EB-5 investors with a pending Form I-485 case should pay close attention to their mail over the next few weeks. USCIS has recently moved a substantial batch of pending EB-5-based adjustment of status filings out of the California Service Center and into the Texas Service Center, and applicants whose cases were part of that move are starting to see a new kind of paperwork land in their mailbox: RFEs asking for a fresh Form I-693 medical exam, with just 30 days on the clock to get it done.
What Is Happening
The California Service Center previously handled all Form I-485 applications filed under the EB-5 category, so this transfer represents a real shift in how these cases are being processed. Immediately after a case moves to the Texas Service Center, some applicants are receiving an RFE asking for an updated I-693 medical examination, completed by a designated USCIS civil surgeon, with a 30-day window to respond.
Every adjustment of status applicant is required to submit Form I-693 confirming that the required physical and mental health screening has been completed, that the applicant does not have certain communicable diseases, and that required vaccinations are up to date. What is notable here is not the requirement itself, but the timing and volume: applicants whose medical documentation may have already been on file are being asked to go through the process again shortly after their case changes hands.
Why the 30-Day Deadline Matters More Than Usual
Thirty days doesn’t leave much room to maneuver: finding an available civil surgeon, actually completing the exam, tracking down vaccination records, and putting together a complete package all have to happen inside that window. NPZ Law Group has written previously about how much less forgiving USCIS has become of thin or late responses under its current evidentiary approach, which is exactly why this particular deadline is worth taking seriously rather than treating as routine paperwork.
In practical terms, EB-5 investors receiving one of these medical RFEs should get moving on a response right away. Letting the clock run out, or sending back something incomplete, puts the underlying I-485 at real risk.
What EB-5 Investors Should Do
Applicants with a pending EB-5-based I-485 case should check their USCIS online account and mail regularly for any transfer notice or RFE. If an RFE for Form I-693 arrives, scheduling an appointment with a designated civil surgeon as soon as possible is the most important first step, since availability can vary and the 30-day clock does not pause while an appointment is arranged. Applicants should also begin gathering supporting documentation in advance, including records of any required vaccinations, to avoid last-minute delays.
For investors who haven’t filed yet, there’s a second pressure point worth flagging: the September 30, 2026 EB-5 grandfathering deadline under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act is approaching fast. Filing quickly and filing completely are not the same thing, and a rushed filing now could translate into evidentiary problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already submitted a medical exam. Why is USCIS asking for another one?
A transfer between service centers doesn’t automatically wipe out a Form I-693 that’s already on file. As a general matter, a completed I-693 stays good for as long as the case it was filed with remains open, but USCIS can still ask for updated medical evidence when it decides that’s warranted. If a new RFE arrives, read it closely and follow its specific instructions and deadline rather than assuming your earlier submission still covers you.
Does a case transfer to a different service center mean something is wrong with my case?
Not necessarily. USCIS regularly moves cases between service centers to balance caseloads, and a transfer on its own does not indicate a problem with the underlying petition. That said, a transfer can add processing time and, as seen here, may trigger new evidentiary requests.
The 30-day window feels tight. What if I can’t make it?
There genuinely isn’t much slack built into a 30-day window. Book the civil surgeon appointment right away, read the RFE instructions carefully, and get a complete package back before the date on the notice — waiting to see if more time becomes available isn’t a strategy worth relying on here.
Can I pay to speed things up?
Unfortunately, no. Form I-485 sits outside the premium processing program entirely, so there’s no fee that buys a faster look at an RFE response or a quicker decision on the underlying case.
Is there a way to tell if my file has already moved to a new service center?
Your USCIS online account is the best place to look first; a transfer usually shows up there along with any accompanying notice. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your physical mailbox, since these RFEs tend to follow a transfer closely behind.
If you or your family members have questions about how this or other immigration and nationality matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.