USCIS Announces Indefinite Validity to Immigration Medical Exams for Eligible Afghans
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that immigration medical exams for certain Afghan nationals will now carry indefinite validity.
This policy, effective November 13, 2024, applies to Afghan evacuees who arrived through the Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) program and completed the required immigration medical examinations. This indefinite validity is intended to streamline the application process for these eligible Afghans, primarily as they seek to adjust their status and secure permanent residency in the U.S.
Scope of the New Policy – Immigration Medical Exams for Eligible Afghans
The new policy applies to Afghan nationals who completed medical exams either before entering the U.S. or upon arrival. Qualified individuals include those who submitted complete immigration medical exams on Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) for domestic processing or Forms DS-7794 and DS-2054, which are typically completed overseas for refugee and immigrant visa applicants. After the effective date, the policy affects anyone with an existing or newly filed Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
It also provides that a total immigration medical examination completed on behalf of certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during OAW is valid indefinitely to show that they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under health-related grounds if they meet certain conditions.
USCIS Policy Update: Ensuring Compliance with CDC Recommendations
USCIS has aligned this update with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, aiming to maintain public health standards while reducing bureaucratic hurdles for Afghan evacuees. Previously, USCIS policies mandated that medical exams remain valid only for two years for green card applications. With indefinite validity, however, the U.S. government hopes to remove unnecessary medical examination requirements for eligible Afghan nationals who have already complied with stringent health screenings. This policy aims to reduce costs, save time, and alleviate healthcare service demands for these individuals by eliminating redundant examinations.
Benefits and Implications for Afghan Nationals
The indefinite validity policy significantly benefits Afghan nationals who are adjusting to life in the United States. With this policy shift, Afghan evacuees will face fewer administrative hurdles and costs to securing lawful permanent residency. The policy especially benefits applicants facing more financial or logistical barriers to securing repeated medical evaluations.
Since these examinations involve rigorous health assessments to verify compliance with U.S. public health standards, indefinite validity reduces the likelihood of repetitive medical requests while also aiding the application process for applicants undergoing resettlement.
Looking Ahead – USCIS Announces Indefinite Validity to Immigration Medical Exams for Eligible Afghans
USCIS’s decision to grant indefinite validity to medical exams for specific Afghan nationals reflects a broader commitment to supporting displaced individuals affected by conflict and political instability. The update removes logistical obstacles while upholding public health standards, giving Afghan evacuees a smoother path toward lawful permanent residency.
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