Today USCIS announced that due to the ongoing pandemic and processing delays related to the adjudication of I-485s, they are temporarily extending the validity period of a valid Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
Normally USCIS considers a completed Form I-693 to retain its evidentiary value for 2 years after the date the civil surgeon signed the Form I-693, as long as the signature is no more than 60 days before the applicant filed the I-485.
Effective today, the validity period for a Form I-693 will be extended from a period of 2 years to 4 years. For decisions on Form I-485 issued on or before Sept. 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. The officer may accept for consideration a Form I-693 for a decision issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021 if:
· The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485;
· No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature; and
· A decision on Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021.
Further, USCIS is also recommending applicants to file Form I-485 and Form I-693 at the same time. Remember, the date of the civil surgeon’s signature on the Form I-693 must be no more than 60 days before the date you file Form I-485 in order to retain its validity, regardless of whether you submit Form I-693 with your Form I-485 or after you file your Form I-485.
To view the news alert from USCIS, please click here.
Ms. Hernandez - Thank you for your articles and sharing your knowledge. There is right now a lot of confusion about the version of I-693 medical forms to be used by USCIS certified civil surgeons. There is no particular space in the form to include details of COVID vaccination. Civil Surgeons are using the notes section to document the vaccination. But do you know if USCIS is going to release a new form on Oct 1st, 2021? Because if we use the current form and send it, would USCIS reject it? Not sure what to do. Thanks, Sean Chad