USCIS Restricts Validity of Medical Exam Form I-693

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a change in the validity period of the report of medical examination and vaccination record (form I-693). Per the updated policy, an I-693 signed by a Civil Surgeon after 01.Nov.2023 will remain valid only for the period that the associated application is pending and will no longer be valid if that application is denied or withdrawn. Any I-693 signed before 01.Nov.2023 will remain valid for two years from the date the Civil Surgeon signed the form.

Form I-693 is Now for ‘Single Use’

According to the updated USCIS Policy Manual, a form I-693 filed on or after November 1, 2023, is now valid only for the adjudication of the specific application with which it originally was submitted. If that application is denied or withdrawn, the I-693 associated with it immediately loses all evidentiary value. This means that a new medical examination must be obtained and a brand-new form I-693 submitted if an applicant files a new application in the future.

I-693 Forms Signed Before 01.Nov.2023 Have Set Expiration Date

Any I-693 signed by a Civil Surgeon before 01.Nov.2023 now expires two years from the date of the signature. The USCIS claims this move was warranted because, prior to this date, civil surgeons were not required to share or report certain information to the U.S. Centers for Discease Control and Prevention (CDC) electronically.

Conclusion

This sudden policy shift undoubtedly will inconvenience many applicants, especially those with applications that have been pending since before 01.Nov.2023. MurthyDotCom will continue to monitor and report on changes in immigration policy.

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