USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Form I-693

Good news for those applying for immigration benefits, including permanent residency or adjustment of status! The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a significant change to its policy regarding Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This update aims to make the process more straightforward and reduce confusion for applicants and civil surgeons.

Previously, USCIS required civil surgeons to sign Form I-693 no more than 60 days before an individual applied for an underlying immigration benefit, such as Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This rule, which had been temporarily waived since December 9, 2021, often led to confusion and an increased number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) being issued for otherwise valid Forms I-693.

However, USCIS has now removed this 60-day requirement. As a result, Forms I-693 signed by civil surgeons will be considered valid for adjudicative purposes for up to 2 years after the date the civil surgeon signed the form. This means that USCIS will no longer issue RFEs for Forms I-693 signed more than 60 days before the filing of the I-485, provided they are otherwise valid.

This policy change came about after consistent feedback from applicants, civil surgeons, USCIS officers, federal partners, and other stakeholders, indicating that the 60-day rule was confusing and not achieving its intended goal of enhancing operational efficiency.

The removal of the 60-day rule for Form I-693 is a welcome change for those applying for immigration benefits. This policy update will help streamline the process, reduce confusion, and decrease the number of RFEs issued for otherwise valid Forms I-693. So, if you're in the process of applying for permanent residency or adjusting your status, this change should make things a bit easier for you and your civil surgeon.