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Green Card
Medical Validity Extended
Posted
Jan 27, 2006
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS extended its policy regarding the length of time a green card
medical examination remains valid. Under this extension, the civil surgeon's
certification on the examination will be considered valid for the time that
it takes to adjudicate the I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status. This
applies only to persons whose medical examination does not reveal medical
conditions classified as either Class A or Class B. The medical form,
I-693, including the list of conditions, is available on the USCIS
website. [Note that all USCIS forms are available through MurthyDotCom's forms page.]
©MurthyDotCom
Beneficial in Cases Delayed by Retrogression
©MurthyDotCom
This policy was initially issued in December 2004, and was effective until
January 1, 2006. The extension of the policy is valid until January 1, 2007.
This benefits many of those with pending I-485 Applications. As regular
MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, many of the pending
I-485 applications in the employment-based categories cannot be approved due
to lack of visa numbers. These cases could remain pending for several years.
Extending the validity of the medical certification avoids the need for
multiple examinations, and saves the USCIS the time involved in requesting
new medical reports from these applicants.
©MurthyDotCom
Applies to Persons with no Listed Medical
Conditions
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This policy was developed after consultation with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). The medical examination is primarily aimed at
identifying individuals with contagious diseases of public health
consequence and in preventing them from being admitted as permanent
residents of the U.S. Thus, the exception for extending the medical reports
is limited to those who do not have conditions of this type.
©MurthyDotCom
Conclusion
©MurthyDotCom
This policy for extending the validity of the medical reports is beneficial
both for the applicant and the USCIS. It saves time and money for all
concerned and has been determined to be appropriate by the CDC.
Copyright © 2006, MURTHY LAW
FIRM. All Rights Reserved

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