USCIS Rule Change: Medical Exam Form I-693 Now Has Limited Validity!

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out a major policy update that affects green card applicants and others adjusting their status in the U.S. From now on, the validity of Form I-693, used for immigration medical exams, will be tied strictly to active applications.

The change applies immediately to all pending or new applications filed on or after June 11, 2025.

Medical Exams Invalid After Denial or Withdrawal

As of this update, any Form I-693 signed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the corresponding immigration application is pending. If that application is withdrawn or denied, the Form I-693 is no longer valid, even if the form itself is within a reasonable timeframe.

This replaces the earlier policy, which since April 2024 had allowed Form I-693 to be valid indefinitely for use in future immigration benefit requests.

Form I-693 Validity: Key Changes at a Glance

What Is Form I-693 and Who Needs It?

Form I-693 is a mandatory medical report required by USCIS for most individuals applying for adjustment of status to permanent residency (Green Card) in the U.S. Its main purpose is to:

• Confirm that the applicant is not inadmissible on public health grounds
• Verify required vaccinations have been administered
• Screen for communicable diseases, mental health conditions, and drug abuse

In most cases, Form I-485 applicants, those seeking lawful permanent residence, must submit a completed Form I-693 conducted by a civil surgeon approved by USCIS.

USCIS may also require Form I-693 in discretionary cases, even if the applicant is not automatically subject to a medical exam, especially when there’s a potential public health concern.

Why the Change? Public Health Is a Priority

The April 2024 policy had allowed a Form I-693 signed after November 1, 2023, to be used indefinitely, even for future immigration applications. USCIS now believes that this approach was too broad and could risk public health by relying on outdated medical records.

By narrowing the form’s validity to only the current immigration application, the agency aims to:

• Ensure up-to-date health assessments
• Prevent the use of stale medical records for future immigration cases
• Strengthen the public health protections of the U.S. population

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• New Rule Date: Applies to all cases pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025.
• Signed After Nov. 1, 2023? It’s only valid while your immigration case is active.
• Was Your Case Denied or Withdrawn? You’ll need a new I-693 if you reapply.
• Avoid Delays: Submit the most recent Form I-693 when filing Form I-485 to avoid processing slowdowns.

Planning to Adjust Status in the U.S.?

If you’re in the U.S. on a visa and planning to apply for a green card:

• Schedule your immigration medical exam close to your Form I-485 filing date
• Use only USCIS-designated civil surgeons
• Ensure your Form I-693 is completed and sealed correctly before submission

Always check USCIS’s official guidelines for the latest updates before submitting.

Final Thoughts

This updated USCIS policy is a crucial reminder that immigration health requirements are not just paperwork; they’re tied closely to public safety. Travelers and immigrants seeking permanent residency must ensure their Form I-693 is not only properly filled out but also timely and aligned with their application’s status.

For a smoother immigration journey, keep track of these new timelines, follow USCIS updates, and consult a licensed immigration attorney when needed.