USCIS has announced an important update to its policy regarding Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Starting immediately, any Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, will only be valid while the immigration application it was submitted with is still pending.
If that application, such as Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), is withdrawn or denied, the medical form becomes invalid. You will need to complete a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693 if you decide to apply again in the future.
Here Is What You Should Know:
- When This Starts: This new policy is effective as of June 11, 2025, and applies to all applications currently pending or filed on or after that date.
- Why This Changed: USCIS determined that its earlier policy, which granted indefinite validity to medical forms signed on or after November 1, 2023, was too broad and could create public health risks.
- What Is Different Now: Form I-693 will now only be valid for the specific application it was originally submitted with. This ensures that medical records are current and accurate at the time of review.
- Extra Review Possibility: Even if a medical exam wasn’t originally required, USCIS may still ask for a Form I-693 if they have concerns about public health.
Key Timeline:
- April 4, 2024: USCIS announced that medical exams signed on or after November 1, 2023, would remain valid indefinitely.
- December 2, 2024: USCIS began requiring applicants to submit Form I-693 at the same time as Form I-485.
- June 11, 2025: The new policy took effect and ended the rule allowing indefinite validity.
What This Means for You:
If your immigration application was denied or withdrawn, even if your medical exam was done recently, you will need to get a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693 with any future immigration application. Because these rules are constantly evolving, it is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney, someone who can help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays.
Need Help Navigating These Changes?
At Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP, our immigration attorneys are here to help you understand how this policy update may affect your case and guide you through your next steps with confidence.
Call us today at (212) 233-8100 or visit us at www.ppid.com. Schedule a consultation now to get personalized legal advice.
At PPID, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your immigration journey.
About The Author
Conrad E. Pollack
Conrad E. Pollack is the Managing Partner and Director of Immigration at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. With over three decades of experience in immigration law, Conrad has helped countless clients achieve their American Dream. Under his leadership, PPID has expanded significantly, opening new offices in Peekskill and Brooklyn, NY. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been recognized for his professional excellence with numerous awards and distinctions.
Education: Magna Cum Laude graduate from New York University; J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
Awards: Recipient of numerous professional excellence awards.
Memberships: Active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
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