USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to reflect a significant change regarding the Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Effective immediately, any Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the application it was submitted with is pending.
If the related application (such as Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is withdrawn or denied, the corresponding Form I-693 becomes invalid. A new medical exam and a newly completed Form I-693 will be required for any future benefit application.
What You Need to Know:
- Effective Date: This policy is in effect as of June 11, 2025, and applies to all applications pending or filed on or after that date.
- Reason for the Change: USCIS determined that its earlier policy—granting indefinite validity to Form I-693 signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023—was overly broad and could pose a public health risk.
- Updated Policy: Now, Form I-693 will only be considered valid in the context of the specific application it was submitted with. This ensures that medical records are current and accurate at the time of adjudication.
- Exception Discretion: Even if a medical exam was not initially required, USCIS may request Form I-693 if there are concerns about public health.
Background:
- April 4, 2024: USCIS allowed indefinite validity for Form I-693 signed on/after Nov. 1, 2023.
- Dec. 2, 2024: USCIS began requiring submission of Form I-693 at the time of filing Form I-485.
- June 11, 2025: New policy takes effect, rescinding the prior indefinite validity.
What This Means for You:
If your application was withdrawn or denied—even if your Form I-693 was signed recently—you must submit a new medical exam with any future immigration application. Be sure to work with a qualified immigration attorney to ensure your filings remain compliant with the latest rules.
Questions?
Contact NPZ Law Group today for guidance on how this update may affect your immigration journey.
Contact Information If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, 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 calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.