Oakton Health Center

1. October 2025 Visa Bulletin Released: Important Actions to Take
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin was released marking the start of the new fiscal year, and for many, a significant development in their green card applications. Those waiting for their employment-based green card can now either file their Adjustment of Status (I-485) or expect their pending cases to be approved if a visa number is available. The Visa Bulletin controls the pace at which green cards are processed, with two charts: the Dates for Filing (DOF) and Final Action Dates (FAD). DOF essentially gives permission to join the green card line if the applicant’s priority date is earlier than the one in the chart. FAD implies that if your priority date is earlier than the one mentioned in the chart, a visa number is available and the case can be approved. The key points highlighted include gathering key evidence, maintaining medical exams, including supplementary forms, filing strategy and quality control for those preparing to file the I-485, and being proactive if the case has stalled, refreshing medical exams and promptly responding to USCIS if your I-485 is pending and the date is current.

2. WR Immigration News Digest
Recent court orders allowed the State Department to resume visa processing for Harvard University students after a former directive led to denied applications due to national security concerns. USCIS has updated the validity of medical exams for green card applications. They clarified that Form I-693 (Medical Exam) is only valid while the associated application remains pending and a new I-693 will be required for any future filings. DHS has started waiving fines for undocumented individuals who self-deport using the CBP One Home App, a move that might increase voluntary departures among undocumented workers. The DOS released the July 2025 Visa Bulletin with USCIS using the Dates for Filing chart for family-based categories and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases. Lastly, ICE pausing worksite raids in key industries lasted for only a few days before ICE stated that it would continue worksite enforcement.

3. Public Charge Rule
On September 9, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a ‘public charge’ rule, outlining how individuals may be denied a green card, visa, or admission into the U.S if they are deemed likely to become dependent on public services. The rule took effect on December 23, 2022. Those in New York seeking additional information on public charge can use MOIA’s hotline to access reliable information and safe legal help.

The Trump administration has implemented immediate changes to the application process for green cards, making it mandatory that all new applications for permanent residency come with a renewed medical examination form. This policy has been deemed necessary by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who believe previous policies could potentially endanger public health.

This change could directly impact immigrants currently applying for an adjustment of status, previously allowed to use a form indefinitely signed by a civil surgeon until June 10. USCIS typically gives some lead time for such changes to the application process, allowing applicants and immigration lawyers to prepare.

The form requiring a medical examination is known as the I-693 “Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.” The USCIS notified in April 2024 that any I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, could be used indefinitely for a green card application. However, under the new guidance set to be effective on June 11, 2025, if a green card application is withdrawn, the I-693 will be invalidated, requiring the applicant to take a new medical exam.

This new policy could potentially affect thousands of applicants looking to file their adjustment of status application, known as Form I-485, and may require immigrants to pay for the medical examination more than once. Before 2024, only individuals needed to prove they were not inadmissible on medical grounds were required to file a medical examination form. As of December 2024, every green card applicant is required to file one.

Additionally, President Trump announced the launch of a “gold card,” offering people the opportunity to buy a green card for $5 million. However, the existence and success of this initiative are debatable, and President Trump would need congressional approval to amend or abolish the existing EB-5 visa program.

This change in policy is part of a tougher stance the Trump administration has long held on immigration enforcement. There have been numerous cases of green card holders being detained within the U.S. or denied reentry following travel abroad, despite having permanent resident status. The federal government maintains that green cards do not mean citizenship and can be revoked based on national security grounds or immigration law violations.

The new policy’s narrow nature may not have severe impact, but it continues a trend of increasing difficulty for immigrants to navigate the U.S. immigration system. The policy change will be effective immediately starting June 11, 2025, and a new form version will take effect on July 3, 2025.

With the resurfacing of this information, immigration applications must be submitted with Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, alongside Form I-485, in order to avoid rejection. This change is expected to ensure health-related eligibility, minimize the issuance of RFEs, streamline the application process, and help safeguard public health in the U.S. Applicants must schedule a medical exam with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, who will complete and sign Form I-693. Proper submission of both forms together is essential to avoid application rejection.

Starting December, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require green card applicants to submit their medical and vaccination reports with their Form I-485 for status adjustment. Applications without Form I-693, the required medical examination report and vaccination record, will be denied. This procedure is said to have been introduced to speed up the immigration process and decrease the need for extra evidence before the adjudication of Form I-485.

Previously, USCIS had required applicants to provide supplementary documentation after submitting their immigration applications. The agency hopes to lessen the workload and streamline the process with this new regulation by combining the two forms.

The medical report will remain valid indefinitely for applicants who complete and submit on or after November 1, 2023. It’s important to note that not all immigration benefits necessitate a medical examination. Some candidates are not required to undergo a medical examination unless there is a particular health concern. However, an immigration officer can request a medical examination if there is a hint of potential public health issues.

This regulation applies across the board, be it applicants looking for a visa, seeking entry at a U.S. port, or are already residing within the United States. The types of benefits that necessitate a medical report and vaccinations include immigrant visa applications, petitions for immediate relatives, work-based applications, and status adjustments among others.

USCIS advises applicants to consult with an immigration attorney or an accredited organization to avoid errors. The further details about civil surgeons authorised to conduct medical examinations can be found on the USCIS website.