U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely.

Key Points:

  • USCIS updated guidance in its Policy Manual to reflect that Afghan nationals who came to the U.S. during OAW do not have to repeat an immigration medical exam when applying to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident.
  • This policy is effective immediately and applies to any Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, that is pending or filed on or after Nov. 13, 2024.
  • The policy applies to Afghan nationals who arrived in the U.S. during OAW and received a full immigration medical examination either in the U.S. that was documented on a Form I-693 or outside the U.S. that was documented on a Form DS-7794 or DS-2054.

Additional Information: Further information about this updated guidance is available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.