New USCIS Rule: Submit Form I-693 with Form I-485

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Key Takeaways

01

USCIS mandates submitting Form I-693 with Form I-485 to streamline permanent residence application processes from December 2024.
02

Applicants benefit from fewer delays and faster decisions, but must coordinate timely medical examinations with civil surgeons.
03

New rule prevents Form I-693 expiration, aiding efficient processing despite potential regional availability challenges for surgeons.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a notable change for applicants seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States. Now, certain individuals filing Form I-485, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, must also submit Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, alongside their initial submission. This measure, effective from December 2, 2024, aims to streamline processes, eliminating the frequent delays and requests for extra documents. As VisaVerge.com indicates, this change targets reducing the backlog and ensuring applicants comply with public health policies from the beginning.

Background on Form I-485 and I-693

New USCIS Rule: Submit Form I-693 with Form I-485

Form I-485 is crucial for those within the U.S. wanting to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident, or as commonly known, a green card holder. A central part of this application is proving that the applicant does not pose a public health risk. To achieve this, applicants undergo a medical exam, the results of which, along with vaccination records, are recorded on Form I-693. This form must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon who examines applicants to confirm they are free from diseases that pose significant public health threats and that they’ve received mandatory vaccinations.

Before this recent mandate, applicants could submit Form I-693 separately from the I-485. This sometimes led to mismatches in timing, where a Form I-693 might expire before the application was fully processed, thus requiring additional follow-ups or requests for more evidence. By requiring that I-693 accompany the initial I-485 submission, USCIS plans to expedite decisions, thereby reducing administrative workload both for the agency and applicants.

Key Update Details

Under the new policy, applicants must include a valid Form I-693 with their I-485 form from the start. This requirement primarily impacts most adjustment of status filings, though exceptions may apply based on an individual’s specific immigration classification or situation. Should an applicant fail to include Form I-693, there’s a significant risk of the form being rejected, necessitating resubmission. This change aims to decrease the number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) that USCIS usually issues due to outdated or missing medical documentation.

A new rule regarding the validity of Form I-693 ensures that forms signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, do not expire. This alteration eliminates the previous rule where forms expired after two years, potentially complicating cases if processing times lagged. However, USCIS reserves the right to request a fresh Form I-693 if there are doubts about its accuracy or continued relevancy to the applicant’s health status.

Implications for Applicants

This updated procedure aims to simplify and speed up the path to permanent residency, offering several benefits for applicants:

Fewer RFE Delays: By requiring medical forms upfront, the likelihood of RFEs due to non-current medical details reduces.
Faster Decision-Making: With all necessary documents submitted initially, processing efficiency improves, potentially shortening waiting periods for applicants.
Cost Considerations: Although needing to submit both forms simultaneously might increase immediate costs, it can lessen overall expenses by cutting down on prolonged processing times and additional submissions.

Potential Challenges

Despite its goals, this new policy might present some hurdles, particularly in obtaining timely access to civil surgeons who are qualified to complete Form I-693. There may be regions with limited availability of these medical practitioners, potentially delaying submission readiness. Additionally, some applicants may struggle with gathering all necessary forms and paperwork for simultaneous submission, as this is more demanding than previous processes that allowed staggered submissions.

Concluding Thoughts

The USCIS policy requiring the submission of Form I-693 with Form I-485 represents a substantial shift designed to enhance processing efficiency for those seeking to adjust to permanent resident status. By resolving issues related to document expiry and processing postponements, USCIS aims to provide a smoother pathway for applicants. Nonetheless, it’s essential for prospective applicants to familiarize themselves with these changes and prepare thoroughly to meet these new standards.

It’s advisable for individuals affected by these new requirements to review the comprehensive USCIS guidelines and possibly consult a qualified immigration attorney to better understand how these changes might impact their unique circumstance. Official resources, like the USCIS Policy Manual available on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website, provide further detailed guidance and updates.

For individuals planning to submit their applications, a vital preparatory step involves scheduling early medical examinations with authorized civil surgeons to avoid last-minute hurdles. Comprehensive readiness can ensure smoother submission processes, reducing potential complications in their journey toward permanent residency. While this updated policy primarily seeks to balance efficiency with public health safeguards, it also reflects USCIS’s evolving strategy to address immigration processing challenges in a growing and interconnected world.

Learn Today

USCIS: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency overseeing lawful immigration to the United States.
Form I-485: Application to register permanent residence or adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Form I-693: Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, necessary for verifying applicant’s health status.
Civil Surgeon: A USCIS-designated physician authorized to conduct medical examinations for immigration purposes.
Request for Evidence (RFE): A formal USCIS request for additional documentation to support an immigration application.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS now mandates filing Form I-693 with Form I-485 for green card applicants, effective December 2, 2024. This streamlines processes, reducing rejections and delays by ensuring medical exams meet public health requirements upfront. Applicants should act swiftly to secure civil surgeon appointments, ensuring timely submissions and smoother approvals.
— By VisaVerge.com