Effective Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Applying for a U.S. green card is an exciting step toward building your future in the United States, but it comes with a lot of important paperwork. One crucial document in this process is Form I-693, the Immigration Medical Examination form. This form plays a pivotal role in ensuring that applicants meet the health standards set by the U.S. government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While many applicants understand its importance, the details surrounding its validity, potential expiration, and what happens if it’s incomplete can be confusing. So, we’ll break down exactly how long Form I-693 is valid, the consequences of submitting an expired or incomplete form, and offer tips to ensure your application goes smoothly without any delays.
Form I-693 is required for individuals applying for a green card (adjustment of status) in the United States. This form confirms that you've completed an immigration medical exam conducted by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. The exam checks your health, including screenings for communicable diseases, vaccination records, and ensures you meet the health standards set by the CDC and USCIS.
USCIS requires this form to verify that applicants do not have any health issues that could pose a risk to public health. Additionally, it ensures that applicants meet vaccination requirements, such as for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza (during flu season).
A USCIS-approved civil surgeon must fill out Form I-693 after performing a medical exam. The civil surgeon is responsible for reviewing your medical history, ordering necessary tests (such as tuberculosis and syphilis screenings), and ensuring you meet the vaccination requirements.
USCIS mandates Form I-693 to confirm that applicants for permanent residency do not have any medical conditions that could make them inadmissible. Additionally, the form ensures applicants have received the required vaccinations.
As of April 4, 2024, USCIS updated the guidelines for Form I-693 validity. Any form completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely for green card processing, as long as the seal on the sealed envelope is intact.
For forms signed before November 1, 2023, the previous rule applies, which means the form is valid for two years from the civil surgeon’s signature, again, as long as the seal on the sealed envelope is intact.
If your I-693 form is filed after the expiration period (outside the two-year window or without meeting the new guidelines), USCIS may reject your green card application. It’s crucial to ensure that the form is submitted within the valid period to avoid delays or rejections.
If your Form I-693 is expired or incomplete, here’s what can happen:
Yes, USCIS can reject your green card application if your I-693 form is expired or incomplete. An expired medical exam form means USCIS will not process your application, and you will need to restart the medical exam process. This can lead to delays in your green card application.
If your I-693 form is incomplete, USCIS is likely to issue an RFE (Request for Evidence). Common reasons for an RFE include:
If your form is incomplete, such as missing signatures, lab results, or vaccination records, USCIS may reject your application. Always double-check that all sections are filled out correctly, signed, and sealed before submission to avoid this issue. Dr. Gordon’s office will provide you with an exact copy of your report for this purpose. You cannot break the seal on the official report, nor can you review the report before it is sealed by the Civil Surgeon.
One of the most common issues with Form I-693 is that the envelope containing the completed form is not sealed properly by the civil surgeon. USCIS requires that the envelope remain sealed to protect the integrity of the results. If the envelope is unsealed or tampered with, USCIS will not accept your form.
To avoid delays and complications with your Form I-693, follow these tips:
If USCIS requests a new I-693 form (due to expiration, incompleteness, or other issues), follow these steps:
1. Schedule a New Medical Exam: You will need to visit a USCIS-approved civil surgeon for a new exam. After the exam, the civil surgeon will complete a new I-693 form. You do not need to return to the same civil surgeon that completed your original I-693; however, your lab tests will need to be repeated if you choose to begin again with a different civil surgeon.
2. Respond to an RFE (Request for Evidence): If USCIS issues an RFE for a new I-693, follow the instructions carefully. Ensure that the new form is complete and signed by the civil surgeon before submitting it to USCIS.
3. Find an Authorized USCIS Doctor Quickly: If you need to resubmit the form, make sure to find an authorized USCIS doctor promptly to avoid further delays in the application process.
Form I-693 is a critical part of the green card application process. Its validity, completeness, and timely submission are essential to avoid delays or rejections. If your form is expired or incomplete, USCIS may issue an RFE or even reject your application. That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted USCIS-approved civil surgeon to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Stay on top of your green card application process by scheduling an appointment for your immigration medical exam with Dr. Steven Wittenberg Gordon.
