Oakton Health Center

The process for immigrants to become citizens in the United States includes a mandatory medical examination, but affordability and availability of these services are posing challenges, particularly in Kansas City. Immigrants are required to undergo a physical examination, medical history review, chest x-ray, and blood tests. These can only be carried out by physicians certified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, in Kansas City, there are only 17 locations that offer these services, with exams not covered by most insurances, leading to significantly high costs. KC CARE Health Clinic offers a more affordable solution, handling these exams for a base cost of $250. Additionally, it provides overall health services to immigrant patients, including dental and mental healthcare.

Some policy changes to the medical exam requirement for status adjustment have also been introduced. Starting in December 2024, certain applicants will be needed to submit form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, along with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Failure to do so may lead to the rejection of the application. This new policy aims to streamline the process, minimize the number of Requests For Evidence (RFEs) issued during the adjudication process, and reduce delays.

However, this has caused increased concerns among immigration advocates, as it could potentially take advantage of immigrants who may not be fully aware of these new requirements. They have therefore suggested subsidies or cost controls that can ease the financial burden on immigrants.

USCIS has also made changes to its health-related admissibility requirements for green card applicants. Starting December, applicants must include their medical and vaccination reports along with their Form I-485 for adjustment of status to avoid petition denial. This change, derived from USCIS’s efforts to optimize immigration processes and reduce workflow, also extends the validity period of some documents, given they are completed correctly at each stage of the immigration process.

Medical exams are generally mandatory for immigrants seeking most benefits, however, some non-immigrants may not need to undergo them unless specific health concerns arise. Immigration benefits that require a medical report and vaccinations can be found on the USCIS table. USCIS has also provided detailed resources on finding certified civil surgeons in various locations to lessen the burden on immigrants and facilitate a smoother immigration process.

The Global Immigration Team from Smith Stone Walters has recently released several important updates on immigration in various countries, including Australia, China, Finland, Kazakhstan, and the United States.

In Australia, the Home Department has announced the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme, or MATES, for India. This will allow graduates and early career professionals from top Indian universities to apply for a subclass 403 MATES visa starting in December 2024. If they are selected, they will have to meet additional criteria. Each year, there will be 3000 temporary visa spaces available.

China and the Solomon Islands signed a mutual visa exemption agreement in November 2024, which will take effect once both countries have finished their domestic legal procedures. In Finland, the processing of certain work permits will be paused in January 2025.

In the United States, Immigration Medical Examination Documentation will be valid indefinitely for certain Afghan nationals. This applies to Afghan nationals who arrived during Operation Allies Welcome and meet certain conditions. They will not need to repeat their medical examination when applying for their Green Card.

In Kazakhstan, as of November 18, 2024, the government is implementing new visa regulations, including new visa types, aimed at creating favourable conditions for business immigrants, skilled professionals, and visitors.

The Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign aims to promote awareness about the rights, responsibilities, and importance of U.S. citizenship. It provides information through trusted sources, such as USCIS and community-based channels, and access to direct service providers. The campaign also provides ways for community organisations to assist in disseminating this information.

A recent ProPublica investigation found that despite government investigators discovering scores of doctors with histories of professional misconduct vetting the health of green card applicants, these doctors are still able to decide the fate of an immigrant’s petition for permanent residency.

Government investigators have made several recommendations, including stricter requirements for doctors and improved training for the USCIS staff reviewing doctors’ applications. USCIS agreed and set projected completion dates. Some of these dates have passed and two more are at the end of this year. This investigation has raised important issues about the vulnerability of green card applicants and the need for more rigorous vetting and monitoring processes.