USCIS Update: New Validity Rule for Medical Examination

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) just released some big news that you’ll want to pay close attention to, especially if you’re in the process of applying for a green card or plan to file soon. In June, 2025, USCIS announced a change that impacts how long your Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, remains valid.

Quick Refresher: What’s I-693, Anyway?

If you’re applying for a green card from inside the U.S., you’re usually required to get a medical exam to prove you’re not inadmissible due to public health reasons (like communicable diseases, lack of vaccinations, etc.). That’s what Form I-693 is for. Without it, your application can be delayed or even denied. So it’s an important part of your immigration journey!

What’s Changed?

If your Form I-693 is signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, its validity is now tied directly to the application it’s submitted with (typically Form I-485, your green card application). This means:

If your I-485 is approved — Great! You’re good to go.
If your I-485 is withdrawn or denied — The I-693 becomes invalid and cannot be reused for future applications.

So, if you end up refiling your I-485 down the line, you’ll need a brand-new Form I-693, even if your previous one was recent and still looked “good” on paper.

Why the Change?

Back in April 2024, USCIS said that an I-693 signed after November 1, 2023, could be valid indefinitely for future applications. But now, that policy is officially reversed.

By ensuring that the medical exam is closely tied to a current application, USCIS can make sure your health information is current, accurate, and up-to-date at the time of your green card process.

⏰ What Should You Do Now?

If you’re navigating through the green card process, the key takeaway is to be mindful of timing and form validity. Make sure to check when your civil surgeon signed your Form I-693. If it was signed on or after November 1, 2023, it will only remain valid as long as the related Form I-485 is still pending. If your application is denied or withdrawn, that medical exam won’t carry over to a new filing, so you’ll need to get a new one. Always make sure to keep copies of everything you submit and be proactive about your documentation.

If you’re unsure where you stand or how this update may affect your case, feel free to contact us HERE. We’re here to make sure everything is done correctly and efficiently so you can stay on track of your immigration goals!

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