairly left out of citizenship because of a disability.
This article explains who can get a waiver for the Oath of Allegiance, how the process works, and what it means for immigrants, their families, and the wider community. It also looks at the history behind these rules, the steps involved, and what experts and advocacy groups say about the current system.
Who Can Get a Waiver for the Oath of Allegiance?
USCIS allows a waiver of the Oath of Allegiance for people who cannot understand its meaning because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. This means that if a person’s disability makes it impossible for them to know what the Oath means, or to communicate their understanding, they do not have to take the Oath to become a U.S. citizen.
This policy is not new. Congress first made it possible in 1994, when it passed laws to make the naturalization process fairer for people with disabilities. The goal was to make sure that everyone who qualifies for citizenship has a chance to become a citizen, even if they have special needs.
What Is the Oath of Allegiance?
The Oath of Allegiance is a promise that new citizens make to the United States 🇺🇸. By taking the Oath, a person promises to support the Constitution, obey the country’s laws, and be loyal to the United States 🇺🇸. For most people, saying the Oath is a simple but important ceremony. However, for some people with disabilities, understanding or saying the Oath is not possible.
Why Are Waivers Important?
Without waivers, people with serious disabilities could be blocked from becoming citizens, even if they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years and meet all other requirements. The waiver process makes sure that the naturalization system is fair and does not discriminate against people with disabilities.
Key reasons for the waiver:
– Equality: Everyone should have the same chance to become a citizen, no matter their physical or mental abilities.
– Legal Protection: U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), require the government to make reasonable changes so people with disabilities are not left out.
– Family Unity: Many people with disabilities rely on family members for care. Citizenship can help keep families together and make it easier to access services.
How Does the Waiver Process Work?
The process for getting a waiver is clear, but it does require careful steps. Here’s how it works:
1. Medical Certification
The first step is to get a medical evaluation. A licensed medical professional—such as a doctor, clinical psychologist, or osteopath—must examine the applicant and decide if they have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that makes it impossible to understand the Oath of Allegiance.
The doctor must fill out Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This form asks for details about the person’s disability, how it affects their ability to understand the Oath, and why the waiver is needed. You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website.
Important: The medical professional must be licensed in the United States 🇺🇸 and must give honest, detailed answers. USCIS reviews these forms carefully to make sure the request is real.
2. Filing the Application
Once the medical form is complete, the applicant (or their legal guardian or representative) submits it along with the main citizenship application, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If the applicant already filed Form N-400, they can bring the N-648 form to their naturalization interview.
If the person with a disability cannot fill out the forms or attend the interview, a legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative can do these steps for them. This is allowed by law and helps people who cannot speak, write, or understand the process on their own.
3. Naturalization Interview and Waiver Request
During the naturalization interview, the USCIS officer reviews the medical certification and decides if the waiver should be granted. If the officer agrees that the applicant cannot understand the Oath of Allegiance because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, the Oath is waived.
If the waiver is approved:
– The applicant becomes a U.S. citizen without having to take the Oath.
– The legal guardian or representative may complete other steps on behalf of the applicant, if needed.
If the waiver is denied:
– USCIS will explain the reason for denial.
– The applicant or their representative can provide more information or appeal the decision.
What Disabilities Qualify for a Waiver?
USCIS looks at each case individually. The key question is whether the person’s disability makes it impossible for them to understand the meaning of the Oath of Allegiance. Disabilities that may qualify include:
- Severe intellectual disabilities: Conditions that limit a person’s ability to understand or communicate.
- Serious developmental disabilities: Such as autism or Down syndrome, if they prevent understanding.
- Major mental impairments: Such as advanced dementia or other conditions that affect memory and understanding.
- Physical disabilities: Only if they are so severe that they also affect the person’s ability to understand or communicate.
Note: Not all disabilities qualify. For example, being unable to speak or hear does not automatically mean a person cannot understand the Oath. The medical certification must show that the disability truly prevents understanding.
What About the English and Civics Test?
The same law that allows for Oath waivers also covers the English and civics requirements. If a person’s disability makes it impossible for them to learn English or understand U.S. history and government, they can also get a waiver for these parts of the naturalization process. The medical professional uses the same Form N-648 to explain why these waivers are needed.
Historical Context: How Did These Rules Come About?
Before 1994, people with serious disabilities often faced unfair barriers to citizenship. Many could not pass the English or civics tests, or could not take the Oath of Allegiance, even though they had lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years and met all other requirements.
In 1994, Congress changed the law to make the process fairer. The new rules allowed for waivers of the Oath and the tests for people with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments. This was a major step forward for disability rights and helped thousands of people become citizens.
What Do Experts and Advocacy Groups Say?
Experts in immigration and disability rights agree that these waivers are essential. They say the process is fair and protects the dignity of people with disabilities. Advocacy groups, such as the American Association of People with Disabilities, stress that citizenship is a basic right and that the government must make sure everyone has a fair chance.
Legal experts also point out that the waiver process is carefully designed to prevent abuse. The requirement for a detailed medical certification helps USCIS make sure that only people who truly need the waiver get it.
Government officials say that the policy balances fairness with the need to protect the integrity of the naturalization process. They want to make sure that people who can understand the Oath take it, but that those who cannot are not unfairly left out.
What Are the Practical Implications?
For individuals with disabilities: The waiver process opens the door to citizenship for people who might otherwise be excluded. This can mean better access to services, the right to vote, and the ability to sponsor family members for immigration.
For families: Many families care for loved ones with disabilities. The waiver process helps keep families together and gives peace of mind to parents and guardians.
For legal representatives and advocates: The process requires careful documentation and attention to detail. Lawyers and advocates play a key role in helping families gather the right medical evidence and complete the forms.
For USCIS: Officers must review each case carefully to make sure the waiver is justified. This helps protect the system from fraud while ensuring fairness.
Are There Any Recent Changes?
As of June 2025, there have been no major changes to the rules for Oath of Allegiance waivers for disabilities. The current system remains in place, and there are no new proposals to change it. However, USCIS and advocacy groups continue to look for ways to make the process easier and more accessible.
How Many People Use the Waiver?
There is limited public data on the exact number of people who have received waivers for the Oath of Allegiance due to disabilities. However, the policy is an important safety net for those who need it. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the waiver process is used by a small but important group of applicants each year, ensuring that the naturalization system is truly open to all.
What Should Applicants and Families Do?
If you or a loved one may need a waiver for the Oath of Allegiance, here are the steps to follow:
- Talk to a doctor: Find a licensed medical professional who understands your disability and can complete Form N-648.
- Gather medical records: Bring any documents that show the history and impact of the disability.
- Complete Form N-648: Make sure the form is filled out clearly and honestly. You can find the official form here.
- Submit with Form N-400: File the medical certification with your citizenship application, or bring it to your interview.
- Prepare for the interview: If you cannot attend, your legal guardian or representative can go for you.
- Follow up: If USCIS asks for more information, respond quickly and provide any extra documents needed.
Where Can You Get More Information?
The best place for up-to-date information is the official USCIS website. The site has details on naturalization requirements, disability accommodations, and links to all the forms you need. You can also visit your local USCIS office or call their customer service line for help.
What Does the Future Hold?
While there are no current plans to change the waiver rules, experts say that ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and fairness in the immigration system may lead to future improvements. Advocacy groups continue to push for more training for USCIS officers, better outreach to families, and clearer instructions for medical professionals.
Key Takeaways
- A physical or developmental disability, or a mental impairment, does not automatically block someone from U.S. citizenship.
- USCIS allows waivers for the Oath of Allegiance if a person cannot understand its meaning because of a disability.
- A licensed medical professional must complete Form N-648 to request the waiver.
- Legal guardians or representatives can help applicants complete the process.
- The waiver also applies to the English and civics tests if the disability makes them impossible.
- The process is designed to be fair, protect the rights of people with disabilities, and keep families together.
For anyone facing these challenges, it’s important to know that help is available and that the law is on your side. By following the steps and using the resources provided, you can make sure that every eligible person has a fair chance to become a U.S. citizen.
If you have questions or need help, visit the USCIS official page on exceptions and accommodations or speak with a trusted immigration attorney or advocate.
Learn Today
Oath of Allegiance → A formal promise to support and defend the U.S. Constitution during naturalization.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, managing citizenship and immigration processes.
Form N-648 → Medical certification form proving disability prevents understanding Oath or tests.
Naturalization → Legal process through which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen.
Waiver → An official exception excusing certain naturalization requirements due to disability.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Oath of Allegiance waiver ensures immigrants with disabilities can become U.S. citizens fairly. Medical verification and legal support help applicants navigate the accessible naturalization process, safeguarding inclusion and upholding citizenship rights without discrimination or exclusion due to disability.
— By VisaVerge.com
