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IMPORTANT: Before you apply for citizenship, read our other publications:

• When to Get Legal Help Before Applying for Citizenship
• Don't Vote Unless You Are a U.S. Citizen

Before you become a U.S. citizen, you will have an interview with the INS. At the interview, the INS will ask you to speak, read and write basic English and answer questions about U.S. history and government. If you are disabled, the INS can help you with your interview in 2 ways.

1. ACCOMMODATION

"Accommodation" is for people with disabilities who can speak some English and/or answer some or all of the history and government questions. The INS can help by:

• allowing you to use a sign language interpreter if you are deaf
• giving you extra time to answer the history or government questions
• giving the interview in a wheelchair accessible room

There are many other ways the INS can help you. To get accommodation from the INS, a letter from your doctor may be useful in explaining what kind of help you need. Give the letter to the INS when you apply for citizenship and again at your interview. Get an advocate at a community group or legal services office to help you!

2. DISABILITY- BASED WAIVERS

If, because of your disability, you can't learn English and/or any of the history and government questions, you can ask INS for a waiver from these requirements. People have received waivers for disabilities like strokes, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alzheimer's. If INS grants you the waiver, you won't have to know English or history or government questions. To get a disability-based waiver, you must have your doctor fill out Form N-648. The doctor must explain why you can't learn English or history and government. Disability-based waivers are difficult to get. You or your doctor should consult with an attorney so the form is completed satisfactorily. Give the form to the INS when you apply for citizenship.