USCIS Releases Updated Guidelines of Form I-693 Validity Duration

By: Vandana Marath

Introduction

On April 4, 2024, U.S. Citizenship, and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that any Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccine record, completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, will remain valid indefinitely. It can serve as continuous evidence to prove the applicant's admissibility regarding health-related grounds.

Summary

In coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and based on advancements in public health electronic notification, USCIS has concluded that the evidentiary value of a Form I-693 should no longer be limited by a specific timeframe, if it is properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023. USCIS immigration officers retain discretion to request for additional evidence or an updated Form I-693 if they have a reason to believe that the applicant’s medical condition has changed since the civil surgeon signed the Form I-693, which would potentially lead to inadmissibility on health-related grounds.

Additionally, if an applicant’s medical examinations were conducted before November 1, 2023, the previous policy remains in effect. Prior to this date, civil surgeons were not required to electronically share or report certain information to the CDC. At the same time, USCIS, in consultation with the CDC, has determined that a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon before November 1, 2023, retains evidentiary value for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature. However, this provision does not apply to Form I-693 submitted by Operation Allies Welcome parolees, as their Forms I-693 retain evidentiary value for three years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.

Conclusion             

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