Every adjustment of status application in immigration requires the submission of medical paperwork. This also applies to applicants who are overseas. Although submitting medicals sounds like a straightforward process, there are rules that must be followed to ensure that the application goes smoothly.
When to Submit Medicals for Immigration
There are three windows of opportunity to submit medicals in an immigration case. These include:
- At the beginning of the case, when all other paperwork is filed
- When immigration sends a request for evidence, i.e. asks for medical paperwork
- During the immigration interview
Things to Consider With Regards to Medicals for Immigration
Depending on when medical paperwork is submitted, there are things that should be considered.
Medical Paperwork Expiration
If an applicant sends in their medicals at the beginning of the case, they need to be aware of the document’s expiration period. Medical paperwork expires 60 days after it is signed by a civil surgeon, which means that the applicant only has that time to submit it to immigration.
If the medical paperwork is signed and completed three months before the immigration case is filed, for example, it will no longer be accepted and needs to be repeated.
Medical Paperwork Validity
Medical paperwork, once signed and completed, is only valid for two years. But an immigration case can last longer than that. Should the case drag on for more than two years and the medical paperwork has expired, an applicant would need to undergo the medical process all over again.
This affects the timeframe of when it’s best to submit medical paperwork. If a case is expected to last longer than two years, lawyers would usually recommend that medicals be submitted towards the end of the case to save their clients money.
I-693 Deficiency Notice
Immigration service centers would usually give notices to remind applicants to send in their documents. They send purple letters called the I-693 Deficiency Notice, which lets the recipient know that there are deficiencies in their application.
If an I-693 Deficiency Notice is sent in for medical paperwork, it doesn’t mean that the applicant must immediately send in their medicals. They would have to wait for the next opportunity when they are permitted to submit them, such as when the immigration service center asks for it, or during the interview.
Where to Find a Doctor for Medicals
Immigration service centers have accredited civil surgeons with whom applicants should conduct their medical exams. They can be found by a quick Google search of USCIS doctors. The MyUSCIS Find a Doctor website enables applicants to access a list of accredited doctors in their area.