How long does it take for a medical waiver to be approved?

Asked by: Prof. Meta Schimmel  |  Last update: May 9, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (39 votes)

The average time for waivers is 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer, sometimes less.

How long do waivers take to get approved?

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the median waiting period for Form I-601 approval in 2022 is approximately 31.3 months. The time for processing has experienced a steady rise over the last six years and has seen huge increases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the odds of getting a medical waiver approved?

Overall Medical Waiver Consideration and Approval Metrics

Overall, waiver approval rates ranged from 61% (Air Force) to 73% (Marine Corps).

How hard is it to get a medical waiver for the military?

It depends on the Specialty of the person applying for the waiver. If the Specialty has a shortage, waivers take less time. If the Specialty isn't in high demand, a medical waiver could easily be disapproved. Bear in mind, that some positions today have two components: a wartime (combat role) and a peacetime one.

Who approves military medical waivers?

The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G-1 Director of Military Personnel Management (DMPM) is the approval authority for medical waivers for psychiatric and behavior health conditions identified in paragraph 4a of this directive and for all major misconduct waivers.

US ARMY MEDICAL WAIVER PROCESS | ADHD, ADD, DEPRESSION, ASTHMA, SELF HARM, SUICIDE, ETC… 🧭📋

33 related questions found

What is the easiest branch to get a medical waiver?

The policies regarding medical waivers can vary between the branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard), and within them too. Typically, the Air Force is often perceived to be more accommodating, particularly if they have a high enlistment goal.

What branch approves the most waivers?

Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.

What happens if waiver is denied?

If you want to continue with the visa application process even after your waiver denial, you may leave the U.S. and attend your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country and then submit a traditional waiver of inadmissibility application to the consulate using Form I-601.

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

This list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide some guidance to applicants regarding common disqualifying issues.
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

How long are medical waivers good for?

(b) Time-limited (temporary) medical waivers: may be granted for documented health conditions that are likely to improve within 12 months, or less, from the date that the request was received.

What disqualifies you from MEPS?

What can disqualify you at MEPS? Any disqualifications that appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview may prevent you from joining the Army. These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others.

What medical history will disqualify you from the military?

Psychiatric and Personality Disorders
  • Any disorder or history of disorders with psychotic features.
  • History of impulse control and conduct disorders.
  • History of depression requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.
  • History of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.

How does a medical waiver work?

A waiver program allows the state to waive some requirements to meet the needs of individuals. For example, a waiver may help those more likely to need long-term care, such as those with behavioral issues or technologically dependent children.

What is the next step after waiver is approved?

In many cases, you will be required to attend a consular interview after you received an I-601 waiver approval. During the interview, a consular officer will look at your case and decide if you can get a visa.

How long do waiver claims take?

Waivers typically process daily between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET. This is the window when claims are reviewed, and players are awarded to the team with the highest priority. Once the waiver claims are processed, any unclaimed players become free agents and can be picked up by any team on a first-come, first-served basis.

What voids a waiver?

What Voids a Waiver? In California, certain circumstances may void or preclude the enforceability of a liability waiver, including the following: Gross negligence – The facility operator or event organizer demonstrated a lack of care or extreme disregard for others' safety, either through their actions or inactions.

What are the conditions for a waiver?

It recognises the fact that in certain cases, it is more favourable to the person to abandon their rights. There are, however, limitations and conditions to the doctrine of waiver. The fundamental rights of a person must be waived willfully, with full knowledge and understanding of the outcome of such a decision.

Why didn t my waiver claim go through?

The 3 most likely reasons your claim failed are: A team manager with higher waiver priority entered in a claim for the same player. The player you entered to drop is no longer on your team. The offer amount you entered was less than a competing offer from another team manager.

What percent of medical waivers are approved?

Among all prospective enlisted applicants, the military services approved 77 percent of 54,206 medical waiver requests received from fiscal 2021 through 2022, according to a 2023 Department of Defense Inspector General report.

What medications will disqualify you from the military?

Opioids, opioid combination drugs, or tramadol (Ultram®), chronic use.

Does MEPS get your medical records?

Your recruiter can have medical records detailing your condition prescreened by the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to gain a preliminary ruling on your eligibility.

What medical program is easiest to get into?

Easiest Medical Schools To Get Into in the U.S.
  • Mercer University School of Medicine. ...
  • Indiana University School of Medicine. ...
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center. ...
  • University of Texas McGovern Medical School. ...
  • University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. ...
  • University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine.

Which branch is the most lenient?

You should consider your personal interests, skills, and long-term career goals when deciding which branch to join. That being said, the Army is generally considered to have the most lenient standards among the branches.

What is a waiver of medical benefits?

An insurance waiver is a document that includes the employee's “declaration that you have been offered a plan, however, have chosen to refuse” the coverage offered and why.