Immigrants who want to get a green card are required to undergo a medical exam, the results of which are recorded in Form I-693. These results are valid for two years after the civil surgeon (a doctor designated by USCIS) signs the form.
However, during the Trump administration, USCIS only accepted medical examination forms (Form I-693) only when a civil surgeon signed it within 60 days of filing. The medical exam is a major part of the green card application, so delays due to COVID caused a great deal of inconvenience and hardship for green card applicants who missed the 60-day window. If delays caused the application to be processed after 60 days, the applicant would need to undergo an updated medical exam.
A policy alert revealed that the “60-Day Rule” would be waived until September 30, 2022. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, USCIS has experienced delays in all aspects of operations,” the DHS admitted. “Applicants have also experienced difficulties beyond their control, including delays with completing the immigration medical examination.” In response, DHS waived the 60-day rule.
As a result, even if delays cause your green card application to be filed more than 60 days after the civil surgeon signed your Form I-693, you won’t be required to undergo another medical exam. This policy decision will hopefully expedite the massive backlog of green card applications currently awaiting decisions.
Wondering if your green card application is affected? Speak with our permanent residency lawyers in a confidential consultation today: Call (800) 909-8129.
