An accommodation is a change in a USCIS practice or procedure that allows a qualified individual with a disability to participate in our programs and activities and access our benefits.
If you are unable to speak and/or are deaf, that is considered a disability. However, if you are unable to speak English because you do not understand English (but you can vocalize other languages), that is not a disability and we will not provide an interpreter unless you are otherwise eligible.
If you need to request a disability accommodation:
If you need an accommodation for an appointment (fingerprinting, interview, naturalization ceremony, etc.), we encourage you to request your accommodation immediately when you receive your appointment notice.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need an accommodation, please follow the instructions in the section called “How to Request an Accommodation”. Accommodation examples:
If you need USCIS to provide a sign language interpreter, please specify what language and whether you need a Certified Deaf Interpreter in addition to an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.
For information in ASL about becoming a United States citizen, watch The Naturalization Process: Becoming a United States Citizen (ASL) on the USCIS YouTube Channel.
If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter due to a disability:
Requesting a medical exception to the English and civics requirements for naturalization is different from requesting a disability accommodation for the requirements.
If you can satisfy the English and civics requirements with an accommodation, you do not need to request an exception. An accommodation modifies the manner in which you meet a requirement, but does not excuse you from meeting it. For example, if you are deaf and know sign language, you may be able to use a sign language interpreter to complete all naturalization testing and interviewing requirements. In this situation, you do not need to request a medical exception.
A medical exception to the English and civics requirements excuses you from one or more of the requirements. For example, if an individual has a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment(s) that prevents them from being able to learn English and they cannot meet any of the requirements for this reason, they can request a medical exception.
To apply for a medical exception, you must have an authorized medical professional complete Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Generally, you should file Form N-648 at the same time as your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
There are occasions when you may request both a medical exception and a disability accommodation. For example, if you are deaf and use a sign language interpreter, and also have a developmental disability that renders you unable to meet the English and civics requirements, you can submit Form N-648 and also request that we provide a sign language interpreter for your interview.
You may also qualify for an exception to the English requirements based on your age and number of years as a lawful permanent resident. For more information about eligibility for age-related English testing exceptions, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part C, English and Civics Testing Exceptions.
For more information about disability exceptions:
USCIS may waive the Oath of Allegiance if you are unable to understand or communicate an understanding of its meaning because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.
An applicant seeking an oath waiver because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, should submit a Form N-648 with the assistance of a legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative.
For more information about oath waivers due to medical disability, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part J, Chapter 3, Oath of Allegiance Modifications and Waivers.
For information about medical accommodations for the Oath of Allegiance, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part C, Chapter 3(C), Accommodations for the Oath of Allegiance.
You may qualify for a waiver of the fingerprint requirement if you are unable to provide fingerprints because of a medical condition, including birth defects, physical deformities, skin conditions, and psychiatric conditions. For more information about fingerprint waivers due to a medical condition, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part B, Chapter 2(B), Fingerprints.
USCIS Policy Manual
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