U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented some changes to the health examination process for legal immigrants. This exam is required as evidence that an immigrant is not inadmissible to the country due to some health-related condition.
First, as of October 1, 2018, USCIS will no longer accept the tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the required I-693 Form Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Now, all applicants who are age two and older will be required to undergo a TB blood test or the initial TB screening method. USCIS cautions that this new requirement will result in an increase in the price of the medical exam and a processing time of four to five business days, as opposed two days.
Changes to Health Examinations for Legal Immigrants
Next, effective November 1, 2018, a completed Form I-693 will remain valid for a maximum period of two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature on the form, as long as the surgeon signs the form 60 days before the date on which the applicant files his or her application for an immigration benefit with USCIS. Prior to this date, Form I-693 only was valid for one year, which resulted in applicants sometimes having to obtain another medical exam due to long wait times for the processing of their applications. In particular, long wait times for adjustment of status applications have caused the expiration of medical exams in many cases. The hope is that the change will eliminate the time and money necessary to obtain an additional exam. Nonetheless, the USCIS examiner still have the discretion to request updated medical information from applicants as needed.
The immigration lawyers of Peek Law Group have the experience and knowledge that are necessary to represent your interests when you are dealing with an immigration law issue. We are here to gather the necessary information on your behalf and develop the best strategy for achieving your goals. Take the first step by contacting us today and learning what we can do to help.