FAQ about N-648 Evaluations

What do I need to start a N-648 evaluation?

You must have a referral from your primary care doctor requesting a N-648 evaluation. Please contact us and we will send the referral to your doctor. You also must have your Green Card (permanent residency card), your social security number, your ID from Minnesota and any insurance information.

When I am eligible for naturalization?

Please check on the USCIS website for this information. Normally refugees and asylees are eligible 4 years and 7 months after the date on their Green Card. Immigrants may be eligible for naturalization 3 years after the date on their Green Card if they were sponsored by their spouse who was a naturalized citizen. Immigrants brought over by someone else need to wait for 4 years and 7 months. There are some other requirements including Good Moral Character, no outstanding child support, up-to-date taxes. If there is any a history of legal issues you are only eligible for naturalization five years after the last date of probation.

Does Multi-Cultural Care, LLC complete N-400 or other naturalization papers?

No. We highly recommend working with a lawyer or immigration expert to complete the N-400. All of the information on that form needs to be correct.

What is a N-648 medical waiver?

Currently the waiver is a nine page form that can only be filled out by a clinical psychologist, medical doctor or doctor of Osteopathy. The waiver will automatically be denied if someone else with a different type of degree completes the form. Every question must be completed including basic demographical information including the A#, Social Security #, address, DOB, etc. The form then asks for the diagnosis using either the DSM-5 code or an ICD-10 code, a description of the diagnosis, the date the disability started, dates of the assessment, cause of the diagnosis, clinical methods used to diagnose, severity of the diagnosis, impact of the disability on learning, if the disability will continue for a minimum of a year, if the disability is caused by drug use or alcohol dependence, and how the disabilities affects the client’s ability to learn English or American civics. The form then goes on to ask if the client’s problems prevents them from reading English, Speaking English, Writing English or answering American civics. Under certain circumstances the client is allow to answer American civics questions in their native language. Finally the form is signed by the interpreter and the psychologist or doctor completing the form.

How long will it take?

I try and complete the N-648 waiver in 4 sessions but may need more time if I need to do more tests. I ask all of my N-648 clients to return to see after they have received notice about an upcoming immigration hearing. Those sessions are usually done in twice so that I can update the waiver and do a quick evaluation to determine that the diagnoses are still accurate.

What if I need an interpreter?

Since very few of my clients can speak in English, I use interpreters for every session. When you make an appointment tell the front desk what language you need and we will schedule an interpreter. We usually use a professional interpreter however family members may sit in the session if the client agrees. If the front office cannot find an appropriate interpreter family members are allowed to assist in the translation.

What else to I need?

Please have your primary care doctor send the referral for a N-648 to Multi-Cultural Care, LLC before the first appointment. At that appointment bring your glasses (if you wear glasses), your Social Security Card, your Green Card (your permanent resident card), your ID and your insurance cards.