USCIS makes important change for residence by Adjustment of Status

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a statement warning of an important change in cases of residence through Adjustment of Status.

The change relates to the medical examination and proof of vaccinations, where USCIS will no longer consider proof of COVID vaccinations as a requirement for residency.


«Effective January 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is waiving applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident from submitting documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received a COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any requests for evidence (RFEs) or notices of intent to deny (NOIDs) related to proof of COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not deny any application for adjustment of status based on an applicant’s failure to submit documentation that they received a COVID-19 vaccination,» the USCIS statement said.

The adjustment of status process in the United States allows certain immigrants to obtain permanent residency (green card) without having to leave the country. One of the key aspects of this process is the medical requirements that applicants must meet. In this article, we will discuss these requirements, their importance, and how to prepare to meet them.

Why are medical examinations required?

Medical examinations are an essential part of the adjustment of status application process, as they serve to:

  1. Protecting public health: The goal is to identify and prevent the entry of contagious diseases that could pose a risk to public health in the U.S.
  2. Evaluate the applicant's health history: This includes screening for conditions that may require government-funded medical care or that may affect the applicant's ability to work.
  3. Ensure eligibility for residency: Some health conditions may affect an applicant's eligibility, so it is essential to meet the requirements established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Medical Examination Process

The medical examination must be conducted by a USCIS-designated physician, known as a civil surgeon. The steps to follow are detailed below:

  1. Selecting a civil surgeon: The applicant must find a licensed civil surgeon in his or her area. A list of these physicians can be found on the USCIS website.
  2. Schedule Appointment: Once you have selected a doctor, you should schedule an appointment for the exam. It is important to come prepared with relevant documents, such as identification and medical history.
  3. Taking the exam: The medical exam includes a complete physical exam, review of medical history, and specific tests to detect infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and other communicable conditions. Vaccination against certain diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), among others, may also be required.
  4. Completing Form I-693: The physician will complete Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Record of Vaccination, which must be submitted with the application for adjustment of status.

Specific health requirements

Vaccines

Applicants must show that they are up to date with required vaccinations. Mandatory vaccinations may include:


  • MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
  • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
  • polio
  • Chickenpox
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Influenza (in some cases)
  • Pneumococcal (in some cases)

Infectious diseases

Applicants must be screened for specific infectious diseases. Those who test positive for active tuberculosis, syphilis, or gonorrhea may be subject to additional monitoring or treatment.

mental health conditions

USCIS also evaluates mental health conditions that may pose a risk to the applicant, as well as to others. Additional evaluation may be conducted if deemed necessary.

Closing remarks

It is crucial that applicants seeking adjustment of status adequately prepare for the medical requirements. This includes:

  • Get medical checkups in advance to avoid setbacks.
  • Make sure you have a complete and up-to-date medical history.
  • Comply with the required vaccinations before the appointment.
  • Maintain good communication with your civil surgeon about any pre-existing medical conditions.

Meeting medical requirements is a necessary and critical step in the adjustment of status process in the U.S. By being well prepared, applicants can approach this aspect of the process with confidence and ease their path to permanent residency.


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