The United States is extending the validity of the authorized signature of the medical report and immunization record from no more than 60 days to a maximum of 2 years. The document (Form I-693) must be signed by a civilian physician. It is one of the essential requirements for applying for the Permanent Residence Card (also known as a Green Card or in English: Green Card). And also to manage immigration status adjustment.
Updating the process will enable applications that previously would not have been successful due to disability. This amid an unprecedented migration crisis in the country.
Faster green card issuance
The overall and most sensitive effect of the measure should be to speed up permanent residence procedures and adjust migration status.
From December 9, 2021, among other things, the medical examination required to obtain the Green Card was temporarily exempted.
Previously, applicants had to submit a Request for Evidence (RFE) for Form I-693. And this had to be signed no later than 60 days before filing the application for permanent residence registration or adjustment of status (Form I-485).
Now, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts the form, which remains valid “for adjudication purposes” for up to two years from the date the civilian physician signed it. This is how the foreigners authority explains it in an official statement.
Advantages
The direct beneficiaries are clearly foreign applicants for permanent residency and adjustment of immigrant status in the United States.
However, the USCIS action is also responding to complaints from civilian doctors, immigration officials and federal employees. Well, the requirement of “no more than 60 days” caused a lot of doubt and chaos in managing the process.
At this time, the rule was intended to reduce the requirements that applicants submit updated Forms I-693. In practice, however, this meant that the immigration medical examinations had to be repeated 60 days after the validity of the civil medical signature had expired.