Immigration and Naturalization: Information for Providers

Feb 2013: Read about "How Health Reform Affects Immigrants & Refugees"
Information prepared by Northwest Health Law Advocates

Completing the N-648 form

N-648 Medical Certification for CIS Disability Waivers: Helping Doctors Get It Done         

• What is an N-648 and why do I have to do it?
• Why do many immigrants need to become U.S. citizens in order to continue receiving needed benefit?
• Who is eligible for a disability waiver?
• Suggestions and examples regarding the completion of the N-648 form, with a link to the current forms

• Special circumstances:
• Can an elderly applicant qualify for an N-648 on the basis of old age alone?
• What if my patient is illiterate in his/her native language?
• Can an applicant qualify for an N-648 on the basis of a physical disability?
• What about effects of medication?
• What is an oath waiver? When does an oath waiver need to be complete

Codes to be considered when completing the form

DSM-IV Codes

Glossaries of Terms Used

Refugees & Immigrants: Useful Terms & Concepts:   David Roesel MD

Definitions of Terms    Association of Refugee Health Coordinators.

Helpful Links

Refugee Health Section - EthnoMed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

UNHCR Resettlement Handbook
Revised July 2011 edition