Individuals applying for U.S. permanent residency via an Adjustment of Status from within the United States are generally required to submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was signed by an approved civil surgeon no more than 60 days before submitting the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. On December 9, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is temporarily waiving this 60-day requirement until September 30, 2022.

According to USCIS, this temporary waiver will benefit applicants who have experienced a variety of delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS specifically notes that the waiver will benefit Afghan nationals who were recently evacuated and who have undergone approved medical examinations but were not able to submit their Form I-485 applications within 60 days of the date the examinations were completed.

USCIS still encourages applicants to undergo their medical examinations as close as possible to the time of filing the Form I-485 “as the Form I-693 only retains its evidentiary value for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.”

Foster will continue to monitor USCIS policy changes impacting immigration processes and will make future updates available via the Foster website at www.fosterglobal.com.