Latest news with #FormI-485
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Revised Green Card medical requirement for immigrants introduced; comes into effect immediately
The US government has introduced a policy change affecting green card applicants , restricting the validity of immigration medical forms to only while their associated application is pending. This applies to Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, which must now be re-submitted if the applicant's Form I-485 is withdrawn or denied. The updated policy is effective immediately and applies to all applications pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025, according to an official statement by US Citizenship and Immigration Services . This change affects Form I-693, officially known as the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. According to USCIS , any Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, will no longer be valid if the associated Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is withdrawn or denied. Applicants in such cases must submit a newly signed Form I-693 with any future immigration application. The updated policy is effective immediately and applies to all cases that are either pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025. This change reverses a previous USCIS policy issued on April 4, 2024, which allowed Form I-693 to remain valid indefinitely if properly completed. USCIS now states that the older policy could potentially pose public health risks and was too broad in scope. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "By limiting the validity period to only the current immigration benefit application or request, we ensure that aliens get timely and proper medical examinations and treatment, which safeguards public health," the agency said in its announcement. Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ India's Green Card wait: July Bulletin advances dates for many, potentially speeding up cases USCIS announces grace period for new immigration forms, including Green Card applications « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT USCIS also confirmed that applicants must now submit Form I-693 at the time of filing Form I-485, a requirement made official on December 2, 2024. Most applicants for adjustment of status are required to submit Form I-693 to prove they do not pose a health-related risk under U.S. immigration law. USCIS retains the discretion to request this form even when it is not strictly required, especially in cases where public health may be a concern. For green card hopefuls, this means ensuring their medical exams are completed and signed close to the time of filing their application and being prepared to retake the exam if their application is denied or withdrawn.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Trump Admin Makes Green Card Change 'Effective Immediately'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it was making immediate changes to green card applications, stating a previous policy introduced just over a year ago could threaten public health. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that it was making it a requirement that every new permanent residency application require a renewed medical examination form, after applicants were previously allowed to use forms indefinitely. Why It Matters The immediate change could directly impact immigrants currently applying for adjustment of status, who would have been allowed to use a previous form signed by a civil surgeon until June 10. Usually, when USCIS makes changes to application processes, there is some lead time for applicants and immigration attorneys to prepare. What To Know USCIS stated that the change applies to the medical exam form known as the I-693, "Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record," which is completed by an immigrant in the U.S. who is applying for adjustment of status or to become a permanent resident. In April 2024, the agency updated its policy to say that any I-693 completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, could be used indefinitely. If an immigrant withdrew a green card application and re-applied, or filed for a different immigration benefit later, they could use the same form again. Under USCIS's new guidance, effective June 11, 2025, if an application is withdrawn, the I-693 is invalidated, and the applicant must retake the exam to obtain a new, signed copy. Stock image of a person holding a green card. Stock image of a person holding a green card. Getty Images The move will likely affect thousands of applicants currently looking to file their adjustment of status application, known as Form I-485. Medical exams are similar to physical exams and include checks for specific conditions or diseases that could render a person inadmissible to the U.S. The examiner, a civil surgeon, also checks an applicant's vaccination records. The exam can cost between $100 and $500. Before December 2024, only individuals who needed to prove they were not inadmissible on medical grounds were required to file a medical examination form. Now, every green card applicant is required to file one. Other immigrants applying for different visas may also be asked to file an I-693 at USCIS' discretion. The change comes amid increased scrutiny of immigrants as they apply for temporary and permanent visas in the U.S., as the Trump administration looks to crack down on those violating immigration laws. In March, immediate changes to a swathe of application forms caused confusion for applicants, leading to a lawsuit from attorneys, and USCIS being forced to change course and offer at least two weeks' buffer time for the changes to take effect. What People Are Saying Elissa Taub, an immigration attorney at Siskind Susser in Houston, Texas, told Newsweek: "Previously, I-693s all had an expiration date, so we had clients needing to get multiple exams done while their I-485s were pending over many years due to backlogs. "Currently, I-693s don't expire, and it sounds like they are clarifying that if you withdraw that application or it's denied, you can't reuse the same unexpired I-693 with a new application. I don't think this is too earth-shattering, and I'm happy that this policy change is relatively narrow and that they didn't decide to create a new pre-filing expiration period." USCIS, in its statement on the changes: "We have since determined that the April 4, 2024, policy is overly broad and could potentially threaten public health in the United States. By limiting the validity period to only the current immigration benefit application or request, we ensure that aliens get timely and proper medical examinations and treatment, which safeguards public health." What Happens Next The new policy takes effect on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, while a new version of the form takes effect on July 3, 2025.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
What Happens During a Marriage Interview? How to Prepare and What to Expect
For couples navigating the immigration system in the United States, the marriage interview is often one of the most stressful and important steps in the green card process. Conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this interview is designed to confirm that a marriage is bona fide—that is, entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration benefits. Couples in Mesa, Arizona, and throughout the country should understand what this process involves, what USCIS is looking for, and how to prepare. Consulting with a Mesa immigration lawyer can make a significant difference in navigating the process smoothly. The marriage or green card marriage interview is a formal meeting between a couple and a USCIS officer. It typically occurs after one spouse (the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), and the immigrant spouse files Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). The primary purpose is to assess whether the marriage is legitimate. This involves verifying facts, reviewing documents, and asking personal questions to determine whether the couple's life together reflects a genuine relationship. Marriage-based green cards are one of the most common ways to obtain lawful permanent residency in the U.S., which makes this process vulnerable to fraud. USCIS uses interviews to detect sham marriages—those entered into for the sole purpose of securing immigration benefits. The agency is legally obligated to ensure that each marriage is legitimate and that both spouses intend to build a life together. A USCIS officer is trained to detect red flags and inconsistencies in documentation and personal testimony. In Mesa and across Arizona, marriage interviews are usually scheduled at the local USCIS field office. The exact date and location are provided in a formal notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action). Both spouses are expected to attend the interview and bring the required documents. On average, the interview takes place several months after the application is filed, though the timeline may vary depending on caseloads, backlogs, and processing times at the local office. Being well-prepared is crucial. Couples should bring: Government-issued IDs (passports, driver's licenses, green cards) The interview appointment notice Original copies of all documents submitted with the application Marriage certificate and divorce decrees (if applicable) Joint financial records (bank accounts, leases, tax returns) Photos together, travel itineraries, and evidence of shared life Birth certificates of children (if applicable) Utility bills and insurance policies with both names A Mesa immigration lawyer can help couples compile and organize this evidence to present a strong case. The USCIS officer may begin with simple questions and gradually move to more personal ones. Topics may include: Biographical Information Names, dates of birth, and addresses Citizenship or immigration status of each spouse Employment history and educational background Relationship Timeline How and when the couple met Dates of engagement and marriage Family and friends who attended the wedding Daily Life Where do they live and sleep Who pays the bills, and how finances are managed Hobbies, routines, and shared activities Home Environment Description of the house or apartment Who wakes up first, who cooks, and who owns pets? Furniture arrangement and layout Intimate Details Spouse's birthday and favorite food Last vacation or movie watched together Gifts exchanged or fights they've had If USCIS suspects fraud or identifies discrepancies, the couple may be separated for a Stokes interview—a more detailed, second-level interview conducted individually to compare answers. Even honest couples can raise red flags unintentionally. USCIS may look closely at: Large age differences Short relationship before marriage Living at different addresses Inconsistent answers during the interview Lack of shared finances or cohabitation Although none of these factors automatically proves fraud, they may prompt USCIS to request additional evidence or conduct a follow-up interview. A family law attorney with experience in immigration cases can help explain such circumstances and provide legal strategies to mitigate concerns. Proper preparation can alleviate stress and improve the chances of approval. Here are some valuable strategies: 1. Review Your Application Together Couples should review their I-130 and I-485 forms to ensure they understand the information submitted. Even unintentional inconsistencies can be interpreted as dishonesty. 2. Practice Answering Questions While it's not about memorizing answers, rehearsing basic details can help ease nerves and build confidence. Practicing with a Mesa immigration lawyer can simulate a realistic interview setting. 3. Stay Calm and Be Honest If you don't remember something or are unsure, it's better to say so than to guess. USCIS officers are trained to detect rehearsed or misleading answers. 4. Dress Neatly and Arrive Early First impressions matter. Arriving 30 minutes early and dressing respectfully can demonstrate seriousness and professionalism. 5. Be Respectful and Attentive Speak clearly, listen carefully, and stay cooperative throughout the interview. Let the officer finish their questions before answering. After the interview, the USCIS officer may: Approve the case on the spot Request additional evidence (a Request for Evidence or RFE) Schedule a second interview Deny the application (with the option to appeal) If the green card is approved, the immigrant spouse will receive it by mail in the following weeks. If more evidence is required, USCIS will provide a deadline for submission. If USCIS determines that the marriage is not legitimate, it may: Deny the green card application Refer the case for removal (deportation) proceedings Bar the immigrant from reapplying for several years Impose legal penalties for fraud In these situations, working with a skilled family law attorney can help appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen the case. Navigating a marriage-based green card interview can be overwhelming without the proper guidance. A Mesa immigration lawyer can: Help prepare documentation Offer coaching for the interview Identify potential red flags in advance Accompany the couple to the interview in some cases Respond to RFEs or denials Partnering with a legal professional ensures couples understand their rights, know what to expect, and feel empowered. Yes. You have the right to be accompanied by a family law attorney or a Mesa immigration lawyer. While the attorney cannot answer your questions, they can observe the interview, ensure fairness, and intervene if necessary. It's common to forget small details, especially under pressure. Officers generally understand as long as the answers are consistent and truthful. Usually, couples are interviewed together. However, if the officer suspects fraud or notices significant inconsistencies, a second, separate interview—known as a Stokes interview—may be scheduled. Legally, USCIS treats all marriages equally, including same-sex marriages. However, cultural factors or past discrimination may still influence the experience. Documenting your relationship thoroughly can help counter bias. Most interviews last between 30 minutes and an hour, but they can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of questions asked. You are allowed to bring an interpreter if needed. USCIS also offers interpreter services for some languages. It's essential to make this request in advance or ensure your interpreter meets USCIS guidelines. The marriage interview is a pivotal step in the green card process and should be taken seriously. Preparation, honesty, and organization are essential to success. Even genuinely married couples can struggle if they fail to provide adequate documentation or miscommunicate under stress. With the help of a Mesa immigration lawyer or experienced family law attorney, couples can approach the process with clarity and confidence, knowing what to expect and how to present their relationship best. By understanding the purpose and flow of the interview, couples stand a far better chance of reaching their goal: lawful permanent residency and a future together in the United States. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
