In a significant update, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change regarding Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form is a critical step in the process for noncitizens applying for immigration benefits, proving they are free from health conditions that could deem them inadmissible.
Here’s what you need to know:
Key Details:
- Effective Date: The new policy applies to all Form I-693s signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023.
- Indefinite Validity: These forms will now carry indefinite validity, removing the previous two-year expiration and can be used as evidence that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds.
- Conditions for Indefinite Validity: The form must be properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon. This change is supported by advances in public health electronic notification and collaboration between USCIS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Discretionary Evidence Requests: USCIS officers retain the discretion to request additional evidence or a new or updated Form I-693 if there’s reason to believe the applicant’s medical condition has changed or if the form doesn’t accurately reflect the applicant’s medical condition.
- Exceptions: Medical exams completed before November 1, 2023, will follow the prior policy, retaining a two-year evidentiary value from the civil surgeon's signature date. For Operation Allies Welcome parolees, their forms retain evidentiary value for three years.
Eligibility for New Rules:
- For Forms Signed On or After November 1, 2023: These forms are valid indefinitely as long as they are properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon.
- Prior Forms: Forms signed before November 1, 2023, cutoff date are subject to the old rules, with a two-year validity period, except for specific cases like those filed by Operation Allies Welcome parolees.
This update is part of USCIS’s ongoing efforts to streamline processes and is effective immediately, superseding any prior guidance on the matter.
The changes reflect USCIS's adaptation to technological advances and enhanced public health reporting standards, aiming to facilitate a more efficient immigration process while ensuring public health and safety.
For detailed information and guidance on Form I-693, individuals are encouraged to consult the updated USCIS Policy Manual or contact USCIS directly.