USCIS has made several important changes this year that could affect your immigration application. Whether you are applying for a green card, naturalization, or a medical exemption, it is important to understand the latest filing and documentation requirements.
Filing Reminders for Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants
USCIS has also updated its filing procedures for marriage-based green cards. Be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Use the latest form versions. Older versions of Forms I-130, I-485, I-864, and related documents will be rejected.
- Pay each form separately. Combined payments are no longer accepted and may cause your entire application to be rejected.
- Submit your medical exam with your initial application. You can no longer wait to bring it to your interview.
Processing times for marriage-based green cards now range from 14 to 24 months, depending on the service center or field office. If you have questions about your case, please contact our office for support.
Medical Exams (Form I-693) Now Limited to One Application Only
USCIS now considers Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) valid for only one immigration benefit application. Even if your medical exam is still within the two-year validity period, you must submit a new I-693 if your previous case was denied, withdrawn, or closed. To avoid delays:
- Schedule your medical exam close to when you plan to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- Include the completed and sealed Form I-693 with your initial application.
- Keep a copy of your medical exam for your records.
Naturalization: Disability Waiver Policy Clarified
For applicants who are unable to meet the English or civics requirements due to a physical or developmental disability, USCIS has clarified how Form N-648 for disability exceptions will be reviewed. To qualify for the exception, your application must include:
- A detailed medical diagnosis explaining how the disability prevents learning English or civics.
- Certification from a licensed medical provider (physician, clinical psychologist, or osteopath) who is familiar with your condition.
Because the review standards are now stricter, we recommend working closely with your healthcare provider and legal counsel to ensure all required documentation is accurate and complete.
Update on the Child Tax Credit and ITIN Filers
The reconciliation spending bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which was signed into law the first week of July, impacts people who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), including undocumented individuals. The bill now:
- Prohibits the families of an estimated 2.6 million children who do not have at least one parent with a Social Security number from receiving the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
- It makes permanent the requirement that children must have Social Security numbers to claim the CTC (which was set to expire at the end of this year).
These updates will affect U.S. citizen children in mixed-status households. If your family uses an ITIN to file taxes, we recommend speaking with a qualified professional for more information. For more information about ITINs, read the fact sheet at the American Immigration Council’s website.
Need Help with Your Application?
Every immigration case is different, and small mistakes can lead to big delays. If you are unsure how these updates affect you, we are here to help.
Schedule a consultation at the Law Office of Christine Contreras to get clear, professional guidance on your next steps.