Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, USCIS has experienced delays in all aspects of operations. USCIS recognizes that applicants have also experienced difficulties beyond their control, including delays with completing the immigration medical examination (Form I-693) required for I-485 applications.
To address these issues, USCIS is temporarily extending the validity period of an otherwise valid Form I-693.
Effective August 12, 2021, USCIS is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693 from 2 years to 4 years. While this has been described as a temporary extension, no end date has been provided at this time.
For decisions on I-485 applications issued on or before September 30, 2021, the adjudicating officer may accept an otherwise valid Form I-693, if no more than four years have passed since the civil surgeon’s signature.
I-485 applicants are not required to file the Form I-693 at the same time they file Form I-485, but USCIS is now recommending that they do in order to avoid additional paperwork and delays associated with issuing RFEs to request medical exam results.
Important: The date of the civil surgeon’s signature on the Form I-693 must be no more than 60 days before the date Form I-485 is received at the USCIS in order to retain its validity. This is true regardless of whether Form I-693 is submitted with Form I-485 or after the I-485 application has been filed.
