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Whenever anyone applies to the U.S. government for permanent residency (a green card), there is a mandatory medical exam that has to be completed. 

It is called an I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The exam's purpose is to establish that you are not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds. The exam has resulted in frustration for many applicants, as it is not covered by insurance, and can only be done by USCIS certified physicians (called civil surgeons), who often charge up to $500. 

For newly arrived refugees or asylees the cost of the medical exam can actually be prohibitive to them applying for permanent residency. In an effort to help the population that the U.S. brought here, USCIS recently announced that for certain Afghan nationals who arrived during Operation Allies Welcome (after the U.S. pullout of Afghanistan) and received a certain immigration medical exam, that medical exam will be valid indefinitely and can be used to apply for permanent residency. 

Those who qualify to use that medical exam must meet the following specifications:

• They are an Afghan national who arrived in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) applying for adjustment of status;

• The medical exam was done by a panel physician or civil surgeon; and

• The medical exam was documented on a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Form DS-7794, Electronic Medical Examination for Visa Applicant, or Form DS-2054, Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant. 

This updated guidance is effective immediately and applies to any Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, that is pending or filed on or after November 13, 2024. 

If you are applying for permanent residence and have not had a sufficient medical exam done, remember that a regular doctor cannot perform an I-693 medical examination. You must have the exam completed by a USCIS civil surgeon because they are registered with USCIS and have to fill out specific paperwork for your examination. You can find registered U.S. civil surgeons by checking the USCIS link here. 

If you have questions about filing a green card application, or another immigration petition, please reach out to us at (757) 422-8472, or send us a message on our website. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys by clicking on this link.