On September 29, 2022, USCIS announced an extension of the temporary waiver of the requirement that civil surgeons must sign Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) within 60 days before an individual applies for the immigration benefit, including Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This temporary waiver has been in effect since Dec. 9, 2021, and will remain in effect until March 31, 2023.

The purpose of the extension is to further ease processing delays and associated difficulties in timely completing the immigration medical examination. The waiver applies to all Form I-693 associated with applications for underlying immigration benefits that USCIS have not adjudicated. The timing that an individual submitted immigration application or civil surgeon signed the Form I-693 does not affect the eligibility for the waiver.

What is Form I-693?

Applicants use Form I-693 to report medical examination results to USCIS. Its purpose is to establish that the individual is not inadmissible to the U.S. on the following public health grounds:

• communicable diseases of public health significance;
• lack of required vaccinations;
• physical or mental disorders with harmful behavior; and
• drug abuse or addiction.

Individuals who are inadmissible are not permitted by law to enter or remain in the U.S.

Who must submit Form I-693?

In general, all applicants who file for adjustment of status to permanent resident must submit Form I-693. Certain applicants who are refugees, K visa holders, V visa holders, or asylee dependents and already had a medical exam overseas do not need to repeat the entire medical exam or have another medical exam if they satisfy certain conditions.

Where can I find the civil surgeon?

Only a doctor who has been specially designated by USCIS as civil surgeon may perform the medical exam. Applicants may generally find such civil surgeons through the USCIS National Customer Service Center phone line (1-800-375-5283) or through the USCIS website https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor. If unsure, applicants should confirm with their doctors as to their civil surgeon status.

What is the fee for Form I-693?

There is no filing fee for Form I-693. However, applicants are responsible for paying all costs of the medical exam, including the cost of any follow-up tests or required treatment.

When should I undergo medical examination?

Form I-693 is only valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature. Thus, USCIS still encourage applicants to undergo the immigration medical examination close to the time they file their Form I-485. Applicants must submit a new Form I-693 if more than 2 years have passed since the signature date and USCIS have not yet adjudicated their Form I-485.

When should I file Form I-693?

There is no requirement that applicants must file Form I-485 and Form I-693 at the same time. However, filing the Forms concurrently may save applicants’ time. It may eliminate the need for USCIS to issue Request for Evidence to obtain applicants’ Form I-693. While some applicants intend to bring Form I-693 to their interview, concurrent filing may also help avoid adjudication delays if USCIS decide to forgo interviews for the applicants.

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