USCIS Updates Green Card Application Rules: Form I-693 Now Mandatory

In a significant update for individuals applying for U.S. permanent residency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires specific applicants to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, alongside Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

This change aims to streamline the application process and reduce delays caused by additional requests for documentation.

What is Form I-485?

Form I-485 is a critical document for non-U.S. citizens seeking to adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) within the United States. It allows applicants already in the country to apply for permanent residency without needing to leave and re-enter.

The purpose of Form I-485 is to:

• Register for Permanent Residency: For those seeking a green card while living in the U.S.
• Adjust Status: For temporary visa holders wishing to change to permanent resident status.

Key Benefits of Form I-485

• Work Authorization: Applicants may request employment authorization while their case is pending.
• Travel Flexibility: With an approved travel document, applicants can travel outside the U.S. during processing.
• Family-Based and Employment-Based Applications: The form caters to both categories, enabling applicants to adjust their status based on family ties or job offers.

New Medical Form Requirement: What You Need to Know

Why Form I-693 is Essential

Form I-693 is a health-related document that ensures applicants meet the medical requirements for admissibility to the U.S. Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and provide proof of required vaccinations.

Who Needs to Submit Form I-693?

• Applicants are subject to health-related grounds of inadmissibility.
• Those needing proof of vaccination compliance.
• Individuals applying under family-based, employment-based, or humanitarian categories.

Filing Requirements

Mandatory Submission: Form I-693 must now accompany Form I-485 at the time of filing. Failure to submit both forms together could result in the rejection of the I-485 application.

Updated Instructions: USCIS has updated Form I-485 instructions, emphasizing the need to include Form I-693 at the time of submission to avoid delays.

Purpose of the Change

The new requirement seeks to minimize the number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by USCIS. RFEs often prolong the adjudication process, leading to delays in green card approvals. By ensuring all necessary medical documentation is submitted upfront, USCIS aims to expedite case processing and improve efficiency.

Medical Examination Process

Applicants must consult a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to complete the medical exam. The exam covers:

• Vaccinations: Proof of vaccination against diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Health Assessment: Screening for communicable diseases and other health-related grounds of inadmissibility.

For more details on the medical examination requirements, refer to Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Schedule Early: Book your medical exam well in advance to avoid delays.
• Double-Check Forms: Ensure Form I-485 and Form I-693 are complete and signed before submission.
• Follow USCIS Guidelines: Adhere to the updated instructions to prevent rejections or RFEs.

Conclusion

USCIS’s updated policy requiring Form I-693 with Form I-485 is a crucial change for those seeking permanent residency. By submitting both forms together, applicants can avoid unnecessary delays and increase their chances of a smooth and successful adjustment of the status process.