The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a significant announcement regarding the validity of medical documentation for immigration applicants. According to the latest directive, any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that is properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, will no longer have an expiration date. This means such documentation can now be indefinitely utilized as evidence to affirm that the applicant does not pose health-related inadmissibility concerns.
For individuals seeking adjustment status to become lawful permanent residents, the completion of Form I-693 holds crucial importance in demonstrating their eligibility to enter the United States without health-related objections.
“In consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and based on advances in public health electronic notification, USCIS has determined that a Form I-693’s evidentiary value should no longer be limited to a certain period if it is properly completed and was signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023,” stated the USCIS in an official statement.
Under the revised guidelines, USCIS officers now possess the authority to request additional evidence or a fresh Form I-693 in instances where they suspect changes in the applicant’s medical condition since the civil surgeon’s signature or if there are doubts regarding the accuracy of the initially submitted form, potentially leading to health-related inadmissibility concerns.
However, for applicants whose immigration medical examinations occurred prior to November 1, 2023, the previous policy remains unchanged. This is due to the fact that before this date, civil surgeons were not mandated to electronically share or report certain information to the CDC. As per USCIS determination, in collaboration with the CDC, a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon before November 1, 2023, maintains evidentiary value for a period of two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
It’s important to note that this revised policy does not extend to Forms I-693 submitted by Operation Allies Welcome parolees. For these individuals, their Forms I-693 will retain evidentiary value for three years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature, in accordance with policy and consultations with the CDC.