USCIS is increasingly approving some green card cases without an in-person interview, especially where the agency sends a request for evidence asking the applicant to submit the required medical exam. Applicants should watch both regular mail and email, because USCIS may now send some medical-exam requests electronically.
Medical Exam Requests Can Signal Interview Waiver
In many green card cases, USCIS normally requires an interview at a field office. During the interview, an immigration officer may ask questions about the case, marriage, eligibility, and supporting evidence.
Applicants are usually required to bring a medical exam completed by a USCIS civil surgeon.
Since the pandemic, some applicants in marriage-based and VAWA-related green card cases have instead received a request for evidence asking them to submit the medical exam by mail.
This can be a positive sign. When USCIS asks for the medical exam by request for evidence, it may indicate that the case can be approved without an interview.
Why USCIS May Waive Interviews
USCIS appears to be waiving more green card interviews to reduce backlogs and conserve resources.
If an interview is waived, USCIS can:
- Save officer time
- Reduce field-office appointments
- Move cases faster
- Cut administrative workload
- Approve eligible cases without requiring applicants to appear in person
The transcript notes that interview waivers have been seen in cases across the United States, not only in one local office.
Email Requests Are Now Appearing
A newer development is that USCIS may send some requests by email.
Historically, requests for evidence in marriage-based green card cases were normally received by mail. Recently, some applicants or representatives have received email requests for medical exams.
Applicants should therefore monitor:
- Physical mail
- Email inbox
- Spam or junk folders
- Messages from USCIS-related addresses
Two Types of USCIS Messages
Applicants may receive different types of notices.
One may be an actual request for evidence asking the applicant to submit the medical exam. This type of notice may include instructions and may tell the applicant to use the letter as a cover sheet.
Another may be a courtesy notice. A courtesy notice may state that the case has been transferred to a field office and that the applicant should provide the medical exam later, either at an interview or after receiving an actual request for evidence.
The difference matters. A request for evidence usually requires a response. A courtesy notice may not require immediate submission unless USCIS specifically asks for it.
Scam Warning
Applicants should be careful with emails claiming to be from USCIS.
A legitimate USCIS email should come from an address ending in:
@uscis.dhs.gov
If an email comes from another domain, applicants should verify it before responding.
USCIS should not ask for additional money by email after the proper filing fees have already been paid. Any email asking for checks, transfers, or extra payments should be treated cautiously.
Practical Takeaway
A request for evidence asking for a green card medical exam may be a sign that USCIS is preparing to approve the case without an interview.
Applicants should:
- Check both mail and email regularly.
- Understand the difference between a request for evidence and a courtesy notice.
- Submit the medical exam only according to USCIS instructions.
- Confirm that emails come from an official
@uscis.dhs.govaddress. - Be cautious of scams asking for money.
- Contact a lawyer if a notice looks suspicious or unclear.
The main point is that some green card applicants may avoid an in-person interview if USCIS determines the case can be approved based on the file and a submitted medical exam.
