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.