USCIS has a new requirement to apply for a Green Card

New Requirement for a Green Card

Fears Arise Following Trump’s Mandate

USCIS Makes an Important Decision

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a significant change in the Green Card application process.

As of December 2, 2024, all applicants must fulfill an additional requirement when submitting their applications.

Applicants are now required to include a medical examination alongside Form I-485, a necessary step for obtaining permanent residency.

This change mandates that applicants submit Form I-693, which documents the results of the medical examination and vaccination records.

USCIS Implements New Requirement

New Green Card Requirement Announced – Photo: Shutterstock

This requirement eliminates the option of submitting the medical examination at a later stage, as previously allowed. Incomplete applications will now be rejected immediately.

According to immigration attorney José Guerrero, this decision aims to improve the efficiency of the immigration process.

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By ensuring that applications are complete from the outset, delays caused by missing documentation can be minimized.

«The inclusion of the medical exam alongside Form I-485 will enable USCIS to process applications more smoothly, avoiding unnecessary interruptions,» Guerrero stated.

The primary objective is to reduce waiting times and decrease the volume of incomplete applications that burden the system.

While the measure may seem restrictive, authorities believe it will address one of the most common issues in immigration procedures: delays due to missing requirements.

Details of the Medical Examination

According to El País, the medical examination must be conducted exclusively by USCIS-authorized civil surgeons.

The exam ensures that applicants do not have health conditions that could pose risks to public safety.

Mandatory tests include screenings for diseases such as:

Tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as verification of required vaccination schedules.

Submitting this medical examination is now a critical step in advancing the application process.

The change in USCIS policies comes at a time of significant uncertainty for immigrants.

Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory has sparked concerns about potential new restrictive immigration measures.

During his first administration, Trump implemented policies that made immigration processes significantly more challenging.

Many fear that this new requirement may be just the beginning of even stricter measures.

However, authorities insist that this modification is part of an effort to streamline the immigration system, independent of the political climate.

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions within the immigrant community.

While some view the measure as a step toward faster processing, others see it as an additional obstacle.

Particularly for those facing economic hardships or difficulty accessing authorized doctors.

If you apply for permanent residence in the United States, you must include the medical certificate or it could be rejected.

Learn about the new requirements of the Citizenship and Immigration Service, in the podcast #UnivisionNoticias.

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— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) December 5, 2024

Despite the new requirements, the fundamental steps to obtain a Green Card remain largely unchanged:

Complete Form I-485: The starting point for any permanent residency application.

Mandatory Medical Examination: Results must be documented in Form I-693 and submitted with Form I-485.

Additional Documentation: Applicants must provide identity verification, criminal background checks, and supporting documents for eligibility.

Immigration Interview: USCIS may require an interview to assess the application.

Final Resolution: If all requirements are met, the application is approved, granting permanent residency.

With Trump’s return to the presidency, Green Card applicants must stay vigilant for potential additional changes to the requirements, according to El País.

While the medical examination aims to streamline the process, it also demands greater preparation and attention to detail from immigrants.

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Photo: MundoNOW