USCIS Updates Policy Manual Extending the Validity of Form I-693 Indefinitely

On April 4, 2024, USCIS issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual stating that immigration medical examinations properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, do not expire and retain their evidentiary value indefinitely. Before this update, all properly completed Forms I-693 retained their evidentiary value for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.    

Key Information about Form I-693
  • USCIS has determined, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds indefinitely.
  • If an applicant’s Form I-693 was completed before Nov. 1, 2023, the prior policy still applies, and the form is valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
  • Forms I-693 filed by Operation Allies Welcome parolees retain their evidentiary value for three years from the date of the civil surgeon signature. 

 

Erickson Insights & Analysis

USCIS officers have discretion to request more evidence or a new or updated Form I-693 if they have reason to believe the applicant’s medical condition has changed since the civil surgeon signed the Form I-693, or that the Form I-693 submitted does not accurately reflect the applicant’s medical condition.   

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.