USCIS Now Mandates Submission of Medical Examination Form with I-485 for Certain Applicants

On December 2, 2024 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a significant update affecting applicants for adjustment of status. Effective immediately, certain individuals filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, must include Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their initial submission. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in the rejection of Form I-485.

This policy change is aimed at improving the efficiency of case processing by reducing the number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued during the adjudication process. Here’s everything you need to know about this update.

Understanding the requirement

Form I-485 applicants are generally required to undergo an immigration medical examination to ensure they are free of health conditions that could render them inadmissible under U.S. immigration law. The examination, conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, evaluates the applicant’s health and verifies that all required vaccinations have been completed.

The results are documented on Form I-693, which must be properly completed, signed, and sealed by the civil surgeon. Previously, applicants could choose to submit Form I-693 either at the time of filing their Form I-485 or in response to an RFE later in the process.

Under the new policy, however, certain applicants must include Form I-693 with their initial I-485 application. If these forms are not submitted together, the I-485 application may be rejected outright.

Reasons Behind the Change

This updated requirement reflects USCIS's efforts to streamline the processing of adjustment of status applications. By mandating the simultaneous submission of Form I-485 and Form I-693, USCIS aims to:

-        Reduce processing delays. Eliminating the need to issue RFEs for missing Form I-693 allows USCIS to process cases more efficiently.

-        Optimize resource allocation. USCIS can redirect resources previously spent on issuing RFEs toward processing other applications, ultimately reducing overall backlogs.

 

Who Is Affected by This Policy?

This requirement applies to specific applicants filing Form I-485. While USCIS has not detailed all categories subject to this update, it is crucial for all potential adjustment of status applicants to carefully review the updated Form I-485 instructions to determine if the policy affects them.

Additionally, in some cases, applicants may only need to submit a partial Form I-693, such as the vaccination record section. The updated instructions clarify the circumstances under which this is acceptable.

Steps for Compliance

If you are preparing to file Form I-485, follow these steps to ensure compliance with the new requirement:

1.     Schedule a medical examination. Make an appointment with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to complete your immigration medical examination.

2.     Complete form I-693. Ensure the civil surgeon fills out the form accurately, signs it, and seals it in an envelope as required.

3.     Submit with Form I-485. Include the sealed Form I-693 envelope with your I-485 application package. Double-check that all forms are properly completed before submission.

4.     Review updated instructions. Carefully read the revised instructions for Form I-485 to confirm compliance with all requirements.

Additional Resources

For detailed guidance on medical examination and vaccination requirements, applicants can consult the USCIS Policy Manual, specifically Vol. 8, Part B, Chapter 3 - Applicability of Medical Examination and Vaccination Requirement.

This section provides comprehensive information on:

• Which immigration benefits require a medical examination.

• The role of civil surgeons versus panel physicians.

• Medical examination exemptions and waivers.

What This Means for Applicants

This policy change underscores the importance of submitting complete and accurate applications. Missing or incomplete documentation can now result in outright rejection rather than an opportunity to correct errors through an RFE.

Applicants are encouraged to seek professional guidance if they are unsure about the new requirements. Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives can provide valuable support to ensure that all necessary forms and evidence are submitted correctly.

To navigate these updated requirements smoothly, it’s crucial to have expert guidance. At Bloomrich Law Firm, P.C., our team is ready to assist applicants throughout their adjustment of status process. The first step is scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys, who will ensure your case is prepared thoroughly and meets all USCIS requirements. Contact us today to get started!

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