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.

Immigrating with a disability in 2026 requires navigating the "medical inadmissibility" rules of the destination country, such as Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. These countries assess whether a newcomer will place an "excessive demand" on their publicly funded healthcare or social services. In Canada, the 2026 threshold for "excessive demand" is approximately $128,000 CAD over five years; if your condition's expected treatment costs are below this, you are generally admissible. To successfully immigrate, you should provide a mitigation plan demonstrating that you have the private funds or family support to cover specialized care, reducing the burden on the state. Some programs, like Canada's Express Entry, have become more compassionate, exempting certain family sponsorship categories from these rules. It is highly recommended to consult with a specialized immigration lawyer to build a case that emphasizes your economic or social contributions to the new country.