Dilemma or Conundrum of I693 Medical with 485 or after 485 filing

[gc_dedo]

Guys,

If anybody who had sent I-693 separately from I-485 package, but without RFE, please share.

On a different topic, what will happen when USCIS is not able to process all AOS applications by Sep 30? I understand that those visas will go back to FB category. But what happens to FADs? Are they going to retrogress? And if dates retrogress, then what's the impact? Most people have already submitted I-485 based on FDs anyway.

[android09]

Guys,

If anybody who had sent I-693 separately from I-485 package, but without RFE, please share.

On a different topic, what will happen when USCIS is not able to process all AOS applications by Sep 30? I understand that those visas will go back to FB category. But what happens to FADs? Are they going to retrogress? And if dates retrogress, then what's the impact? Most people have already submitted I-485 based on FDs anyway.


If USCIS does not process the numbers by Sept 30th, 2021 those numbers are wasted. The add back to family based is based on a calculation, but for all practical purposes, it is gone. Dates will not retrogress this year per Charlie Oppenheim. They will hold since visas are available. Retrogression happens only when applications are more than the supply of visas.

[gsingh]

+1 to what beagle said above - try PP upgrade for I-140. Another thing to try would be, as abcx13 pointed out here, you can discuss it with your attorneys and try to send medical along with PP.

Thanks sstest and beagle.
If the PP is rejected(in all likelihood) and I reapply after 30 days , I will send I-693 along.
Incase PP is accepted, as you suggested I will wait for the RFE.

[Zenzone]

Logical basis as follows :
262,000 visas available for FY 2021. Total number of pending 485 applications at the end of first quarter of FY 21 176,000. Follow the details added to the forum by Spectator regarding monthly consular processing usage.

Even if sudden surge in the usage happens late last quarter, the expected spillover of nearly 150,000 for FY 2022 will offset it.

The biggest concern of visa wastage for FY 2021 is going to be the candidates who applied for 485 who did not submit medicals.

I thought medical RFEs are coming now more freely? Am I wrong?

[inspired_p]

I have been telling my friends who downgraded with 2012-13 PDs submit their Medicals. Only 3 out of 9 friends submitted. If the dates are advanced to 2013 in August bulletin, they have wasted their chance of getting greened in the 2021 quota. I remember CO complaining about this in FY 2017 about Eb3 people not responding to RFE's in time. Lot of them are downgrades

All believed their freaking attorneys who asked to submit 485 without medicals. The bloody medicals are valid for 2 years.

Yup.. my lawyers were so adamant about no medicals.. and were only able to file at the end of oct month last year. How I wish I had submitted medicals along with the I-485 back then.. Lessons learnt for others.

[NewHere]

Yup.. my lawyers were so adamant about no medicals.. and were only able to file at the end of oct month last year. How I wish I had submitted medicals along with the I-485 back then.. Lessons learnt for others.

Well, in my case my lawyer refused to file my I-485 without medicals. I argued against it as my PD is Feb 2014 and I wasn't very confident of FAD being current at least for 1-2 years but lawyer insisted we send complete application including medicals.

[abcx13]

Yup.. my lawyers were so adamant about no medicals.. and were only able to file at the end of oct month last year. How I wish I had submitted medicals along with the I-485 back then.. Lessons learnt for others.

Can't you submit medicals now and/or before USCIS sends you a RFE?

For complicated reasons, I did not submit medicals with I140/485 downgrade in October. I expect to be current in July VB (PD: Setp 2012) so if my EB3 downgrade I140 still isn't processed by then, I was thinking about filing for premium processing on the I140 along with medicals and hope to get it all adjudicated at once.

[Zenzone]

@Aceman and others - I have not been following the trackers on Medical RFEs other than anecdotal stories. I'm Jan-2011 (EB2) and expect to be current in the June Bulletin. Do you think its enough processing time to have a fair shot at approval by September 21 given that I didn't submit my medicals when I filed in October?

[inspired_p]

Can't you submit medicals now and/or before USCIS sends you a RFE?

For complicated reasons, I did not submit medicals with I140/485 downgrade in October. I expect to be current in July VB (PD: Setp 2012) so if my EB3 downgrade I140 still isn't processed by then, I was thinking about filing for premium processing on the I140 along with medicals and hope to get it all adjudicated at once.

I asked lawyers if we can file medicals proactively, and they discourage that as well. Just hoping on the RFE soon so that the case gets adjudicated in 2020 quota.. Quite a few thousands visa numbers are going to get wasted in 2020

[AceMan]

@Aceman and others - I have not been following the trackers on Medical RFEs other than anecdotal stories. I'm Jan-2011 (EB2) and expect to be current in the June Bulletin. Do you think its enough processing time to have a fair shot at approval by September 21 given that I didn't submit my medicals when I filed in October?


Medical is another one of my pet peeves. Lot of visas are getting wasted when RFE's are sent late, and people don't have time to respond within FY.

There is a big debate going on if Medicals can be submitted out of turn without an RFE or not.
Are you planning to send medicals without RFE? Or plan on waiting for RFE?

I think the 2nd option is better, because your file is hooked to an officer and once you send the file it gets easy to be adjudicated. But here you are at the mercy of USCIS issuing an RFE.

I seriously believe USCIS should issue a conditional GC valid for year, and once the GC holder provides the medicals, the conditions are removed. That way the wastage can be avoided in my opinion.

[abcx13]

Medical is another one of my pet peeves. Lot of visas are getting wasted when RFE's are sent late, and people don't have time to respond within FY.

There is a big debate going on if Medicals can be submitted out of turn without an RFE or not.
Are you planning to send medicals without RFE? Or plan on waiting for RFE?

I think the 2nd option is better, because your file is hooked to an officer and once you send the file it gets easy to be adjudicated. But here you are at the mercy of USCIS issuing an RFE.

I seriously believe USCIS should issue a conditional GC valid for year, and once the GC holder provides the medicals, the conditions are removed. That way the wastage can be avoided in my opinion.


Can you provide any links to this debate? I am wondering what to do... my sense is my lawyer will say do not proactively submit medicals, but I think I can submit them directly even if he say no, right?

[idliman]

Gurus/Senior members, I am following this forum for couple of months. I wish I had known about this forum earlier. I am OCT filer with EB3 I downgrade and April 2012 PD. I have done PP for I-140 and got it approved. I have not received biometrics appointment yet. I have booked an appointment for medicals coming Thursday. Is it a good idea to submit the medicals by interfiling or postpone the medical examination till I get my biometrics appointment? Also, is there any suggestion on how to get my biometrics appointment scheduled in Boston ASC?
Medical report (Form I-693) is valid only for 60 days. So unless you have a plan of action to submit I-693 to USCIS don't go for it. It will simply expire. Some doctors may sign the existing I-693 for a small additional fee (say $50) within a certain timeframe. If you are going for medical now, then shop around and ask if the doctor can put the signature at a future date in 3 or 6 months.

Some attorneys have interfiled I-693 forms, but that is not a standard procedure for submitting medical evaluations. Most attorneys will not submit I-693 unless they receive RFE from USCIS. USCIS recently opened up its Contact Center phone line to reschedule biometric services (800-375-5283). Don't know if they can create a biometric for you or perform some actions that will end up with a Biometric appointment.

[abcx13]

Medical report (Form I-693) is valid only for 60 days. So unless you have a plan of action to submit I-693 to USCIS don't go for it. It will simply expire. Some doctors may sign the existing I-693 for a small additional fee (say $50) within a certain timeframe. If you are going for medical now, then shop around and ask if the doctor can put the signature at a future date in 3 or 6 months.

Some attorneys have interfiled I-693 forms, but that is not a standard procedure for submitting medical evaluations. Most attorneys will not submit I-693 unless they receive RFE from USCIS. USCIS recently opened up its Contact Center phone line to reschedule biometric services (800-375-5283). Don't know if they can create a biometric for you or perform some actions that will end up with a Biometric appointment.

I thought medicals were valid for 2 years as long as signed 60 days before the filing? So if we've already filed 485 in October, can we file medicals, either with Premium Processing request or without, before getting an RFE if we're about to be current?

From https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-policy-manual-update:



Release Date
10/16/2018

USCIS is revising policy guidance for the validity period of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

The updated policy, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, 2018, will require applicants to submit a Form I-693 that is signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application for an immigration benefit. The Form I-693 would remain valid for a two-year period following the date the civil surgeon signed it. As such, USCIS is retaining the current maximum two-year validity period of Form I-693, but calculating it in a different manner to both enhance operational efficiencies and reduce the number of requests to applicants for an updated Form I-693.

USCIS officers use Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to determine whether an applicant for an immigration benefit in the United States is inadmissible under the health-related grounds of inadmissibility. By specifying that the Form I-693 must be signed no more than 60 days before the applicant files the underlying application for which Form I-693 is required, the validity of the form is more closely tied to the timing of the underlying application.

Additionally, requiring submission of a Form I-693 that was signed no more than 60 days before the date the underlying application was filed may, in some cases, maximize the period of time Form I-693 will be valid while the underlying application is under USCIS review. Officers will still have the discretion, as they have always had, to request a new Form I-693 if they have reason to believe an applicant may be inadmissible on the health-related grounds. Delays in adjudicating the underlying application will also be reduced if fewer requests for updated Forms I-693 are necessary.

[beagle]

Couldn't agree more with you, Idliman. Attorneys from the "duck" firm refused to send the medicals along with the I-485 application. Heck, it was a huge struggle for folks in my company who were working with them to send the applications early. In the end, they applied on the last day of Oct 2020 and we are still waiting for our EAD/APs. I had my bio-metrics done just last week. Running on hope that EAD/AP will come soon and i get greened after filing medical RFE.

My priority date is Apr 2011 EB2. In October 2020, I wanted to get my medicals done and submit I-693 along with AOS application. My attorney wanted to send the app asap. Anyway, because of COVID I was able to get the blood test scheduled only in the 3rd week of October. My attorney refused to wait and filed the AOS without I-693 on October 9th. Just like what my attorney said, I got my biometrics done on Feb 19th and on March 1st received the RFE for Medicals. On March 30th, I got the confirmation from USCIS for my RFE response. But I know two of my friends who applied on the very last day. I don't understand why these firms wait until the very last day. Both of my buddies sent in all the docs to them in the first week of October. They have not received the RFE or the EAD card.

I might have gotten lucky with my case, but everyone should try to
1) Send AOS asap and not wait until the last few days
2) Get the I-693 ready as it takes 2-3 weeks to complete. If you think you are within the 60 day window (I-693 must be signed within 60 days of applying), get the I-693 ready. If you waste $$, so be it and don't think about it.

[idliman]

I thought medicals were valid for 2 years as long as signed 60 days before the filing? So if we've already filed 485 in October, can we file medicals, either with Premium Processing request or without, before getting an RFE if we're about to be current?

From https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-policy-manual-update:
The updated policy, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, 2018, will require applicants to submit a Form I-693 that is signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application for an immigration benefit. The Form I-693 would remain valid for a two-year period following the date the civil surgeon signed it.

If USCIS does not get your I-693 within 60 days, it is invalid.

[08march2011]

Hello Guru's,

I have been a longtime silent spectator of all the informative discussion/post on this website since 2011 when the dates moved to May 2010. Thank you to each and everyone for contributing you precious time to educate/advice/help members with their immigration process.

Member's now I am in need for your expertise to decide how to proceed with my case. I am working for an American brand with every few H1B's in the company, so HR team usually sides with the Attorney's advice. Our company filed I-485 for me in Oct 2020 under EB2 (PD 08March2011) without the form I-693, because the attorney's advised against it even after trying to reason them out and I have recently given my finger print on 10 May 2021. But with the recent forward movements in the EB3, I was able to meet with our HR Manager and was able to explain them that this does not happen often and was able to convince them to help me with my green card journey. Now my company wants me to decide if I would like to proceed in EB3 and this time we will also send in the form I-693 during the interfiling request but if I decide to downgrade I would have to stay with the choice forever.

[Alunity]

Thanks idliman for your response. What are the disadvantages of interfiling I-693 and does the advantages overweigh the disadvantages?

[Alunity]

Thanks beagle. What do you mean by you are within the 60 day window ( If you think you are within the 60 day window (I-693 must be signed within 60 days of applying), get the I-693 ready. If you waste $$, so be it and don't think about it.)?

[abcx13]

The updated policy, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, 2018, will require applicants to submit a Form I-693 that is signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application for an immigration benefit. The Form I-693 would remain valid for a two-year period following the date the civil surgeon signed it.

If USCIS does not get your I-693 within 60 days, it is invalid.

Yes, but they would? Or are you saying it has to be 60 days before an RFE is issued? If 485 is filed in October, and you file medical after that, like say now, isn't it within the 60 days of the filing?

I guess you are just saying that if you get medicals done, you better file them within 60 days...

P.S. - It is breakfast time here on the West Coast and now I feel like eating idlis. :)

[mumbaiboy]

The updated policy, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, 2018, will require applicants to submit a Form I-693 that is signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application for an immigration benefit. The Form I-693 would remain valid for a two-year period following the date the civil surgeon signed it.

If USCIS does not get your I-693 within 60 days, it is invalid.

The underlying application is your i485 (not i693).

[mumbaiboy]

The underlying application is the i485 in this case, isnt it?

[vedu]

Yes, but they would? Or are you saying it has to be 60 days before an RFE is issued? If 485 is filed in October, and you file medical after that, like say now, isn't it within the 60 days of the filing?


I would act on the side of caution. There is no benefit in doing your medicals in advance unless you want to send them without an RFE. My personal opinion on this matter is...either you send medicals while submitting the original I-485 application (preferable) OR send them only when the RFE is issued to avoid any confusion (and also to follow the 60 days guideline). Imagine a scenario where you sent the medicals without the RFE, and at the same time USCIS issued the RFE from their end. Now when you receive the physical copy of the RFE, you will be in confusion about how to respond to it since you already submitted the medicals but didn't yet get any updates on your case. Should you respond to this new RFE with a second medical? Should you ignore the RFE and take chances?

Medicals don't take much time. As soon as you receive the RFE, you can schedule an appointment and get it done in 1-2 weeks and send it to USCIS alongwith the original RFE. This will result in the fastest approval of your case in my opinion.

[beagle]

https://www.uscis.gov/i-693



You (not the civil surgeon) must submit your Form I-693 to USCIS. If you are applying for adjustment of status, you may submit Form I-693:

* By mail with your Form I-485, Application to Register for Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the location specified for your Form I-485 (see Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485).
* By mail after filing your Form I-485 to the location specified in your most recent communication with USCIS (for example, a Request for Evidence letter from USCIS).
* In person at an interview in a USCIS field office (if an interview is required).




To ensure your medical examination results are still valid when we adjudicate your associated benefit application, you should schedule the medical examination as close as possible to the time you file for adjustment of status, respond to a Request for Evidence, or attend an interview (if applicable). NOTE: The Form I-693 must be dated no earlier than 60 days before you filed your underlying application.

[Zenzone]

I would act on the side of caution. There is no benefit in doing your medicals in advance unless you want to send them without an RFE. My personal opinion on this matter is...either you send medicals while submitting the original I-485 application (preferable) OR send them only when the RFE is issued to avoid any confusion (and also to follow the 60 days guideline). Imagine a scenario where you sent the medicals without the RFE, and at the same time USCIS issued the RFE from their end. Now when you receive the physical copy of the RFE, you will be in confusion about how to respond to it since you already submitted the medicals but didn't yet get any updates on your case. Should you respond to this new RFE with a second medical? Should you ignore the RFE and take chances?

Medicals don't take much time. As soon as you receive the RFE, you can schedule an appointment and get it done in 1-2 weeks and send it to USCIS alongwith the original RFE. This will result in the fastest approval of your case in my opinion.

I see your PD is current since April. By any chance did you receive your medical RFE yet?

[abcx13]

I would act on the side of caution. There is no benefit in doing your medicals in advance unless you want to send them without an RFE. My personal opinion on this matter is...either you send medicals while submitting the original I-485 application (preferable) OR send them only when the RFE is issued to avoid any confusion (and also to follow the 60 days guideline). Imagine a scenario where you sent the medicals without the RFE, and at the same time USCIS issued the RFE from their end. Now when you receive the physical copy of the RFE, you will be in confusion about how to respond to it since you already submitted the medicals but didn't yet get any updates on your case. Should you respond to this new RFE with a second medical? Should you ignore the RFE and take chances?

Medicals don't take much time. As soon as you receive the RFE, you can schedule an appointment and get it done in 1-2 weeks and send it to USCIS alongwith the original RFE. This will result in the fastest approval of your case in my opinion.

In the case of an RFE after pre-emptively sending medicals, can't we resend the Form 693 that was already sent pre-emptively?

I am guessing our lawyer will say to wait till RFE though I can sometimes influence him...

I suppose the ideal thing would be to send the medicals with a premium processing request if my I-140 EB3 downgrade is not processed by then.

My PD of September 2012 is not current yet and even my biometrics have not been scheduled, but I am hoping to be current in the next VB or two, so I suppose it is also possible that by then USCIS approves the I-140 and sends an RFE asking for Medicals.

[vedu]

I see your PD is current since April. By any chance did you receive your medical RFE yet?

Yes, my PD became current on April 1st, received the RFE on April 14th, responded to it in two weeks, and got the GC approved within a day of USCIS receiving the RFE response (May 4th).

Once you receive an RFE, you need to respond to it ASAP before they forget your case again. That is the surest way to get a quick approval. That's why I even fired my lawyer and did everything on my own (I485J, Medical). If the lawyer would have gotten involved, then I wouldn't have been able to respond to the RFE so quickly.

[vsivarama]

I suppose the ideal thing would be to send the medicals with a premium processing request if my I-140 EB3 downgrade is not processed by then.


This is the worst strategy. I140 has nothing to do with medicals. Medicals is for your i485 request. If you are thinking USCIS will connect the dots and insert your medicals in the right files, then clearly your experience with USCIS has been something very different to the majority of the folks. I would be very surprised if the officer who approves your i140 is also in charge of your i485. Instead of having all this back and forth discussion about the medicals it just boils down to this. Are you willing to risk a few $$ in an effort to proactively interfile your medicals (which can be a hit or miss)? If not then it's best to wait for an RFE. No amount of strategizing is going to give you a sure shot edge.

[Zenzone]

Yes, my PD became current on April 1st, received the RFE on April 14th, responded to it in two weeks, and got the GC approved within a day of USCIS receiving the RFE (May 4th).

Once you receive an RFE, you need to respond to it ASAP before they forget your case again. That is the surest way to get a quick approval. That's why I even fired my lawyer and did everything on my own (I485J, Medical). If the lawyer would have gotten involved, then I wouldn't have been able to respond to the RFE so quickly.

Nice! That's good news.

[rsnake]

https://www.uscis.gov/i-693


You (not the civil surgeon) must submit your Form I-693 to USCIS. If you are applying for adjustment of status, you may submit Form I-693:


* By mail with your Form I-485, Application to Register for Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the location specified for your Form I-485 (see Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485).
* By mail after filing your Form I-485 to the location specified in your most recent communication with USCIS (for example, a Request for Evidence letter from USCIS).
* In person at an interview in a USCIS field office (if an interview is required).
To ensure your medical examination results are still valid when we adjudicate your associated benefit application, you should schedule the medical examination as close as possible to the time you file for adjustment of status, respond to a Request for Evidence, or attend an interview (if applicable). NOTE: The Form I-693 must be dated no earlier than 60 days before you filed your underlying application.

Note that there is a gray area here that's interpreted differently by different lawyers. Say you submitted without medicals on Oct 30,2020. And you get your medicals done on March 1st 2020 without getting an RFE. Instead of sending medicals, you just keep it with you without sending it. You get an RFE on June 1st, i.e 90 days after doctor's signature. Now if you send those medicals, are they valid? According to the quoted rules above, it does not seem to be prohibited. One popular attorney says they recommend for this not to happen and that you should send them to USCIS within 60 days of signature..

[vedu]

Note that there is a gray area here that's interpreted differently by different lawyers. Say you submitted without medicals on Oct 30,2020. And you get your medicals done on March 1st 2020 without getting an RFE. Instead of sending medicals, you just keep it with you without sending it. You get an RFE on June 1st, i.e 90 days after doctor's signature. Now if you send those medicals, are they valid? According to the quoted rules above, it does not seem to be prohibited. One popular attorney says they recommend for this not to happen and that you should send them to USCIS within 60 days of signature..

That's exactly how I would think. Play it safe. Act on the side of caution, do a clean job, and get your approval quickly. You never know how each adjudicating officer interprets the rule. If he/she rejects your medical erroneously and decides to send you an RFE, you won't be there to show him the rule book.

[rsnake]

In the case of an RFE after pre-emptively sending medicals, can't we resend the Form 693 that was already sent pre-emptively?


No. The doctor signs and seals the medicals, and they will give you only one envelope to send to USCIS, they sign across the seal. They might give you a personal xerox copy sometimes which cannot be sent to USCIS.

Advice for people with pending medicals

My advice to people trying to do this is to call and ask the clinic if they give you a discount if you need medicals again within a few months. Someone posted that one doctor's policy is that they only charge $50 if medicals need to be refreshed within a year of the first examination.

For others who want to wait till RFE, even if you are not going to send the medicals, go to the doctor, explain the situation, and get the vaccinations and antibody tests. Ask for documentation that you got them so you can use it later even with a different doctor. Sometimes people do that anyway normally so that they can get vaccinated and/or get antibody tests at CVS which can be much cheaper than at doctor's office and they show proof to the doctor later. This way when you do get the RFE you can get medicals very fast, maybe even within a few days to a week.

[abcx13]

This is the worst strategy. I140 has nothing to do with medicals. Medicals is for your i485 request. If you are thinking USCIS will connect the dots and insert your medicals in the right files, then clearly your experience with USCIS has been something very different to the majority of the folks. I would be very surprised if the officer who approves your i140 is also in charge of your i485. Instead of having all this back and forth discussion about the medicals it just boils down to this. Are you willing to risk a few $$ in an effort to proactively interfile your medicals (which can be a hit or miss)? If not then it's best to wait for an RFE. No amount of strategizing is going to give you a sure shot edge.

Thanks! So it seems consensus on here is to wait for RFE to file medicals if you didn't file pre-emptively with I485 filing. I guess I will do that, which is what I suspect my attorney would recommend also.

[srimurthy]

New thread to keep all the medical submissions discussion together

[vedu]

My advice to people trying to do this is to call and ask the clinic if they give you a discount if you need medicals again within a few months. Someone posted that one doctor's policy is that they only charge $50 if medicals need to be refreshed within a year of the first examination.



I suppose that will work, but personally, I won't even take that risk. The doctor may give you another sealed envelope for $50, but he won't change the dates on the form on which you were examined, and he may have examined you four/five months ago. A typical doctor has lots of patients to check on a daily basis, and you shouldn't expect him to spend significant amount of time fixing/correcting everything in the revised form. So, you yourself should make things as easy as possible for everybody assuming they all are error-prone.

[beagle]

Thanks beagle. What do you mean by you are within the 60 day window ( If you think you are within the 60 day window (I-693 must be signed within 60 days of applying), get the I-693 ready. If you waste $$, so be it and don't think about it.)?

Say, you are going to file AOS in October 2021. First talk to your attorney when they plan to submit your application. Say, the expected date in October you are filing is D1. Now the doc should sign and seal your I693 report between (D1 - 60) and (D1). I don't know if USCIS considers only working days and excludes Sat/Sun. So to be really safe, I would go with date range (D1 - 30) and (D1). Then find the USCIS approved doc who can get the report to you. Get up-to-date on any missing vaccine shots/blood tests starting from (D1-30). Then very close to D1, ask your doc to provide you the signed/sealed I-693 which you've to ship to your attorney to send it along with the AOS packet. Also, get a digital scan of the I-693 report for you to check if the doc did sign and date things properly.

Again, the main objective is NOT to get an RFE for medicals in this long painful process causing more delays. You need to maximize your GC chance in these once in a blue moon VB bulletins. The only thing you should expect from USCIS is an appointment letter for your BioMetrics (BM). Thats it. Once you are done with BM it will kick start the FBI background check on your profile. And very soon, you will be Documentarily Qualified with an FBI clearence ready to be painted green.

1) File your AOS asap and don't wait until the last few days of the month.
2) File your AOS with I-693.
3) Ignore anyone who says you can send I-693 after filing and without an RFE.

[idliman]

Many of folks, who filed I-485 in October 2020, did not send their I-693 (medical) forms. It may be worthwhile to send the I-693 (a.k.a. interfile or interfiling) now to attach to the existing I-485 application. Doing so will allow the Adjudicating Officer (AO) to simply approve your I-485 without sending a RFE for I-693 which will delay GC by 3+ months. This guide is for interfiling your I-693 to an existing I-485 application.

What is Interfiling?
Interfiling (commonly used for transfer of underlying basis [FB (I-130) to EB (I-140), EB to FB, switching primary and derivative in an EB petition, etc.,]) is a catch-all method to submit additional material (or evidence) to either update or make changes to your existing application (or form) with USCIS. This is typically used for situations that USCIS does not have a standard form to address.

Typical convention is that interfiling is done only when the priority date (or FA) is current (although there is no restriction on sending it before your FA is current). However, USCIS takes action only when the PD is current. The USCIS lock-box contractor will simply scan, interfile and connect correspondence with corresponding (alien) file and update systems. The contractor is required to interfile no later than close of the fifth business date following request being received in the Service Center.

The USCIS service center should receive your interfile I-693 request within 60 days of signature by the doctor. Otherwise, the I-693 automatically becomes invalid. Make sure that you send the signed copy of the letter and supporting material to the correct service center.

Risks:


The criteria for interfiling are not written in any section of INA (law) or agency rule. It is purely an administrative procedure and is only described in USCIS Service Manual (SM) or memos or other communication by USCIS. The decision to grant any particular type of interfiling request is discretionary, and not guaranteed.
USCIS most likely will not acknowledge the fact of the interfiling an I-693 to an existing I-485 request. You will not know what happened to your correspondence till your GC is approved by USCIS or an RFE is sent. You are essentially sending your communication to a black box.
Interfiling I-693 to an existing I-485 will only help those folks whose files are complete and pre-adjudicated (example 2012 filers). If USCIS is going to send an RFE for Birth Certificate or I-485 Supp J portability, you will not save any time by proactively interfiling I-693.
If your file is with an AO, the lockbox contractor may have to recall the file to interfile your I-693. After that, what happens to the priority of your file is anybody's guess. In the five business days (max) it takes the contractor to fulfill the interfile correspondence, if an AO send an I-693 RFE, the outcome is undefined.


Advantages:


I-485 instructions from USCIS states, "Because of the time-limited validity of Form I-693, you may choose to submit your Form I-693 after you file your Form I-485.". Hence, interfiling I-693 is acceptable at any time.
IMO, this is a true and tested method that exists for at least last 15 years or so. USCIS internally uses "Interfile" to attach any piece of paper to an existing application file. If you take a look at the Dutch actor Rutger Hauer's FOIA file from USCIS (Google), you would see "interfile".
USCIS SM clearly says the things one should do to transfer an underlying basis (or interfile). Hence it is official. Also official memos allow investors to interfile a package of amended documents related to the regional service center.
There is a good chance that the interfiling request will be approved for attaching I-693 to an existing I-485, as this serves USCIS's interests of efficiency. It also facilitates the applicant's goal of obtaining permanent residence by saving time, effort, and multiple filing fees.


Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. Whatever I have expressed above is based on my understanding of the process. For full disclosure I recently obtained by GC and have not personally tried the process. I am not responsible for any effects (postitive or negative) on your application because of the above procedure.

[idliman]

August 7, 2018
To
USCIS
----- Service Center

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
[A# 231-010-000]
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Adjustment of Status (I-485, Receipt # SRC100000005) application is pending. The visa numbers for my category (EB2-India) are current for my priority date according to the most recent Department of State Visa Bulletin.
I request you to interfile my I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) form signed by the Civil Surgeon to the pending form I-485.
I am enclosing the following documents in support of my request:


Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
Copy of driver's license (North Carolina)
Copy of passport's biographic pages

Kindly approve my request to interfile and connect this correspondence to the corresponding file.
If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention in this matter.
Sincerely,

First LAST
1000 Pruce Lane, Concord, NC 28261
Cell 000-100-2001
Email: whatis@who.com

Here's the PDF of the above Request 1782.

[abcx13]

Many of folks, who filed I-485 in October 2020, did not send their I-693 (medical) forms. It may be worthwhile to send the I-693 (a.k.a. interfile or interfiling) now to attach to the existing I-485 application. Doing so will allow the Adjudicating Officer (AO) to simply approve your I-485 without sending a RFE for I-693 which will delay GC by 3+ months. This guide is for interfiling your I-693 to an existing I-485 application.

What is Interfiling?
Interfiling (commonly used for transfer of underlying basis [FB (I-130) to EB (I-140), EB to FB, switching primary and derivative in an EB petition, etc.,]) is a catch-all method to submit additional material (or evidence) to either update or make changes to your existing application (or form) with USCIS. This is typically used for situations that USCIS does not have a standard form to address.

Typical convention is that interfiling is done only when the priority date (or FA) is current (although there is no restriction on sending it before your FA is current). However, USCIS takes action only when the PD is current. The USCIS lock-box contractor will simply scan, interfile and connect correspondence with corresponding (alien) file and update systems. The contractor is required to interfile no later than close of the fifth business date following request being received in the Service Center.

The USCIS service center should receive your interfile I-693 request within 60 days of signature by the doctor. Otherwise, the I-693 automatically becomes invalid. Make sure that you send the signed copy of the letter and supporting material to the correct service center.

Risks:


The criteria for interfiling are not written in any section of INA (law) or agency rule. It is purely an administrative procedure and is only described in USCIS Service Manual (SM) or memos or other communication by USCIS. The decision to grant any particular type of interfiling request is discretionary, and not guaranteed.
USCIS most likely will not acknowledge the fact of the interfiling an I-693 to an existing I-485 request. You will not know what happened to your correspondence till your GC is approved by USCIS or an RFE is sent. You are essentially sending your communication to a black box.
Interfiling I-693 to an existing I-485 will only help those folks whose files are complete and pre-adjudicated (example 2012 filers). If USCIS is going to send an RFE for Birth Certificate or I-485 Supp J portability, you will not save any time by proactively interfiling I-693.
If your file is with an AO, the lockbox contractor may have to recall the file to interfile your I-693. After that, what happens to the priority of your file is anybody's guess. In the five business days (max) it takes the contractor to fulfill the interfile correspondence, if an AO send an I-693 RFE, the outcome is undefined.


Advantages:


IMO, this is a true and tested method that exists for at least last 15 years or so. USCIS internally uses "Interfile" to attach any piece of paper to an existing application file. If you take a look at the Dutch actor Rutger Hauer's FOIA file from USCIS (Google), you would see "interfile".
USCIS SM clearly says the things one should do to transfer an underlying basis (or interfile). Hence it is official. Also official memos allow investors to interfile a package of amended documents related to the regional service center.
There is a good chance that the interfiling request will be approved for attaching I-693 to an existing I-485, as this serves USCIS's interests of efficiency. It also facilitates the applicant's goal of obtaining permanent residence by saving time, effort, and multiple filing fees.


Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. Whatever I have expressed above is based on my understanding of the process. For full disclosure I recently obtained by GC and have not personally tried the process. I am not responsible for any effects (postitive or negative) on your application because of the above procedure.

Idli - thanks so much for generously posting this despite already having received your GC.

Including a link to this Trackitt thread on Fragomen re-evaluating later this week whether medicals should be interfiled.

https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/2195323555/interfile-medicals-without-rfe-pd-current-with-eb3-june-bulletin/page/2

My company used Fragomen but later had to fire them because they made too many stupid mistakes, so take their guidance for what it's worth, but if they or AILA suggest preemptively interfiling medicals now (perhaps based on some discussion with USCIS), I think it probably makes sense to do so if you are current or about to get current.

[idliman]

Idli - thanks so much for generously posting this despite already having received your GC.

Including a link to this Trackitt thread on Fragomen re-evaluating later this week whether medicals should be interfiled.

https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/2195323555/interfile-medicals-without-rfe-pd-current-with-eb3-june-bulletin/page/2

My company used Fragomen but later had to fire them because they made too many stupid mistakes, so take their guidance for what it's worth, but if they or AILA suggest preemptively interfiling medicals now (perhaps based on some discussion with USCIS), I think it probably makes sense to do so if you are current or about to get current.
If it is me, I would wait till the FA is current and interfile I-693 on the first day of the month (in TSC). I don't see any issues with it. In the worst case, you might lose $350. In the broad scheme of things, it is worth it. If you are NSC, you don't have to do it. They were very active the last time I looked. Good Luck.

[abcx13]

If it is me, I would wait till the FA is current and interfile I-693 on the first day of the month (in TSC). I don't see any issues with it. In the worst case, you might lose $350. In the broad scheme of things, it is worth it. If you are NSC, you don't have to do it. They were very active the last time I looked. Good Luck.

My application is at NSC but I think I will interfile medicals when FAD is current.

P.S. - I'm not sure how active NSC (Lincoln) is because I still haven't received anything for my concurrent I140/485 downgrade filing from October and I'm past the case processing time on the USCIS website. On Trackitt it seems most people from late October in my situation also haven't received anything.

[gsingh]

Idli - thanks so much for generously posting this despite already having received your GC.

Including a link to this Trackitt thread on Fragomen re-evaluating later this week whether medicals should be interfiled.

https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/2195323555/interfile-medicals-without-rfe-pd-current-with-eb3-june-bulletin/page/2

My company used Fragomen but later had to fire them because they made too many stupid mistakes, so take their guidance for what it's worth, but if they or AILA suggest preemptively interfiling medicals now (perhaps based on some discussion with USCIS), I think it probably makes sense to do so if you are current or about to get current.

Can the applicants interfile on their own or does it need to go through the employer ?

[Zenzone]

If it is me, I would wait till the FA is current and interfile I-693 on the first day of the month (in TSC). I don't see any issues with it. In the worst case, you might lose $350. In the broad scheme of things, it is worth it. If you are NSC, you don't have to do it. They were very active the last time I looked. Good Luck.

Idli - Do you mean don't bother interfiling Medicals if your application is in NSC?

[Zenzone]

Can the applicants interfile on their own or does it need to go through the employer ?

Great question. I was about to ask the same thing. Can anyone with experience with this weigh in please?

[idliman]

Can the applicants interfile on their own or does it need to go through the employer ?
You will do it yourself. Company or attorneys are not involved. This a DIY guide similar to our EAD/AP renewal DIY Guide (https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2927-EAD-AP-Renewal-Sample-format).

[idliman]

Idli - Do you mean don't bother interfiling Medicals if your application is in NSC?
As NSC is sending RFEs proactively you may not need to do it. It all depends on your PD and where NSC is with processing. I have not followed recent tracking spreadsheets. So you have to make a decision yourself.

I thought long and hard about the risks and the above are the ones that I could come up with. If others have more concerens about interfile please share.

Zen: Somewhat crazy week at work. Later in the week, I will have more time to read and reply.

[gsingh]

You will do it yourself. Company or attorneys are not involved. This a DIY guide similar to our EAD/AP renewal DIY Guide (https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2927-EAD-AP-Renewal-Sample-format).

Thanks idliman.

[longwaitgigu]

Amazing post idliman
As usual your post are best and thankyou for helping us out.
I have question for you.
What would you recommend for MSC- NBC
I have been current since May 1st
No medical RFE yet
Should I go ahead and interfile medicals?
My I 140 is approved 10 years ago and also send I 485j
With same emp

[Zenzone]

As NSC is sending RFEs proactively you may not need to do it. It all depends on your PD and where NSC is with processing. I have not followed recent tracking spreadsheets. So you have to make a decision yourself.

I thought long and hard about the risks and the above are the ones that I could come up with. If others have more concerens about interfile please share.

Zen: Somewhat crazy week at work. Later in the week, I will have more time to read and reply.

Thanks Boss!

[may2011]

Hello,

My PD is May 2011, and I was not able to submit medicals in Oct 2020. I am planning to get the required vaccinations and get their documentations. My aim is to be ready with all the documents so I get reply quickly to the RFE if and when USCIS sends it. I am following this website for the required vaccinations https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirements

Are there any other tests (other than those mentioned by USCIS) required for medicals?

TIA

[idliman]

Amazing post idliman
As usual your post are best and thankyou for helping us out.
I have question for you.
What would you recommend for MSC- NBC
I have been current since May 1st
No medical RFE yet
Should I go ahead and interfile medicals?
My I 140 is approved 10 years ago and also send I 485j
With same emp
You can interfile. It is a proven method, but because it is a black box, be prepared to lose $350 in the worst case. But please please make sure that you have the correct service center.
Good luck.

[idliman]

Hello,

My PD is May 2011, and I was not able to submit medicals in Oct 2020. I am planning to get the required vaccinations and get their documentations. My aim is to be ready with all the documents so I get reply quickly to the RFE if and when USCIS sends it. I am following this website for the required vaccinations https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirements

Are there any other tests (other than those mentioned by USCIS) required for medicals?
TIA

If you go to a USCIS approved Civil Surgeon they will peform the tests based on latest requirements. Call different providers and shop around. Also ask them about what happens if the medical is lost or needs to be resubmitted. How much are they going to ask to redo the report.

USCIS - Find a Doctor (https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor)

[may2011]

If you go to a USCIS approved Civil Surgeon they will peform the tests based on latest requirements. Call different providers and shop around. Also ask them about what happens if the medical is lost or needs to be resubmitted. How much are they going to ask to redo the report.

USCIS - Find a Doctor (https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor)

thanks!I asked around.The civil surgeon's office recommended getting the blood test done to see what all antibodies we have and to get the vaccines needed.They can sign the form when I get the RFE.

[vedu]

thanks!I asked around.The civil surgeon's office recommended getting the blood test done to see what all antibodies we have and to get the vaccines needed.They can sign the form when I get the RFE.

Please be mindful of the Flu Vaccine. In the non-flu season, they don't give you flu shot and instead mention the "non-flu season" on the form. But if your RFE comes during the flu season, then you are required to take the flu shot and mention it correctly on the form. You don't want to accidentally send the form with incorrect information depending on the timing of the RFE.

[may2011]

Please be mindful of the Flu Vaccine. In the non-flu season, they don't give you flu shot and instead mention the "non-flu season" on the form. But if your RFE comes during the flu season, then you are required to take the flu shot and mention it correctly on the form. You don't want to accidentally send the form with incorrect information depending on the timing of the RFE.

thanks!! will keep that in mind!

[may2011]

August 7, 2018
To
USCIS
----- Service Center

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
[A# 231-010-000]
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Adjustment of Status (I-485, Receipt # SRC100000005) application is pending. The visa numbers for my category (EB2-India) are current for my priority date according to the most recent Department of State Visa Bulletin.
I request you to interfile my I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) form signed by the Civil Surgeon to the pending form I-485.
I am enclosing the following documents in support of my request:


Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
Copy of driver's license (North Carolina)
Copy of passport's biographic pages

Kindly approve my request to interfile and connect this correspondence to the corresponding file.
If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention in this matter.
Sincerely,

First LAST
1000 Pruce Lane, Concord, NC 28261
Cell 000-100-2001
Email: whatis@who.com

Here's the PDF of the above Request 1782.

thanks for the format

[maverick2010]

Quick question:

I'm planning to interfile and did my medicals yesterday. Should I include primary & secondary civil surgeon sealed envelopes with a cover letter in single package (or) separately?

Thank you!

[may2011]

Quick question:

I'm planning to interfile and did my medicals yesterday. Should I include primary & secondary civil surgeon sealed envelopes with a cover letter in single package (or) separately?

Thank you!

I think better send it in 2 separate enveloped with their own cover letter as both will have different receipts numbers.Do update your progress in the forum:)

[donkeykong]

Hi,
I'm in the same dilemma as well. Has anyone had success with interfiling I-693 after AOS? My attorney refused, so I am planning to file on my own.

[SaibabaAug2010]

Hi Guys,

I sent our medicals without RFE on 05/27 and I have chosen package delivery date as 06/01/2021. Here is the cover letter I used to send medicals. As expected there is no acknowledgement so far after package was delivered. I was hoping either GC approval or medical RFE will be triggered by sending medicals, but nothing happened as of now. I raised SR for I-131 out of the processing times and reached congresswoman in the meantime with the hope that something or the other will help. I'll update If there is any progress on my case.

Address and contact details

Date

USCIS, Attention: Adjustment of Status
850 NW Chipman Rd
Lee?s Summit, MO 64063

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Case#: MSCXXX
A#: XXX
DOB: XXX

Dear USCIS officer,
This is to bring to your notice that I, xxxx, A# xxxx have applied for Adjustment of Status (I-485) with Receipt Number xxxx. My I-485 Receipt date is xxxx at National Benefit Center and our Priority Date is xxxx ? EB2 India.
We herein submit Form I-693 sealed envelope (medicals) from civil surgeon to interfile with our pending Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Applications. Since our priority date (xxxx ? EB2 India) is current as per June 2021 visa bulletin and visa numbers are available, we kindly request the service to accept our I-693 and update our applications so visa can be allocated.
The attached supporting documents are current and provided for your reference to update / interfile I-693 records with my pending 485 application:
The following are attached in this package:
1. Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
2. Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
3. Copy of driver's license
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should any questions arise.

Sincerely,

xxxx

[maverick2010]

I interfiled my medicals today. If it doesn't work out, I'll think I paid lawyers little extra :)

[idliman]

I interfiled my medicals today. If it doesn't work out, I'll think I paid lawyers little extra :)
I would have done it if I was in your situation. Wishing you the best. Let us know what happened in one or two months.

2012 folks may also need to send G-325A if it had expired.

[maverick2010]

I would have done it if I was in your situation. Wishing you the best. Let us know what happened in one or two months.

2012 folks may also need to send G-325A if it had expired.

Thank you idliman! This would have not been possible without your guidance.

[PDAUG2011]

How do you get a confirmation that your file is updated with i-693 once you interfile it?

My lawyers interfiled my medicals a week back, so it has not been too long. But just wanted to stay on top of that.

[may2011]

How do you get a confirmation that your file is updated with i-693 once you interfile it?

My lawyers interfiled my medicals a week back, so it has not been too long. But just wanted to stay on top of that.

USCIS mostly won't proactively inform you.Many people on trackitt called the USCIS customer service or chatted with EMMA to know if medicals were linked to their application.Hope this helps!

[may2011]

Hello,

My PD is May 2011, and I was not able to submit medicals in Oct 2020. I am planning to get the required vaccinations and get their documentations. My aim is to be ready with all the documents so I get reply quickly to the RFE if and when USCIS sends it. I am following this website for the required vaccinations https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirements

Are there any other tests (other than those mentioned by USCIS) required for medicals?

TIA

Posting an update on medicals;

1)So we went to the civil surgeon.They charged each one of us an administrative fee of USD 75.They billed rest of the tests to our insurance provider.
2)They checked our medical records.They did not accept a doctor's note from India.Spouse had to get her vaccinations (MMR 2nd dose, varicella, Hep B titer) at her US university as a prereq. The civil surgeon accepted spouses medical records.Apparently the people at USCIS who check this are not very well versed in vaccination schedules.So its best if we don't confuse them further.
3)They need records for TDap within the last 10 years.Both of us had that.
4)They did a blood test for TB, Syphilis for both of us.They ordered a blood test to test for MMR & Varicella antibodies for me (as I just had a doctors note from India to prove my vaccination schedule).
5) TB, Syphilis tests were negative.They mentioned that if the TB test was positive we will need a chest Xray.So they preemptively ordered a chest Xray incase we need to use it.This was to avoid delays and further visits.
6)They found antibodies for MMR.Had to get a varicella shot
7)If we decide to send the medical form during a flu season, they will give us a flu shot.
8)The civil surgeon agreed to sign the form at a later date when we get the RFE.I am thinking of interfiling medicals in a week or so.

My company will be applying for premium processing of I-140 amendment (company name change) this week.Should I wait till -I140 is approved to interfile send medicals or can I get an RFE for 485 while my I-140 is pending?

[PDAUG2011]

USCIS mostly won't proactively inform you.Many people on trackitt called the USCIS customer service or chatted with EMMA to know if medicals were linked to their application.Hope this helps!

may2011,

Thanks for the suggestion. I called USCIS and the agent told me that they don't see anything related to medicals in my file. Maybe it may take some time, I will call and check after a couple of weeks again.

Other members,

Please respond back if you have any other suggestion for my original question.

Thanks!

[insane.yogi]

May2011 - interested to see responses for your query i.e. wait to interfile till I-140 is approved.

[gsingh]

For the folks who are current for FA in the July bulletin , is now a good time to interfile and send the medicals or do you suggest to wait until beginning of July.

[abcx13]

I guess before deciding where to send medicals, first we should check if application is at Service Center or FO? Interesting thread on Trackitt -

https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/2205114941/emma-and-rfe-for-medicals/page/last_page

[gsingh]

I guess before deciding where to send medicals, first we should check if application is at Service Center or FO? Interesting thread on Trackitt -

https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/2205114941/emma-and-rfe-for-medicals/page/last_page

Per live chat agent , my application is at TSC. Hope that doesn't change until medicals are attached to the application. Sending medicals tomorrows

[PDAUG2011]

How do you get a confirmation that your file is updated with i-693 once you interfile it?

My lawyers interfiled my medicals a week back, so it has not been too long. But just wanted to stay on top of that.

As I mentioned in my above post, my lawyer interfiled my medicals. They sent it to Chicago Lock Box and based on FedEx receipt, the Lock Box received it on 06/09. However I was informed by a live agent yesterday that they have mailed an RFE on 06/25. Yesterday, my 485J got approved and I have not received the RFE yet. Assuming that it is for medicals (I can't think about anything else - please share if anyone else has an idea about other possibilities), what are my options?

[LightAtEndOfTunnel]

Hi Guys,

I sent our medicals without RFE on 05/27 and I have chosen package delivery date as 06/01/2021. Here is the cover letter I used to send medicals. As expected there is no acknowledgement so far after package was delivered. I was hoping either GC approval or medical RFE will be triggered by sending medicals, but nothing happened as of now. I raised SR for I-131 out of the processing times and reached congresswoman in the meantime with the hope that something or the other will help. I'll update If there is any progress on my case.

Address and contact details

Date

USCIS, Attention: Adjustment of Status
850 NW Chipman Rd
Lee?s Summit, MO 64063

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Case#: MSCXXX
A#: XXX
DOB: XXX

Dear USCIS officer,
This is to bring to your notice that I, xxxx, A# xxxx have applied for Adjustment of Status (I-485) with Receipt Number xxxx. My I-485 Receipt date is xxxx at National Benefit Center and our Priority Date is xxxx ? EB2 India.
We herein submit Form I-693 sealed envelope (medicals) from civil surgeon to interfile with our pending Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Applications. Since our priority date (xxxx ? EB2 India) is current as per June 2021 visa bulletin and visa numbers are available, we kindly request the service to accept our I-693 and update our applications so visa can be allocated.
The attached supporting documents are current and provided for your reference to update / interfile I-693 records with my pending 485 application:
The following are attached in this package:
1. Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
2. Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
3. Copy of driver's license
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should any questions arise.

Sincerely,

xxxx

Was there any update on your case ?

[Waiting4GC]

While chatting with Emma today, the agent suggested that sending medicals without RFE may delay the case processing. He was kind enough to provide the following explanation when asked:

"..they could be lost after arriving and not applied to your case. If that happens, we would also have a hard time finding it because an RFE was not issued. That's just one scenario that I have seen.."

My interpretation: It seems that when you send an unasked document, some noting is done on your case. By seeing this noting, the case officer may not issue RFE assuming you may have already sent the document. But there may be a time gap between noting the unasked document and actual scanning or attaching the document to your case file and the document may get lost or delayed in the meantime.

It seems a plausible scenario, and we may need to consider this. But of course, everyone needs to weigh pro-cons and make up one's mind about this.

[LightAtEndOfTunnel]

While chatting with Emma today, the agent suggested that sending medicals without RFE may delay the case processing. He was kind enough to provide the following explanation when asked:

"..they could be lost after arriving and not applied to your case. If that happens, we would also have a hard time finding it because an RFE was not issued. That's just one scenario that I have seen.."

My interpretation: It seems that when you send an unasked document, some noting is done on your case. By seeing this noting, the case officer may not issue RFE assuming you may have already sent the document. But there may be a time gap between noting the unasked document and actual scanning or attaching the document to your case file and the document may get lost or delayed in the meantime.

It seems a plausible scenario, and we may need to consider this. But of course, everyone needs to weigh pro-cons and make up one's mind about this.

EMMA agents are sitting in tier-3 support desk with very limited visibility into case-file with a just a little more than what you can see on USCIS case status portal. Their answers are vague at best and do not provide much insight . Their understanding of internals of USCIS processing also is quite limited. It highly depends how motivated the agent was during the early orientation/training sessions. They can get by their daily work without having to use much of those things. So the way it works (at least at NSC) based on my own research is that when you send a mail, it gets sent to a shipping and receiving center building for USCIS. I heard it is not co-located with the NSC. They have 3rd party contractors in charge of mail sorting. They typically scan the mail and deliver it to I-485 case officers'/adjudicators' mail list. Depending on how motivated case officers feel that day one may see your I-693 attachment and upload it correctly to your I-485 case ticket created for you. There is no physical paper pushing involved. It's practically impossible to lug around 800 pages per I-485 case filing with tens of thousands of those. In my opinion interfiling may or may not help you case but it won't hurt your case certainly.

[longwaitgigu]

Hi Guys,

I sent our medicals without RFE on 05/27 and I have chosen package delivery date as 06/01/2021. Here is the cover letter I used to send medicals. As expected there is no acknowledgement so far after package was delivered. I was hoping either GC approval or medical RFE will be triggered by sending medicals, but nothing happened as of now. I raised SR for I-131 out of the processing times and reached congresswoman in the meantime with the hope that something or the other will help. I'll update If there is any progress on my case.

Address and contact details

Date

USCIS, Attention: Adjustment of Status
850 NW Chipman Rd
Lee?s Summit, MO 64063

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Case#: MSCXXX
A#: XXX
DOB: XXX

Dear USCIS officer,
This is to bring to your notice that I, xxxx, A# xxxx have applied for Adjustment of Status (I-485) with Receipt Number xxxx. My I-485 Receipt date is xxxx at National Benefit Center and our Priority Date is xxxx ? EB2 India.
We herein submit Form I-693 sealed envelope (medicals) from civil surgeon to interfile with our pending Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Applications. Since our priority date (xxxx ? EB2 India) is current as per June 2021 visa bulletin and visa numbers are available, we kindly request the service to accept our I-693 and update our applications so visa can be allocated.
The attached supporting documents are current and provided for your reference to update / interfile I-693 records with my pending 485 application:
The following are attached in this package:
1. Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
2. Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
3. Copy of driver's license
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should any questions arise.

Sincerely,

xxxx
Have you got any update on your case
Like rfe or approval
I have interfiled using the guidelines provided in this forum
Please update
RD- November 9
ND- February 5
Biometric- may 18
Interfiled on 7/13
No updates since then

[idliman]

EMMA agents are sitting in tier-3 support desk with very limited visibility into case-file with a just a little more than what you can see on USCIS case status portal. Their answers are vague at best and do not provide much insight . Their understanding of internals of USCIS processing also is quite limited. It highly depends how motivated the agent was during the early orientation/training sessions. They can get by their daily work without having to use much of those things. So the way it works (at least at NSC) based on my own research is that when you send a mail, it gets sent to a shipping and receiving center building for USCIS. I heard it is not co-located with the NSC. They have 3rd party contractors in charge of mail sorting. They typically scan the mail and deliver it to I-485 case officers'/adjudicators' mail list. Depending on how motivated case officers feel that day one may see your I-693 attachment and upload it correctly to your I-485 case ticket created for you. There is no physical paper pushing involved. It's practically impossible to lug around 800 pages per I-485 case filing with tens of thousands of those. In my opinion interfiling may or may not help you case but it won't hurt your case certainly.
There have been some recent success stories of interfiling and direct approval of GC recently. Come on people, you have been waiting for 10+ years. Some have been waiting for 15+ or 20+ years. Take a chance. Spend that 2x$400. I would gladly have done it even if there is a 5% chance of this getting through. I had spent enough time thinking about it before I recommend it to my friends here. Don't worry. It is certainly not going to hurt you.

I sincerely wish all you people who did interfiling will share your success here after your GC is approved.

[gc_dedo]

I agree idliman. It's worth giving shot.

I have a situation and I was hoping that I can file I-485J + medicals, but company attorney disagrees.

My situation:
Worked for employer A in the past on H1B. Employer A initiated the green card process in 2013 and filed PERM and then I-140 under EB2 category. Priority date was not current.
Left employer A and joined employer B a couple of years ago (in 2019). Employer B also initiated green card. PERM (EB3) is approved but didn't start I-40 yet.
Priority date became current as per Filing Date chart in last October 2020. So, used I-485 supp J provided by previous employer A and filed Adjustment of status application. It has been 9 months since. Just received EAD and AP. I am still on H1B with employer B. Planning to switch to EAD. My current employer is ready to support I-485J, provided attorney agrees. But attorney disagree that it comes under AC-21 provision. She says because I was not with employer A when filing AOS, there is nothing to port. She is suggesting to file I-140 and I-485 again. I will have to bear all the cost. At this time, I am thinking of finding a new job with previous employer A on EAD.

Any advice?

[idliman]

My situation:

Any advice?

You can file for GC with employer A while working for employer B. But this comes with the understanding that as soon as you get your GC, you will leave employer B and start working for employer A for a period of 6 to 12 months. This is a little risky because if there is any RFE that requires documentation from employer A, then they need to support you. However, you are not working for them. So it all depends on the relationship and trust between you two (employer A and you).

There is a clock associated with I-140. The employer must file I-140 within 6 months of PERM approval date. To keep you safe, you should ask employer B to file I-140. The employer should pay for that (I-140). Make sure that they recapture the old PD for the new PERM. But don?t file I-485 yet. Just ask them to file I-140. Later on you can do interfiling method to change underlying basis (but don?t tell that to attorney). You can say that you don?t have money to file I-485 now or some other reason.

Switching to EAD. Read our EAD thread for pros and cons.

Ask your attorney for legal reason for not filing I-485 Supp J. GC is for a future job promised through genuine job offer. So employer B is offering you a future job with "same or similar classification". Ask them if there is any reference to this situation in USCIS memo's or in USCIS service manual. This is the first time I am hearing about this. Try to understand what concern your attorney has. Or you can spend $250 and get separate opinion from other attorneys. Maybe the attorney is after your filing fee for I-485. Any attorney recommending a second I-485 is a red flag in my book. Why can't they do the "change of underlying basis" or interfile.

Just do your research and tread carefully. Pay money and ask opinion from other attorneys.

[gc_dedo]

Thanks Idliman. I will push for I-140 filing with current employer B. I was bit relaxed after getting my EAD last week.

Regarding the attorney not filing I-485J with my current employer(B), is that she doesn't think it will work. If I push, she can submit interfile request. But in her opinion, as I was not with employer A when AOS was filed, so AC-21 can't be used. She is also not sure of porting of priority date (with new I-140), because that was technically already "used" when I filed AOS in Oct. She said that USCIS may/ may not allow porting of priority date. I really don't think, one's priority date is gone if he/she has filed AOS.

As my old employer is just a staffing firm, finding another job and joining them should not be too difficult. I do have good professional terms with them and that's why I was able to file AOS using their I-485J.

So plan of action is file I-140 soon and also find some job and try to join previous employer (A) on EAD.

[montyp80]

@Idliman: Might be a noob or silly questions.

I am currently in India

1. Can I take vaccinations necessary for 693 here and carry the records with me to the US for filing medicals?
2. Will US civil surgeon accept records of vaccination from India?

Thanks in advance

[milindind]

Yes you can. Saves you money too...

[SaibabaAug2010]

Was there any update on your case ?

Sorry for the late response as I didn't browse this thread after my last post on 0610. Yes, I got G C on 08/06 and interfile worked. I sent medicals to NBC RFE address.

[longwaitgigu]

Sorry for the late response as I didn't browse this thread after my last post on 0610. Yes, I got G C on 08/06 and interfile worked. I sent medicals to NBC RFE address.

Congratulations
Do u mind to share your timelines and series please
I interfiled on 7/13 nothing yet

[SaibabaAug2010]

Congratulations
Do u mind to share your timelines and series please
I interfiled on 7/13 nothing yet

Please find my details on this post

https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2219-Celebrations-amp-Thanks/page40

[shaks2020]

Hello,
My PD is EB2 JUN 2010 and my case from MSC was transferred to FO 6/19/21. No RFE yet and I'm planning to interfile medicals. Does anyone know whether to send the medicals to the local FO or to the MSC ?

Idli and others, Thanks for the format for interfile!

Thank you
Shaks

[montyp80]

Gurus, question. Can we attach Medical (693) along with 485J in the event when someone has recently changed jobs?

[andhraguy]

Gurus, question. Can we attach Medical (693) along with 485J in the event when someone has recently changed jobs?

The correct way to send medicals if you receive any RFE whether for medicals specific or any other issue detected while processing your application. when you respond to a RFE with a copy of RFE letter, the response document goes to the same application bundle. Otherwise it will be treated as a separate application and it is your luck not receive another RFE for medicals. 485J application simply a new application and your will receive a separate receipt number.

There are mix cases where medical interfile worked and sometimes it does not. It is your choice to apply now or wait for an RFE. IMO you should apply now and take a chance. in case you receive another RFE then ask the same doctor for a duplicate sealed envelop. He may charge a minimal amount.

[idliman]

@Idliman: Might be a noob or silly questions.

I am currently in India

1. Can I take vaccinations necessary for 693 here and carry the records with me to the US for filing medicals?
2. Will US civil surgeon accept records of vaccination from India?

Thanks in advance
Sorry. Too many things going on recently and don't even check whatsapp for a week.
It depends on your Civil Surgeon. Some might accept it, while others will not. Mine accepted the record from India. You may call your Civil Surgeon's office and enquire. No standard procedure for this one.

[idliman]

Gurus, question. Can we attach Medical (693) along with 485J in the event when someone has recently changed jobs?
I think you can send it with a cover letter. If they lose it then get another one from Civil Surgeon. Some will charge $50 or so to give you a new sealed I-693 if it is within say a few months.
Take a chance. Are you willing to spend say $350 or $50 to get GC 6 to 1 year early?

[montyp80]

I think you can send it with a cover letter. If they lose it then get another one from Civil Surgeon. Some will charge $50 or so to give you a new sealed I-693 if it is within say a few months.
Take a chance. Are you willing to spend say $350 or $50 to get GC 6 to 1 year early?

Haha, now when you put it that way, there is absolutely no reason for not doing it!

Your replies are much appreciated.

Thank you

[rave79]

Hello Experts - With latest USCIS guidance yesterday, Is it recommended to interfile the I-693 medicals without RFE?

[abcx13]

Hello Experts - With latest USCIS guidance yesterday, Is it recommended to interfile the I-693 medicals without RFE?

According to some posts on Telegram, BAL, an immigration law firm, is trying to get the agency to work out a process to interfile medicals. Also there might be mass RFEs again soon hopefully. So I am waiting for a week or two.

No point interfiling if your BM/FP and I140 aren't done though.

[rave79]

According to some posts on BAL, an immigration law firm, they are trying to get the agency to work out a process to interfile medicals. Also there might be mass RFEs again soon hopefully. So I am waiting for a week or two.

No point interfiling though if your BM/FP and I140 aren't done though.


Hey abcx13 - Actually my I-140 is approved in PP about a month ago and current since last month. but yeah FP/BM is still pending..SRC is very slooooooooooooow

heard from a friend IN ORCL, BAL communicated explicitly not to Interfile medicals,but given the 'USCIS tweets' not sure how to interpret for the case where I-485 is already filed without the medicals in the last Oct-Nov-Dec 2020.

Eitherway may be better to send in proactively rather than wait until USCIS gives a green signal it will be a madrush like I-485/EB2-EB3 downgrade filing earlier this fiscal?

[maverick2010]

One more thing I forgot to mention. I interfiled my medicals with the help of "idliman". I don't think my application would have got approved soon without interfiling my medicals. Thanks a lot to idliman and rest who helped me! :)

[gsingh]

One more thing I forgot to mention. I interfiled my medicals with the help of "idliman". I don't think my application would have got approved soon without interfiling my medicals. Thanks a lot to idliman and rest who helped me! :)

Congrats maverick!
Were you able to get a confirmation from the USCIS agent that your medicals were attached to the I-485 application or did you get to know only once the 485 was approved ?

[maverick2010]

Congrats maverick!
Were you able to get a confirmation from the USCIS agent that your medicals were attached to the I-485 application or did you get to know only once the 485 was approved ?

I tried couple of times chatting with Emma to get some kind of confirmation but it never worked out. One agent said, medical attached to case file will only be known if an officer picks up my file for adjudication.

[gsingh]

I tried couple of times chatting with Emma to get some kind of confirmation but it never worked out. One agent said, medical attached to case file will only be known if an officer picks up my file for adjudication.

Thanks maverick. I heard the same from Emma for my case. Congrats Again!

[bones20]

Hi Guys,
Question on i693:
Do you suggest interfiling i693 before an rfe?
I have 2 copies of i693 ready so if the interfile fails, I will have a spare copy to respond to rfe.
If I get an rfe after October 1st, I am presuming that I will need the revised i693 requiring covid vaccination. So the medicals will need to be redone?

Details:
PD: 04/29/2010
Category: Eb2 (i140 approved)
Receipt date:10/28/2020
EAD/AP: Approved and received

thanks!

[inspired_p]

Hi Guys,
Question on i693:
Do you suggest interfiling i693 before an rfe?
I have 2 copies of i693 ready so if the interfile fails, I will have a spare copy to respond to rfe.
If I get an rfe after October 1st, I am presuming that I will need the revised i693 requiring covid vaccination. So the medicals will need to be redone?

Details:
PD: 04/29/2010
Category: Eb2 (i140 approved)
Receipt date:10/28/2020
EAD/AP: Approved and received

thanks!

I strongly suggest to Interfile

Idliman recommendation saved me multiple months of wait

[bones20]

I strongly suggest to Interfile

Idliman recommendation saved me multiple months of wait

thanks! Fragomen attorney is discouraging to interfile. Even I am confused why. In my case, it seems there is nothing to lose in interfiling.

[inspired_p]

thanks! Fragomen attorney is discouraging to interfile. Even I am confused why. In my case, it seems there is nothing to lose in interfiling.

My attorney strongly discouraged it as well. I filed it anyways. You rightly said, only thing to loose is some money, and if you are not a family of 4+ with medicals costing over $1000 every time, its worth it.

[bones20]

My attorney strongly discouraged it as well. I filed it anyways. You rightly said, only thing to loose is some money, and if you are not a family of 4+ with medicals costing over $1000 every time, its worth it.

By the way, how did come your case moved so fast from rfe sent on 08/20 to approved on 08/27? I am being told that that interfiling is 50-50 chance of even being linked correctly, let alone so quick and followed by an approval! Did you interfile yourself or through your attorney? I saw this guide from am22tech:
https://www.am22tech.com/medical-interfile-letter/
Did you follow a similar process?

[inspired_p]

By the way, how did come your case moved so fast from rfe sent on 08/20 to approved on 08/27? I am being told that that interfiling is 50-50 chance of even being linked correctly, let alone so quick and followed by an approval! Did you interfile yourself or through your attorney? I saw this guide from am22tech:
https://www.am22tech.com/medical-interfile-letter/
Did you follow a similar process?
RFE response and interfiling was sent 08-13-2021; the dates in the signature are RDs or acknowledgement dates

As far as format I downloaded one cover letter format ( don't know which one ) and sent copies of 797; passport; DL along with the cover letter and medicals
The swiftness of processing ; no comment on that - that's USCIS ; Mahima aparam par ! ( If you understand hindi)

[bones20]

RFE response and interfiling was sent 08-13-2021; the dates in the signature are RDs or acknowledgement dates

As far as format I downloaded one cover letter format ( don't know which one ) and sent copies of 797; passport; DL along with the cover letter and medicals
The swiftness of processing ; no comment on that - that's USCIS ; Mahima aparam par ! ( If you understand hindi)

:D So it seems you did it yourself. Thats great. Congrats and hope life is simpler going forward.

[bones20]

RFE response and interfiling was sent 08-13-2021; the dates in the signature are RDs or acknowledgement dates

As far as format I downloaded one cover letter format ( don't know which one ) and sent copies of 797; passport; DL along with the cover letter and medicals
The swiftness of processing ; no comment on that - that's USCIS ; Mahima aparam par ! ( If you understand hindi)

@inspired_p: I am also planning to do this myself and skip the attorney. Can you please confirm/answer the below:
1. Documents: i693, Cover letter, i797C (for I485), Passport (1st and last page?), DL. Anything else?
2. Can you please share/point to your cover letter template if you happen to have it? Did you add the barcode to the cover letter?
3. What address did you send? The one in the i485 receipt notice? My receipts came from the National benefits center, MO.
4. In your case, it seems your wife had an rfe and you did not. Did you send both in the same envelope or different?
5. Did you use USPS certified mail?

[sk.aggarwal]

RFE response and interfiling was sent 08-13-2021; the dates in the signature are RDs or acknowledgement dates

As far as format I downloaded one cover letter format ( don't know which one ) and sent copies of 797; passport; DL along with the cover letter and medicals
The swiftness of processing ; no comment on that - that's USCIS ; Mahima aparam par ! ( If you understand hindi)

How did you find the address where to send the interfile request?

[inspired_p]

Quote Originally Posted by bones20
Hi,
I am also planning to do this myself and skip the attorney. Can you please confirm/answer the below:
1. Documents: i693, Cover letter, i797C (for I485), Passport (1st and last page?), DL. Anything else?
Nothing else
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
2. Can you please share/point to your cover letter template if you happen to have it? Did you add the barcode to the cover letter?
August 7, 2018
To
USCIS
----- Service Center

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
[A# 231-010-000]
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Adjustment of Status (I-485, Receipt # SRC100000005) application is pending. The visa numbers for my category (EB2-India) are current for my priority date according to the most recent Department of State Visa Bulletin.
I request you to interfile my I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) form signed by the Civil Surgeon to the pending form I-485.
I am enclosing the following documents in support of my request:

Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
Copy of driver's license (North Carolina)
Copy of passport's biographic pages

Kindly approve my request to interfile and connect this correspondence to the corresponding file.
If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention in this matter.
Sincerely,

First LAST
1000 Pruce Lane, Concord, NC 28261
Cell 000-100-2001
Email: whatis@who.com

No Barcode.
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
3. What address did you send? The one in the i485 receipt notice? My receipts came from the National benefits center, MO.
I sent it along with spouse RFE response in the same envelope. The Address for the RFE response was of Field office
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
4. In your case, it seems your wife had an rfe and you did not. Did you send both in the same envelope or different?
I sent it along with spouse RFE response in the same envelope. The Address for the RFE response was of Field office
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
5. Did you use USPS certified mail?
Yes.
Best of Luck !

[inspired_p]

How did you find the address where to send the interfile request?

For me personally, there was one RFE on dependent but no RFE for primary. I mailed everything in one envelope to the same address.

[bones20]

Quote Originally Posted by bones20
Hi,
I am also planning to do this myself and skip the attorney. Can you please confirm/answer the below:
1. Documents: i693, Cover letter, i797C (for I485), Passport (1st and last page?), DL. Anything else?
Nothing else
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
2. Can you please share/point to your cover letter template if you happen to have it? Did you add the barcode to the cover letter?
August 7, 2018
To
USCIS
----- Service Center

Sub: Request to Interfile I-693 Medical Report to Pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
[A# 231-010-000]
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Adjustment of Status (I-485, Receipt # SRC100000005) application is pending. The visa numbers for my category (EB2-India) are current for my priority date according to the most recent Department of State Visa Bulletin.
I request you to interfile my I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) form signed by the Civil Surgeon to the pending form I-485.
I am enclosing the following documents in support of my request:

Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
Sealed I-693 Medical Report signed by the Civil Surgeon
Copy of driver's license (North Carolina)
Copy of passport's biographic pages

Kindly approve my request to interfile and connect this correspondence to the corresponding file.
If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention in this matter.
Sincerely,

First LAST
1000 Pruce Lane, Concord, NC 28261
Cell 000-100-2001
Email: whatis@who.com

No Barcode.
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
3. What address did you send? The one in the i485 receipt notice? My receipts came from the National benefits center, MO.
I sent it along with spouse RFE response in the same envelope. The Address for the RFE response was of Field office
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
4. In your case, it seems your wife had an rfe and you did not. Did you send both in the same envelope or different?
I sent it along with spouse RFE response in the same envelope. The Address for the RFE response was of Field office
Quote Originally Posted by bones20
5. Did you use USPS certified mail?
Yes.
Best of Luck !

Thanks inspired_p. Did you send 2 cover letters (one for each one of you)?

[bones20]

For those who interfiled, did you guys send 2 cover letters (for yourself and spouse) or just one? Any recommendation on carrier - USPS express certified or Fedex?

[idliman]

For those who interfiled, did you guys send 2 cover letters (for yourself and spouse) or just one? Any recommendation on carrier - USPS express certified or Fedex?
I hope you had already read the earlier posts on this topic. https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456

Just bringing it to attention in case you are not aware. FedEx gets delivered faster. Depends on where you are sending it. For a lock-box it may not matter (reason is given in the analysis post).

Good Luck Dr.

[oraclept]

I am current in both Eb2 and Eb3. I got Eb3 I140 approved last week. I filed my petition in Oct, 2020
I did not receive RFE for medicals. Without Medicals, Can I send medicals to USCIS. ?

[idliman]

I am current in both Eb2 and Eb3. I got Eb3 I140 approved last week. I filed my petition in Oct, 2020
I did not receive RFE for medicals. Without Medicals, Can I send medicals to USCIS. ?

This entire thread is about this topic with a wealth of information.
Please read analysis here (Post #36) (https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456).
Please see sample format here (Post #37) (https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82457&viewfull=1#post82457).

Good Luck.

[bones20]

I hope you had already read the earlier posts on this topic. https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456

Just bringing it to attention in case you are not aware. FedEx gets delivered faster. Depends on where you are sending it. For a lock-box it may not matter (reason is given in the analysis post).

Good Luck Dr.

Thanks idliman. The post does not mention if we need 2 cover letters one each for primary and dependent or did it miss it?

[inspired_p]

I hope you had already read the earlier posts on this topic. https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456

Just bringing it to attention in case you are not aware. FedEx gets delivered faster. Depends on where you are sending it. For a lock-box it may not matter (reason is given in the analysis post).

Good Luck Dr.

Sorry idliman , I should have just searched the forum and shared links to your posts instead of replicating of the information.

[idliman]

Thanks idliman. The post does not mention if we need 2 cover letters one each for primary and dependent or did it miss it?
Each A# needs a cover letter. It is similar to EAD/AP template. You can mail two requests in one envelope.

[idliman]

No problem. Glad that you are helping others. Suddenly, I find busy at work and am not sending a lot of time here.

[oraclept]

This entire thread is about this topic with a wealth of information.
Please read analysis here (Post #36) (https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456).
Please see sample format here (Post #37) (https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82457&viewfull=1#post82457).

Good Luck.

Thanks. I read the thread. I am not planning to interfile. I am planning to continue in Eb3 Boat for good or bad.
In that case can i send medicals without RFE?. Lawyer suggesting not to send. RReddy suggested to send. Confused..

[bones20]

thank you idliman & inspired_p!

[idliman]

Thanks. I read the thread. I am not planning to interfile. I am planning to continue in Eb3 Boat for good or bad.
In that case can i send medicals without RFE?. Lawyer suggesting not to send. RReddy suggested to send. Confused..
The first time someone is sending an immigration form filled by themselves (independently) without any attorney involvement is something. Most of the people in online forums never have experienced this situation and are not used to that. In Q's blog, the readership is more refined and you get more of the folks with DIY attitude and confidance. There is some comfort and safety in making attorney's doing the paperwork. However it is an illusion and once you start doing it yourself one will become more and more confidant and start finding all the mistakes that your attorney/paralegal had done so far. Most of the immigration forms are straight-forward. All it needs is your dedication.

I know that I am straying outside the topic here. I can only talk from my perspective. The facts are there about whether to interfile medical or not. The advantages, disadvantages and user experience is already documented in this thread. It is upto the individual user to decide if it is the right thing for his/her family. I respect your decision. Good Luck.

[idliman]

RReddy suggested to send. I had completely missed an important point. You may want to read-up more about Reddy'garu and blog girl before listening to lots of them. They follow unconventional patterns and I believe they recently advised a second I-485 for downgrade/upgrade (instead of interfiling).

Edit: There used to be lot of material / hate blogs for what they did. Here's one that I found today. Bottom line is don't trust the attorney's blindly. Most are in it to keep maintaining and increasing their revenue stream. Do what's best for you. The AILA and ITServ are big monsters. Charles Kuck, who was once AILA president openly came out opposing removal of per-country cap. He and Greg Siskind work closely on many cases. They may go for humanitarian cases, but when it comes to EB category everyone likes the smell of money.

Itserve hampering chances of getting green cards to indians (https://www.teamblind.com/post/Itserve-hampering-chances-of-getting-green-cards-to-indians-ckH2mBbo)

I want guys new to immigration blogs to be aware of this before old timers retire eventually. Analyze your current situation, read more about it and then make a decision. There are thousands of backloggers waiting to get GCs. Unless you take some positive steps nothing is going to happen for you. Good Luck.

[Zenzone]

I had completely missed an important point. You may want to read-up more about Reddy'garu and blog girl before listening to lots of them. They follow unconventional patterns and I believe they recently advised a second I-485 for downgrade/upgrade (instead of interfiling).

Edit: There used to be lot of material / hate blogs for what they did. Here's one that I found today. Bottom line is don't trust the attorney's blindly. Most are in it to keep maintaining and increasing their revenue stream. Do what's best for you. The AILA and ITServ are big monsters. Charles Kuck, who was once AILA president openly came out opposing removal of per-country cap. He and Greg Siskind work closely on many cases. They may go for humanitarian cases, but when it comes to EB category everyone likes the smell of money.

Itserve hampering chances of getting green cards to indians (https://www.teamblind.com/post/Itserve-hampering-chances-of-getting-green-cards-to-indians-ckH2mBbo)

I want guys new to immigration blogs to be aware of this before old timers retire eventually. Analyze your current situation, read more about it and then make a decision. There are thousands of backloggers waiting to get GCs. Unless you take some positive steps nothing is going to happen for you. Good Luck.

Couldn't agree more. Its also a faint reminder that old timers are about to retire. My mind refuses to acknowledge it though ;)

[sling10]

Can someone please help me understand the new Covid-19 vaccination rule starting October 1st for I-693 ?

Does that mean a new version of the form I-693 will be released soon ?

If my medicals are done in September with the current form which does not have the Covid-19 requirement, but, my 485 gets filed after Oct 1st, will the 693 be considered valid ?

Thanks !

[3nov10]

If your form reaches on or after 1 oct, it needs to be the new one with covid vaccine. I don't know when they are issuing the new form.

[sling10]

If your form reaches on or after 1 oct, it needs to be the new one with covid vaccine. I don't know when they are issuing the new form.

My form will reach only after October 1st. But, is it when the form reaches or when the medical exam was done and the form signed by the civil surgeon ?

[gammaray]

My form will reach only after October 1st. But, is it when the form reaches or when the medical exam was done and the form signed by the civil surgeon ?

Not sure where the confusion is if you read the USCIS/CDC release. If the physical exam is conducted on/after Oct 1 then vaccination proof is required. Not before Oct 1. In any case a competent civil surgeon will be aware of what's required and what's not. They are not going to sign and seal an incomplete form.

[bones20]

My form will reach only after October 1st. But, is it when the form reaches or when the medical exam was done and the form signed by the civil surgeon ?

Its not clear but based on information here (https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/green-card-applicants-have-to-get-covid-5497114/), it seems the requirement is based on examination date and not submission or adjudication dates:


Starting October 1, I-485 applicants will be required to provide documentation to their USCIS physicians that they have received all required doses of a COVID vaccine -- either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson.

If the Form I-693 can be completed by the USCIS physician before October 1, the COVID vaccination requirement does not apply

[sling10]

Not sure where the confusion is if you read the USCIS/CDC release. If the physical exam is conducted on/after Oct 1 then vaccination proof is required. Not before Oct 1. In any case a competent civil surgeon will be aware of what's required and what's not. They are not going to sign and seal an incomplete form.

Confusion is that will the current version of 693 that has been signed / sealed before Oct 1st, be considered valid for the 485 filed post Oct 1st when a new version of the form 693 comes out ?

OR

Do I have to wait for the new version of the form 693 to come out ?

[gammaray]

Confusion is that will the current version of 693 that has been signed / sealed before Oct 1st, be considered valid for the 485 filed post Oct 1st when a new version of the form 693 comes out ?

OR

Do I have to wait for the new version of the form 693 to come out ?

Again, whatever version of the form that exists at the time of the physical examination signature, is valid. Did you have this question also for the flu shot that's required Oct 1 onwards? How is this any different?

If you are that uncertain, then why the rush, just wait for Oct 1 and get the physical exam and signature done then. Meanwhile you can get all the blood/urology work and any vaccinations done this month.

[bones20]

https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456


"In the five business days (max) it takes the contractor to fulfill the interfile correspondence, if an AO send an I-693 RFE, the outcome is undefined."
@idliman: Can you or someone please elaborate what is meant by outcome undefined? In this case, will you not respond to the rfe with a new/duploicate copy of i693 which will then get linked as part of the rfe process? Why should this become an undeterministic problem?

[sling10]

Again, whatever version of the form that exists at the time of the physical examination signature, is valid. Did you have this question also for the flu shot that's required Oct 1 onwards? How is this any different?

If you are that uncertain, then why the rush, just wait for Oct 1 and get the physical exam and signature done then. Meanwhile you can get all the blood/urology work and any vaccinations done this month.

There is an entry for the flu shot on the current form. The Covid-19 entry is not available on the current form and not sure if that will be available on the new form. In terms of vaccinations, blood / urology work, I have already done that and had scheduled a medical exam for the 3rd week of September and was hoping to file in October as my date is current in the date of filing chart and hopefully USCIS will honor the date of filing chart come October. I want to try and file the 485 as early as possible in October. Hence, the questions.

[gammaray]

There is an entry for the flu shot on the current form. The Covid-19 entry is not available on the current form and not sure if that will be available on the new form. In terms of vaccinations, blood / urology work, I have already done that and had scheduled a medical exam for the 3rd week of September and was hoping to file in October as my date is current in the date of filing chart and hopefully USCIS will honor the date of filing chart come October. I want to try and file the 485 as early as possible in October. Hence, the questions.

Yes there is an entry in the form, but what I meant was if you were completing the exam in September then the flu shot would not be checked, but your application would reach USCIS in October. So similar situation.

The medical exam is a 30 minute process (if that), and if all your bloodwork and vaccinations are completed then the doctor will likely return the form signed/sealed on the same day. So you are not going to save any time really if you did it in September vs scheduling it on Oct 1/2. Of course you would need the additional flu shot.

[sling10]

Yes there is an entry in the form, but what I meant was if you were completing the exam in September then the flu shot would not be checked, but your application would reach USCIS in October. So similar situation.

The medical exam is a 30 minute process (if that), and if all your bloodwork and vaccinations are completed then the doctor will likely return the form signed/sealed on the same day. So you are not going to save any time really if you did it in September vs scheduling it on Oct 1/2. Of course you would need the additional flu shot.

Thanks gammaray for the inputs ! The flu shot is already available in my area and will be taking it before the exam in September. So, from a flu shot perspective we would be covered. Not the same case with the Covid vaccine shot. Even though we are fully vaccinated, not sure when the updated form will be available to notate that. Hence, the question still remains :

Will the current version of 693 that has been signed / sealed before Oct 1st 2021, be considered valid with regards to the Covid-19 requirement for the new 485 applications filed post Oct 1st 2021 ?

[idliman]

https://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2958-Dilemma-or-Conundrum-of-I693-Medical-with-485-or-after-485-filing?p=82456&viewfull=1#post82456
@idliman: Can you or someone please elaborate what is meant by outcome undefined? In this case, will you not respond to the rfe with a new/duplicate copy of i693 which will then get linked as part of the rfe process? Why should this become an undeterministic problem?
If you fall in a window where they are processing your interfile request and an RFE is being generated, then you may have to resend the I-693 one more time as a reply to RFE. You can also call in to see if they can accept your interfile request. To save time, I would tell the doctor that USCIS lost your I-693, Pay $50 (most charge this) and resend I-693. Lets say the AO picks up your file one day after interfile email is sent to him by the service center, then he/she is going to approve your case immediately.

Too many things. Just spend the money, send the interfile and forget it. It has more than 95% success. If they lose it or something happens then spend money for the duplicate. Peace.

[bones20]

If you fall in a window where they are processing your interfile request and an RFE is being generated, then you may have to resend the I-693 one more time as a reply to RFE. You can also call in to see if they can accept your interfile request. To save time, I would tell the doctor that USCIS lost your I-693, Pay $50 (most charge this) and resend I-693. Lets say the AO picks up your file one day after interfile email is sent to him by the service center, then he/she is going to approve your case immediately.

Too many things. Just spend the money, send the interfile and forget it. It has more than 95% success. If they lose it or something happens then spend money for the duplicate. Peace.

Thanks @idliman !

[bones20]

Update:
So based on the suggestions here, I went ahead and interfiled i693 (reached USCIS on 09/03). Today 09/09 I received an SMS from USCIS:
"Message from USCIS: Green Card applicants should return Requests for Evidence as soon as possible by overnight, priority or courier delivery. uscis.gov/i-485

If you have already responded to USCIS, then please disregard this message."

Questions:
1. Any guesses what is happening here? Will the interfile happen (or has happened) before an rfe is generated?
2. If I do get an rfe, I am presuming I should respond to it with a duplicate/new i693?

[idliman]

Update:
So based on the suggestions here, I went ahead and interfiled i693 (reached USCIS on 09/03). Today 09/09 I received an SMS from USCIS:
"Message from USCIS: Green Card applicants should return Requests for Evidence as soon as possible by overnight, priority or courier delivery. uscis.gov/i-485

If you have already responded to USCIS, then please disregard this message."

Questions:
1. Any guesses what is happening here? Will the interfile happen (or has happened) before an rfe is generated?
2. If I do get an rfe, I am presuming I should respond to it with a duplicate/new i693?
Just stay put. If you look at the recent signed affidavit to a Judge, USCIS mentioned that they have contacted applicants via email/SMS and asked them to send medical and complete their file (without RFE). That was one of their justifcations to the judge claiming that they are doing eveything to prevent wastage of visas. So maybe USCIS is trying to claim credit for your I-693? Or they are accepting it because they sent a communication to you. Or this can be a pure random thing.

My understanding is that once you interfile, your documents will be scanned and send via email to the case officer. He/She should look at it and then attach it to the immigration case. Too early to say anything. Just wait a few more days. You should be good.

[Waiting4GC]

Update:
So based on the suggestions here, I went ahead and interfiled i693 (reached USCIS on 09/03). Today 09/09 I received an SMS from USCIS:
"Message from USCIS: Green Card applicants should return Requests for Evidence as soon as possible by overnight, priority or courier delivery. uscis.gov/i-485

If you have already responded to USCIS, then please disregard this message."

Questions:
1. Any guesses what is happening here? Will the interfile happen (or has happened) before an rfe is generated?
2. If I do get an rfe, I am presuming I should respond to it with a duplicate/new i693?

I also received the text message. I have not received RFE yet and online case status has not yet changed. I hope I receive RFE soon so that I can submit the medicals before end of Sept to have a chance to get GC in this FY.

By receiving this text, can we reasonably assume that RFE is on the way?

[bones20]

I also received the text message. I have not received RFE yet and online case status has not yet changed. I hope I receive RFE soon so that I can submit the medicals before end of Sept to have a chance to get GC in this FY.

By receiving this text, can we reasonably assume that RFE is on the way?

No idea. This same text messages has many triggers. I am hoping that it is an rfe for you and i693 interfile activity for me.

[bones20]

Just stay put. If you look at the recent signed affidavit to a Judge, USCIS mentioned that they have contacted applicants via email/SMS and asked them to send medical and complete their file (without RFE). That was one of their justifcations to the judge claiming that they are doing eveything to prevent wastage of visas. So maybe USCIS is trying to claim credit for your I-693? Or they are accepting it because they sent a communication to you. Or this can be a pure random thing.

My understanding is that once you interfile, your documents will be scanned and send via email to the case officer. He/She should look at it and then attach it to the immigration case. Too early to say anything. Just wait a few more days. You should be good.
Hi @idliman,
So looks like my interfile coincided with AO issuing an RFE. In my case, the rfe is also asking for documentary evidence of deposition of court citations. I had answered yes to part 8, question 25 for traffic tickets and described details in addendum. Two of my tickets are really old (2010 & 2007) and I cant even look up those citations on court websites.
1. Can you please suggest what is acceptable evidence of deposition?
2. Do I need to visit the courts (what do I ask for?).
3. What do I do with the old tickets (one of them is now 7 hours drive from my place).
4. For the medical rfe, should I send the old sealed copy or get new ones done with covid records? Seems the old one will not be acceptable in October.

thanks!

[Waiting4GC]

Hi @idliman,
So looks like my interfile coincided with AO issuing an RFE. In my case, the rfe is also asking for documentary evidence of deposition of court citations (traffic tickets). Two of my tickets are really old (2010 & 2007) and I cant even look up those citations on court websites.
1. Can you please suggest what is acceptable evidence of deposition?
2. Do I need to visit the courts (what do I ask for?).
3. What do I do with the old tickets (one of them is now 7 hours drive from my place).
4. For the medical rfe, should I send the old sealed copy or get new ones done with covid records? Seems the old one will not be acceptable in October.

thanks!

Did you receive the physical RFE? Even though I received the text on Thursday, I have not received anything in mail nor my case status has changed online. Just wondering if it was just a generic message wrongly sent to me.

[bones20]

Did you receive the physical RFE? Even though I received the text on Thursday, I have not received anything in mail nor my case status has changed online. Just wondering if it was just a generic message wrongly sent to me.

Yes - physical rfe.

[idliman]

Hi @idliman,
So looks like my interfile coincided with AO issuing an RFE. In my case, the rfe is also asking for documentary evidence of deposition of court citations. I had answered yes to part 8, question 25 for traffic tickets and described details in addendum. Two of my tickets are really old (2010 & 2007) and I cant even look up those citations on court websites.
1. Can you please suggest what is acceptable evidence of deposition?
2. Do I need to visit the courts (what do I ask for?).
3. What do I do with the old tickets (one of them is now 7 hours drive from my place).
4. For the medical rfe, should I send the old sealed copy or get new ones done with covid records? Seems the old one will not be acceptable in October.

thanks!

I have no advice to offer on traffic violations. However I did a google search on "trackitt and traffic ticket" and found a lot of threads with info that you are looking for. Should not be a problem for traffic violations. They have accepted verbal replies.

For medical, Is the RFE from local office? In that case, you can call them after one or 2 weeks and then ask if they had received the interfiled medical sent on such and such date. In 2 or 3 weeks, the medical should reach the AO. Even sometimes, you will get good replies from EMMA whether the medicals have been interfiled successfully or not.

If not, you have to claim a lost USCIS I-693 and then pay the Dr office to reissue the same report. Because an RFE has been issued and you are doing an interview, I would advise you to confirm the I-693 status with local office.

Good Luck.

[bones20]

I have no advice to offer on traffic violations. However I did a google search on "trackitt and traffic ticket" and found a lot of threads with info that you are looking for. Should not be a problem for traffic violations. They have accepted verbal replies.

For medical, Is the RFE from local office? In that case, you can call them after one or 2 weeks and then ask if they had received the interfiled medical sent on such and such date. In 2 or 3 weeks, the medical should reach the AO. Even sometimes, you will get good replies from EMMA whether the medicals have been interfiled successfully or not.

If not, you have to claim a lost USCIS I-693 and then pay the Dr office to reissue the same report. Because an RFE has been issued and you are doing an interview, I would advise you to confirm the I-693 status with local office.

Good Luck.

Thanks Idliman! I am not going for any interview (no request yet).

What do you mean by claim lost i693? I already have a sealed copy of i693 from the doctor. The only problem is that it will be invalid starting October due to covid vaccine requirements.

[idliman]

Thanks Idliman! I am not going for any interview (no request yet).

What do you mean by claim lost i693? I already have a sealed copy of i693 from the doctor. The only problem is that it will be invalid starting October due to covid vaccine requirements.
You can tell the Dr office that USCIS processing lost the I-693 package and they had sent an RFE. So you don't know what to do in this situation. Can they help you as you had already paid once in full. Most likely they will agree. That's why while interfiling, I advised people to discuss this hypothetical situation with Dr office. Two of the fellow members informed me that Dr office will charge around $50 for such a scenario (to reissue I-693).

Your situation is a little complicated as they have to fill a new form due to COVID requirement. You have to show the proof of COVID vaccination. I think they can reuse the existing tests. However they will ask for some money. Hopefully it is not greater than $50 per applicant.

Nothing in America is free, especially healthcare. Good Luck.

[bones20]

You can tell the Dr office that USCIS processing lost the I-693 package and they had sent an RFE. So you don't know what to do in this situation. Can they help you as you had already paid once in full. Most likely they will agree. That's why while interfiling, I advised people to discuss this hypothetical situation with Dr office. Two of the fellow members informed me that Dr office will charge around $50 for such a scenario (to reissue I-693).

Your situation is a little complicated as they have to fill a new form due to COVID requirement. You have to show the proof of COVID vaccination. I think they can reuse the existing tests. However they will ask for some money. Hopefully it is not greater than $50 per applicant.

Nothing in America is free, especially healthcare. Good Luck.

Do you think if I respond to the rfe with my spare ,old, duplicate i693, they will accept it if it reached there before end of September?

[sling10]

Thanks Idliman! I am not going for any interview (no request yet).

What do you mean by claim lost i693? I already have a sealed copy of i693 from the doctor. The only problem is that it will be invalid starting October due to covid vaccine requirements.

If the medicals are done before Oct 1st but submitted after Oct 1st, why will they be considered invalid ? Isn't the new Covid requirement, only for medicals done after Oct 1st ? For eg : I am doing my medicals in Sept with the current form (which does not ask for any Covid details) and submitting 485 post Oct 1st, will the medicals be considered invalid in that case ? I have not got a definitive answer for this question of mine.

[bones20]

If the medicals are done before Oct 1st but submitted after Oct 1st, why will they be considered invalid ? Isn't the new Covid requirement, only for medicals done after Oct 1st ? For eg : I am doing my medicals in Sept with the current form (which does not ask for any Covid details) and submitting 485 post Oct 1st, will the medicals be considered invalid in that case ? I have not got a definitive answer for this question of mine.

Its not clear. But, they are the boss.

[gammaray]

If the medicals are done before Oct 1st but submitted after Oct 1st, why will they be considered invalid ? Isn't the new Covid requirement, only for medicals done after Oct 1st ? For eg : I am doing my medicals in Sept with the current form (which does not ask for any Covid details) and submitting 485 post Oct 1st, will the medicals be considered invalid in that case ? I have not got a definitive answer for this question of mine.

I have tried to say it multiple times but to no avail. Medicals signed and sealed prior to Oct 1 should not be invalidated if submitted after Oct 1. When it's submitted doesn't matter as long as it's within 60 days of I-485 submission. If a new i693 form does come out it will not suddenly appear without any prior notice. The website will clearly say when the form will come out and when the older form will no longer be valid. It's not even clear a new form will come out, it could be as simple as the doctor noting on the existing form after Oct 1 that covid vaccination is completed (as someone noted here earlier). If folks are so unsure and can't wait for medicals to be done after Oct 1, then the safest option is to ask the doctor to include the vaccination note on the existing form even if its prior to Oct 1.

[sling10]

I have tried to say it multiple times but to no avail. Medicals signed and sealed prior to Oct 1 should not be invalidated if submitted after Oct 1. When it's submitted doesn't matter as long as it's within 60 days of I-485 submission. If a new i693 form does come out it will not suddenly appear without any prior notice. The website will clearly say when the form will come out and when the older form will no longer be valid. It's not even clear a new form will come out, it could be as simple as the doctor noting on the existing form after Oct 1 that covid vaccination is completed (as someone noted here earlier). If folks are so unsure and can't wait for medicals to be done after Oct 1, then the safest option is to ask the doctor to include the vaccination note on the existing form even if its prior to Oct 1.

Yes gammaray, I know that you have answered this question of mine earlier. I will be asking the surgeon to include the Covid-19 details in the existing form. Thanks !

[gammaray]

Yes gammaray, I know that you have answered this question of mine earlier. I will be asking the surgeon to include the Covid-19 details in the existing form. Thanks !

Direction from USCIS. Hopefully this puts to rest any debate or confusion.

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-vaccination-required-for-immigration-medical-examinations

[sling10]

Direction from USCIS. Hopefully this puts to rest any debate or confusion.

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-vaccination-required-for-immigration-medical-examinations

Yes, it does !

[Waiting4GC]

Hi Gurus, I am planning to interfile my medicals next week. I am also thinking to include copy of my birth certificate because I did not have it at the time of filing and had only submitted the affidavits from my parents at that time. In the meantime, I have my birth registered and have received the BC. Is it advisable to interfile medical and include copy of BC? Or Just interfile medicals? Or just wait for RFE and not interfile at all?

[Waiting4GC]

Hi Gurus, I am planning to interfile my medicals next week. I am also thinking to include copy of my birth certificate because I did not have it at the time of filing and had only submitted the affidavits from my parents at that time. In the meantime, I have my birth registered and have received the BC. Is it advisable to interfile medical and include copy of BC? Or Just interfile medicals? Or just wait for RFE and not interfile at all?

@idliman, @AceMan, Others, do you have any views about this? I am trying to think if there is anyway it can hurt my application to include the the BC along with the medicals in interfiling. At the most they will issue a RFE for secondary evidences which will be anyway a good thing. I have obtained an extra copy of sealed medicals from my doctor too.

[andhraguy]

Hi Gurus, I am planning to interfile my medicals next week. I am also thinking to include copy of my birth certificate because I did not have it at the time of filing and had only submitted the affidavits from my parents at that time. In the meantime, I have my birth registered and have received the BC. Is it advisable to interfile medical and include copy of BC? Or Just interfile medicals? Or just wait for RFE and not interfile at all?

Waiting4GC - Medical interfile worked for some folks and does not for some. Worth talking chance and apply asap. Parent affidavits with a secondary evidences like school certificate/records medical record works fine in leu of original BC . If you have already summitted at the time of filling, Imo no need to submit BC now and disturb the approval process.

Also it is mentioned in the affidavits that not birth certificate is available, submitting BC now may raise issues with your application. Secondly late registry of birth does not considered as valid proof you still need affidavits and a secondary evidence.

I would just interfile Medicals for now and wait for BC related RFE in any. At that time take some legal advise, explain your situation and submit all evidences together.

[Waiting4GC]

Waiting4GC - Medical interfile worked for some folks and does not for some. Worth talking chance and apply asap. Parent affidavits with a secondary evidences like school certificate/records medical record works fine in leu of original BC . If you have already summitted at the time of filling, Imo no need to submit BC now and disturb the approval process.

Also it is mentioned in the affidavits that not birth certificate is available, submitting BC now may raise issues with your application. Secondly late registry of birth does not considered as valid proof you still need affidavits and a secondary evidence.

I would just interfile Medicals for now and wait for BC related RFE in any. At that time take some legal advise, explain your situation and submit all evidences together.

Thanks for the advice. Make sense. I will just interfile the medicals.

[Waiting4GC]

Did you receive the physical RFE? Even though I received the text on Thursday, I have not received anything in mail nor my case status has changed online. Just wondering if it was just a generic message wrongly sent to me.

Even though I received the text on 9 Sept, I have not received the RFE. Online status also remains FP applied. I called USCIS and they said RFE has not been sent and she created a enquiry with referral ID starting with WKDXXXXX (not sure if it is same thing as SR). I received a reply saying "We have reviewed your Form I-485. Our records indicate that a RFE has not been sent. Your case has been transferred to the Field Office for review."

Has anyone else seen a case where RFE was not issued and text was sent? Is there anything else I can do? Besides being disappointed for not getting RFE, I am also little worried that someone somewhere in USCIS may have issued it and waiting for response even though their system saying otherwise.

[delguy]

Even though I received the text on 9 Sept, I have not received the RFE. Online status also remains FP applied. I called USCIS and they said RFE has not been sent and she created a enquiry with referral ID starting with WKDXXXXX (not sure if it is same thing as SR). I received a reply saying "We have reviewed your Form I-485. Our records indicate that a RFE has not been sent. Your case has been transferred to the Field Office for review."

Has anyone else seen a case where RFE was not issued and text was sent? Is there anything else I can do? Besides being disappointed for not getting RFE, I am also little worried that someone somewhere in USCIS may have issued it and waiting for response even though their system saying otherwise.

Have you checked with EMMA if your case is with a field office (FO) and which one, since when? Most likely the RFE will come from a FO.

[Waiting4GC]

Even though I received the text on 9 Sept, I have not received the RFE. Online status also remains FP applied. I called USCIS and they said RFE has not been sent and she created a enquiry with referral ID starting with WKDXXXXX (not sure if it is same thing as SR). I received a reply saying "We have reviewed your Form I-485. Our records indicate that a RFE has not been sent. Your case has been transferred to the Field Office for review."

Has anyone else seen a case where RFE was not issued and text was sent? Is there anything else I can do? Besides being disappointed for not getting RFE, I am also little worried that someone somewhere in USCIS may have issued it and waiting for response even though their system saying otherwise.

An update and good news on my case finally! The same day I posted this message, informed delivery mail showed two mails from the USCIS field office which were RFEs for me and my wife. It was great to see that RFE only asked for medicals though I was afraid it would be something more because the text had said "RFE" instead of I-693. Anyway, I couriered medicals through FedEx Overnight First which reached the FO at 8:30 am. Same night on 29th, around 10:30 pm, our case statuses changed to a new card is ordered. The next day it changed to case approved. Now we are waiting for cards to be mailed. But I am so glad that our cases were approved within the FY21, and thank God that it all worked out well in the end.

Thank you all here who contribute to this wonderful forum with their knowledge and help so many people. I wish all who are waiting for GC to get it soon and hope that the final budget reconciliation bill includes some measure of relief for applicants in the decades-old backlog.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

An update and good news on my case finally! The same day I posted this message, informed delivery mail showed two mails from the USCIS field office which were RFEs for me and my wife. It was great to see that RFE only asked for medicals though I was afraid it would be something more because the text had said "RFE" instead of I-693. Anyway, I couriered medicals through FedEx Overnight First which reached the FO at 8:30 am. Same night on 29th, around 10:30 pm, our case statuses changed to a new card is ordered. The next day it changed to case approved. Now we are waiting for cards to be mailed. But I am so glad that our cases were approved within the FY21, and thank God that it all worked out well in the end.

Thank you all here who contribute to this wonderful forum with their knowledge and help so many people. I wish all who are waiting for GC to get it soon and hope that the final budget reconciliation bill includes some measure of relief for applicants in the decades-old backlog.

Congrats Waiting4GC!

[singax]

Hi All,
I got my EAD in Aug,21 , then I changed job in Sept'21. So I am not with my employer, who filed 485 for me. Now, I got Medical RFE for myself and Family.

can someone please guide to arrange response package?

Primary:
1) Doctor's sealed Envelop
2) RFE Letter
3) new 485J (due to change of employer)
dependents:
1) Doctor's sealed Envelop
2) RFE Letter


Can I put all (me and family members envelops) responses using same (FedEx/UPS) envelop? or I need mail separately?
Do I need to include any reference number on FedEx label?

Help is appreciated.

[idliman]

Hi All,
I got my EAD in Aug,21 , then I changed job in Sept'21. So I am not with my employer, who filed 485 for me. Now, I got Medical RFE for myself and Family.

can someone please guide to arrange response package?

Primary:
1) Doctor's sealed Envelop
2) RFE Letter
3) new 485J (due to change of employer)
dependents:
1) Doctor's sealed Envelop
2) RFE Letter


Can I put all (me and family members envelops) responses using same (FedEx/UPS) envelop? or I need mail separately?
Do I need to include any reference number on FedEx label?

Help is appreciated.
The important thing is to include the "gold sheet" or "barcode sheet" that was sent to you by USCIS while responding. Also make sure that you beat the deadline otherwise I-485 will be automatically denied. The barcode sheet is very important to the whole process. Whoever is opening your response will use the barcode to file or acknowledge the receipt of your RFE response.

There are a lot of website that explain the process or implementation. Google "how to respond to uscis rfe"; The following are the ones I could fine today.
https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/uscis-requests-for-evidence

https://citizenpath.com/uscis-request-for-evidence-rfe/

Good Luck.

[beagle]

The important thing is to include the "gold sheet" or "barcode sheet" that was sent to you by USCIS while responding. Also make sure that you beat the deadline otherwise I-485 will be automatically denied. The barcode sheet is very important to the whole process. Whoever is opening your response will use the barcode to file or acknowledge the receipt of your RFE response.

There are a lot of website that explain the process or implementation. Google "how to respond to uscis rfe"; The following are the ones I could fine today.
https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/uscis-requests-for-evidence

https://citizenpath.com/uscis-request-for-evidence-rfe/

Good Luck.


https://interfiling.org/

I found about this website on Telegram and just sharing it. I didn't have the need to interfile I-693 as I received an RFE. But its alignment with what Idliman has been advocating.

[singax]

https://interfiling.org/

I found about this website on Telegram and just sharing it. I didn't have the need to interfile I-693 as I received an RFE. But its alignment with what Idliman has been advocating.

thanks Idliman and Beagle.

[abcx13]

https://interfiling.org/

I found about this website on Telegram and just sharing it. I didn't have the need to interfile I-693 as I received an RFE. But its alignment with what Idliman has been advocating.

Yes, this website is great. I used the process listed here. My interfile didn't work, but still worth a shot. It did work for a bunch of other people per Telegram groups.

[singax]

Yes, this website is great. I used the process listed here. My interfile didn't work, but still worth a shot. It did work for a bunch of other people per Telegram groups..
thanks abcx13. I did get RFE already, so it is simple for me.

I need to add 485J (since I have changed employer).