Published: August 8, 2025
Are you or a loved one in the process of adjusting your status? Undergoing a medical examination is an essential component of completing your US green card application.
On December 2, 2024, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy requiring certain applicants to submit a Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Failure to provide the medical exam form at the time of filing may cause the USCIS to reject your application.
As a green card applicant, you’re required to undergo and submit your medical exam to ensure you’re not inadmissible to the US on public health grounds. This change also aims to lower the number of requests for evidence that the USCIS needs to send out when processing applications for permanent residency. Notably, only a doctor approved by the government or a designated civil surgeon is authorized to perform the medical examination.
Another recent update, particularly on the validity of medical examinations, may impact your green card application. Below, let’s explore what the new medical exam policy means for green card applicants and what you can do to avoid unnecessary delays or even denial.
What’s New in the Medical Exam Policy
USCIS introduced a new medical exam policy on April 4, 2024. As part of evidence for health-related admissibility, the validity of the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record signed on November 1, 2023, or a later date would not expire. That’s as long as a civil surgeon properly signed the necessary form. Since its validity is indefinite, applicants who are required to prove that they are admissible to the US could reuse medical exams for new immigration benefit applications in the future.
Such flexibility enables applicants to submit their medical exam without stressing over its expiration, especially when processing takes longer than anticipated. However, USCIS found this policy to be too lenient and broad in scope, creating a threat to public health in the US. This is because providing outdated medical exams might no longer reflect the applicant’s current health status.
As a result, USCIS determined to update its policy concerning the valid timeframe of medical exams. Effective June 11, 2025, the validity of the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record signed on or after November 1, 2023, remains active only until the associated immigration application is under review.
How It Affects Your Green Card Application
Under the new medical policy, you cannot use the medical exam if the corresponding immigration application with which it’s submitted is no longer pending. Restricting the validity period of a medical exam to the pending period of the related immigration application ensures that applicants receive timely and appropriate medical care, protecting public health.
The updated policy also clarifies that the medical examination record loses its validity if the immigration application is denied or withdrawn. Suppose you want to reapply. USCIS requires you to undergo a new medical exam.
Furthermore, in cases where the medical report doesn’t reflect your current health or raises potential public health concerns, USCIS reserves the discretion to request more evidence as well as a new or updated medical even if already provided.
How will these changes affect your green card application? You’ll likely need a new medical exam if your application experiences significant delays, a denial, or withdrawal. Thus, be ready for the possibility of undergoing multiple exams should your case be prolonged or require a new submission.
Ensure Green Card Approval With ALG Lawyers
Although cases of failing the medical exam are rare, adequate preparation is crucial to avoid unnecessary complexities in your application. Remember, noncompliance with green card requirements can cause the USCIS to deny your application outright.
Suppose you or a loved one is pursuing a green card or any immigration benefit that requires you to undergo a new medical exam. Ensure compliance with the new medical policy by consulting an immigration lawyer.
A Los Angeles immigration lawyer can help you adhere to medical exam requirements and deadlines, from organizing the paperwork to selecting the appropriate civil surgeon and ensuring you meet USCIS’ health standards. Contact ALG Lawyers for reliable one-on-one legal assistance on your immigration concerns.
FAQs on What the New Medical Exam Policy Means for Green Card Applicants
Is the medical exam requirement similar if you’re applying from outside the US?
The medical exam requirement can differ if you’re filing from outside the US. For instance, you must complete the medical appointment with the authorized panel physician in your home country. It’s typically required after receiving your visa interview appointment from the National Visa Center. Once completed, the examination results go to the US consulate and are generally valid for six months.
What can green card applicants expect from a medical exam?
The medical exam screens whether it’s safe to allow you entry into the US. Although it’s not a requirement to be in perfect health, you must be clear of any serious or communicable illnesses, drug problems, or mental disorders. Thus, expect the doctor to conduct the following:
- Physical examination of your body, such as eyes, nose, throat, heart, abdomen, lungs, skin, lymph nodes, and external genitalia.
- Mental examination entails the assessment of your comprehension, intelligence, judgment, mood, and behavior.
- Tests, such as blood draw and chest X-rays, are used to diagnose or confirm the presence of any health condition that could make you inadmissible.
What if you completed your medical exam before the new policy took effect?
Let’s say you had your medical exam form signed on or after November 1, 2023. It only remains valid until the associated green card application is pending. Once your application is withdrawn, denied, or no longer active, you cannot reuse that form. The new policy, effective on June 11, 2025, requires new medical exams and forms for new green card applications.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)