US waives 60 Day Rule, making it easier for migrants to obtain residency

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) made it easier to obtain a permanent residence or a green card in the United States by extending the deadline for a civil surgeon’s signature on medical examinations.

The medical and vaccination examination is an obligatory step in the process to apply for lawful permanent residency. Applicants must “show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds,” according to USCIS.

The examination is submitted to USCIS through Form 1-693, which requires a signature by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before the date that the application is filed.

The “60-Day-Rule,” as it is commonly referred to, has been a burden on immigrants during the pandemic because of the application processing delays.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, USCIS has experienced delays in all aspects of operations. Applicants have also experienced difficulties beyond their control, including delays with completing the immigration medical examination,” said the Department of Homeland Security.

USCIS waived the signature requirement until September 30, 2022. USCIS will continue to process medical examinations regardless of when they were signed by a civil surgeon.