On Aug. 12, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will extend the validity period of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to four years. Previously valid for two years, Form I-693 is receiving this extension from USCIS in response to extensive COVID-19-related processing delays, which have adversely impacted applicants’ ability to acquire a completed immigration medical exam. This extension goes into effect immediately, as of Aug. 12, 2021. Generally, applicants are required to file Form I-693 with Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident.

USCIS notes that a completed Form I-693 is valid if:

1. The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;

2. No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature; and

3. A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021.

Applicants typically are not required to file Form I-693 at the same time they file Form I-485, and many applicants bring their completed Form I-693 to their interview. However, USCIS advises those applying for adjustment of status to file their Form I-693 together with their Form I-485 to eliminate the need for a Request for Evidence (RFE) to be issued, thus avoiding additional adjudication delays. With the validity of Form I-693 now extended to four years, applicants who obtained their medical examination several years ago and filed it with their Form I-485 may not be required to obtain a new medical examination prior to I-485 application approval.

Additionally, applicants must ensure that the physician completing Form I-693 on their behalf is a USCIS-designated physician or civil surgeon. The physician must be designated as a civil surgeon at the time of the completion of the medical examination. Applicants can visit the USCIS Find a Doctor webpage to find a USCIS-designated physician.