Trump administration introduces new rule for green card applicants 'effective immediately' - Here's all you need to know

Trump administration revises Green Card application rules (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Trump administration has revised the rules for green card applications, now requiring a renewed medical examination form for all permanent residency submissions. This change takes effect immediately.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a rule change on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, regarding the validity of Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

Under the updated policy, Form I-693 is considered valid only at the time the green card application is submitted. If the application is denied or withdrawn, the form will no longer be valid and a new one must be provided for any future submissions. Earlier applications could use the same medical form indefinitely.

This change took effect immediately following the official USCIS notification.

"Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, is only valid while the application the Form I-693 was submitted with is pending. If the application a Form I-693 was submitted with is withdrawn or denied, that Form I-693 is no longer valid. This guidance is effective immediately and applies to applications pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025," the USCIS said.

Why the rules are changed?

Through the recent update USCIS determined that the old policy was “overly broad” and could “potentially threaten public health.”

“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 stated.

Until recently, the green card applicants were permitted to reuse their medical examination form without any time limit, provided they were completed on or after November 1, 2023. This policy, introduced in April 2024, aimed to reduce delays and spare applicants from repeated visits to civil surgeons.

Later, on December 2, 2024, USCIS issued a requirement mandating submission of Form I-693 along with Form I-485.

What is green card? 

A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is the official document granted to individuals when they obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This status allows foreign nationals to live and work legally within the country.