Immigration
Attention Green Card applicants! Your application could be cancelled if you do not include this critical document
If you are about to apply for your Green Card, you must be careful when submitting your documents, as the USCIS has new documentation requirements.
If you’re planning to apply for a Green Card, it’s more important than ever to double-check your paperwork. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new documentation requirements that applicants must meet to avoid having their applications denied.
The Green Card, officially known as the Permanent Resident Card, is an essential document for immigrants looking to build a life in the United States. It grants individuals legal permanent residency, enabling them to work, live indefinitely in the country, and access benefits such as government financial relief and Social Security.
To apply for a Green Card, applicants must submit Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, through the USCIS’s official website. However, with the application fee set at $1,440 in 2024, USCIS emphasizes the importance of submitting accurate and complete applications to avoid costly mistakes.
Attention Green Card applicants! Your application could be cancelled if you do not include this critical document
Due to a rising volume of incomplete applications, the USCIS is scaling back its practice of issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Previously, these RFEs gave applicants the chance to provide missing documents after submission. However, that flexibility is now more limited.
The agency requires applicants to include a signed Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, alongside their Form I-485 at the time of submission. This change means medical and vaccination reports, verified by authorized professionals, are now mandatory upfront.
Failure to include the Form I-693 could lead to outright rejection of your Green Card application. USCIS has clarified the stakes, stating:
“Effective Dec. 2, 2024, if you are required to submit Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693 (such as the Vaccination Record), you must submit it with your Form I-485. Otherwise, we may reject your Form I-485.”
What this means for Green Card applicants
This policy shift aims to streamline USCIS operations and speed up processing times by reducing back-and-forth exchanges over incomplete submissions. While the adjustment may feel abrupt for applicants, it underscores the importance of preparation.
To ensure your application is successful:
- Schedule your medical exam early: Book an appointment with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon to complete your medical examination and vaccination record.
- Double-check required forms: Verify that both the Form I-485 and Form I-693 are filled out completely and accurately.
- Submit everything at once: Include all required documentation to avoid rejection or delays.
For detailed instructions and official guidance, visit the USCIS website.
Original article written by Daniela Barrera, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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