USCIS temporarily extends validity of Form I-693 to four years from signature date

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Thursday that it would temporarily extend the validity period of required medical exams for Green Card applicants.

Key Points:

• Effective today, Aug. 12, USCIS is temporarily extending the validity period of the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to four years.
• The agency said it would consider a completed Form I-693 as valid if all of the following apply:
  • The physician’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
  • No more than four years have passed since the date of the signature; and
  • A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021.

Background: USCIS cited the COVID-19 pandemic and related delays in announcing the extension. Previously, a completed Form I-693 remained valid for two years from the date of the signature from a USCIS-authorized physician (also known as a “civil surgeon”), provided the date of the signature was no more than 60 days before the applicant filed for adjustment of status.

Additional Information: USCIS requested in its announcement that those applying for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence (i.e., applying for a Green Card) file Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, together with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The agency said this may eliminate the need to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) and would help alleviate delays. More information on the extension is available here.

This alert has been provided by BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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