The USCIS Temporarily Extending Validity Period of Form I-693

Beginning on August 12, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693 from two years to four years due to COVID-19 delays in processing. This extension has been aimed to provide applicants with more time to complete the required medical examinations for their immigration into the United States. Continue reading to learn more about this change.

If you have questions concerning this extension, and what it could mean for you and your immigration status, do not hesitate to contact our experienced New York immigration attorneys at the Law Office of Cheryl R. David.

What is Form I-693?

Form I-693 is the report of medical examination and vaccination record. This form is a required part of the application process to become a permanent resident of the United States.

Why is this extension being made?

This temporary change has been made because of COVID-19-related delays that have affected applicants’ ability to complete the required immigration medical examination. Before this change, the USCIS considers a completed Form I-693 to retain its validity for two years after the date the civil surgeon signed, as long as the date of the civil surgeon’s signature was no more than 60 days before the applicant filed for adjustment of status.

The USCIS is on track to support more employment-based adjustment of status applications than it has since FY 2005.  They have prioritized employment-based adjustment of status applications during each step of its processing and adjudication during this fiscal year. They continue to make processing and resource allocation decisions to improve the pace of adjudications and restrict the potential for employment-based visa numbers to go unused.

If you have questions regarding Form I-693 or would like clarification on how this may affect your immigration status, it is in your best interest to contact our skilled immigration attorneys to learn more and discuss your case.

When will the USCIS consider a completed Form I-693 valid?

• The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than sixty days before the applicant filed Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature; and
• A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021

If you have questions regarding the status of your Form I-693, our New York immigration lawyers can help you navigate through this process.

Contact Our New York City Immigration Lawyers

Our law firm can explain all the opportunities associated with fiancé visas and help you through the entire procedure, as well as discuss whether this is a good option. For an initial consultation with a skilled immigration lawyer, contact the Law Office of Cheryl R. David in New York.