Oakton Health Center

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reversed a policy regarding the medical examination forms that are required for green card applicants. Effective 11 June 2025, all new green card applications must include a fresh medical examination form, regardless of whether the applicant had submitted one previously. This guidance is immediate and applies to applications pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025.

Previously, applicants were allowed to reuse Form I-693 indefinitely as long as it was correctly filled out and signed by a certified civil surgeon, but this policy has now been replaced. According to the new updates, if a green card application is denied or withdrawn, the accompanying medical form cannot be used again. Any subsequent application will require a new medical examination and an updated I-693 form. The USCIS has made these changes intending to ensure that immigrants receive timely and proper medical examinations, which helps protect public health.

Regarding asylum applicants and victims of torture or other severe crimes, there have been updates in the procedures for processing these cases. It is necessary now to clarify state-funded medical covers compared to federally funded Medicaid. These changes aim to ensure that individuals get the maximum benefits that they are eligible for under these specific circumstances. Amendments have been made tracing back to June 5, 2024. The changes outline that adult applicants must now have filed for a T Visa, a U Visa, or asylum and must either have a child or other dependent family members. Furthermore, they must meet financial eligibility requirements.

In related news, the Trump administration has launched a new initiative known as the “gold card” program. President Donald Trump announced the launch of a new website where people can register their interest in signing up for a “gold card” that would enable successful applicants to buy a green card for $5 million. This new initiative is part of his plan to replace EB-5 offers that grant green cards to individuals who invest in the U.S. Trump believes that sales of the “gold card” could raise up to $50 trillion, enough to retire the national debt. But the existing data suggests that the initiative would instead raise approximately $25 billion to $40 billion. It is, however, important to note that Trump cannot amend or abolish the EB-5 visa program without congressional approval, but a new “gold card” program could theoretically coexist with the existing EB-5.

The process for immigrants to become citizens in the United States involves a medical examination. But affordable options for this procedure can be hard to find, especially in Kansas City. Immigrants must be tested by a civil surgeon who is authorized by Immigration Services to administer the tests. These exams include a medical history review, physical examination, chest x-ray, and blood tests for syphilis. With only limited locations available to carry out the exams, waitlists are growing, adding to the overall immigration process time. The costs of these exams can vary greatly and are not typically covered by insurance. It is not uncommon for these exams to cost up to $1,400, a daunting cost for many immigrants.

A recent procedural change for those seeking permanent residency in the U.S. requires the submission of Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, along with their Form I-485. These new guidelines, implemented to streamline the application process, demand that a civil surgeon signs an applicant’s Form I-693 to ensure that the person does not have any health conditions that would make them inadmissible to live in the United States.

In the wake of the recent evacuation from Afghanistan, the U.S. Government is working to carefully screen Afghans before they are permitted entry into the U.S. DHS and other federal agencies have sent personnel to multiple countries to conduct interviews and facilitate processing. Afghan refugees are tested for COVID-19 upon entering the U.S and required to complete vaccinations for several other communicable diseases as a condition of humanitarian parole. Proper screening is a pivotal component of the U.S’s Operation Allies Welcome plan to safeguard national security and alleviate potential public safety risks.

Most Afghan nationals are granted parole into the U.S. on a case-by-case basis. These refugees can enter the U.S. for humanitarian reasons for a period of two years. More than 40 percent of the Afghans who have benefitted from Operation Allies Welcome have qualified for Special Immigrant Visas due to their work supporting the U.S. military or government in Afghanistan. Once in the U.S., these individuals receive medical screenings and services, as well as access to legal support to help them pursue special immigrant status or another immigration status through USCIS.

Lastly, DHS and the Department of State are offering initial relocation support to these new arrivals, ensuring they are connected to resettlement services and given a chance to build their new lives in communities across the U.S. The newly implanted Afghan Placement and Assistance Program (APA) aids in navigating these individuals through the resettlement process, taking into account various factors such as housing availability and community capacity.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that from December, applicants for green cards or permanent residence must include their medical and vaccination reports with their Form I-485 for adjustment of status. If the applicants fail to do so, their petition will be rejected. This change is designed to streamline the immigration process and reduce the amount of additional evidence that will be requested later in the immigration procedure.

Previously, the USCIS sent Requests for Evidence for applicants to wrap up the necessary documents for their immigration process, creating a heavy workload. As a result, it has modified its processes, extended the validity of some documents, and now mandates the provision of complete information from the beginning of the immigration process.

The agency has reported that from April 4, 2024, any Form I-693 (Immigration Medical Examination Report and Vaccination Record) that has been appropriately completed and signed by a surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, will not expire.

However, experts suggest consulting with an immigration attorney or an organization accredited to provide immigration services before submitting any application to USCIS to avoid errors.

The requirement for a medical examination and vaccination varies according to the immigration benefit that a person is seeking. Most applicants subject to medical grounds of inadmissibility must undergo a medical examination to establish their admissibility. However, some applicants don’t need to undergo a medical examination unless there is a specific concern.

Even when the applicant is not subjectable to health-related grounds of inadmissibility, the officer may order a medical examination at his or her discretion if evidence suggests a potential public health issue. This could be applicable, for example, when an officer adjudicates an application for conditional freedom.

According to USCIS, the immigration benefits that may require a medical report and vaccinations include: Applications for immigrant visa that are made to the United States Department of State (DOS), such as immediate relative petitions, spouse petitions, work-based applications, and adoptions of orphaned relatives. Also included are applicants for status adjustments like immediate family members of a U.S. citizen, refugee or asylum status, or victims of crimes or human trafficking with U or T Visas.

Detailed information about designated civil surgeons to perform medical examinations and vaccinations and where to find a civil surgeon in your area can be found on the USCIS website.