On November 1st, USCIS will start implementing a new policy for Form I-693 with the goal of better aligning its period of validity with case processing times. The Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is a required document for applying to become a lawful permanent resident. It is a medical report conducted by a civil surgeon (a physician designated by USCIS) and is used by USCIS to determine applicant admissibility on public health grounds.
The changes are as follows:
1) The Form I-693 will have a 2-year validity period instead of the current one-year period.
2) The form must also be signed within 60 days before submission of the application for lawful permanent residence.
USCIS is aiming to reduce the number of incidents where a I-693 medical report becomes outdated before adjudication of the underlying petition is complete. This results in them sending a Request for Evidence (RFE) to request for an updated form I-693, taking up more time and work. This also delays the results of the petition. The new policy targets this inefficiency.
USCIS officers still maintain their discretion to request an updated Form I-693 if they suspect inadmissibility based on health. Inadmissibility based on public health grounds includes not having vaccinations, drug use, disorders associated with harmful behavior, and having certain contagious diseases.
The changes are as follows:
1) The Form I-693 will have a 2-year validity period instead of the current one-year period.
2) The form must also be signed within 60 days before submission of the application for lawful permanent residence.
USCIS is aiming to reduce the number of incidents where a I-693 medical report becomes outdated before adjudication of the underlying petition is complete. This results in them sending a Request for Evidence (RFE) to request for an updated form I-693, taking up more time and work. This also delays the results of the petition. The new policy targets this inefficiency.
USCIS officers still maintain their discretion to request an updated Form I-693 if they suspect inadmissibility based on health. Inadmissibility based on public health grounds includes not having vaccinations, drug use, disorders associated with harmful behavior, and having certain contagious diseases.
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