The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a significant policy update that affects green card candidates and others, changing their immigration status in the United States. Henceforth, the authenticity of Form I-693, used for immigration medical examinations, will be strictly bound to active requests.
Effective immediately, all pending or new requests filed on or after June 11, 2025, will be subject to the revised policy regarding Form I-693.
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Medical Tests Are Invalid After Refusal Or Withdrawal
During this update, any Form I-693 signed by a USCIS-assigned civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, remains authentic only while the corresponding immigration request is pending. If that request is revoked or refused, Form I-693 becomes invalid, even if the form itself remains intact for a significant period.
This new policy supersedes the previous guideline, which, since April 2024, had allowed Form I-693 to be valid for future immigration benefits applications.
Form I-693 Validity: Major Changes At A Glance
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Old Law (April 2024) |
New Law (June 2025) |
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Authentication period |
Permanent (if signed after November 1, 2023) |
Only authentic while the request is pending |
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If refused or revoked |
Can reuse Form I-693 for future requests. |
It is required to present a new Form I-693. |
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Primary intention |
Adjustability for candidates |
Make sure of recent medical tests for public health |
Meaning Of Form I-693 And Who Needs It
Form I-693 is a mandatory medical report required by USCIS for specific individuals applying for a change of status to permanent residency (also known as a Green Card) in the United States. Its primary intention is to:
- Verify that the candidate is not inadmissible on a public health basis.
- Confirm that the necessary vaccinations have been administered.
- Screen for communicable ailments, mental health requirements, and drug misuse.
In most situations, Form I-485 candidates, individuals seeking legal permanent residence, are required to present a completed Form I-693, which has been endorsed by a civil surgeon appointed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS may need Form I-693 in discretionary incidents, even if the candidate is not typically subject to a medical examination, particularly when there is a prospective public health concern.
Reasons For The Change: Public Health Is A Priority
The April 2024 policy permits a Form I-693 signed after November 1, 2023, to be used permanently, even for future relocation requests. USCIS now assumes that this policy was too broad and could risk public health by depending on outdated medical histories.
By narrowing the form’s authenticity to only the present immigration request, the agency intends to:
- Make sure of current health evaluations
- Deter the use of stale medical histories for future immigration conditions.
- Boost the public health coverage of the United States population.
Planning To Change Status In The United States
If you are in the United States on a visa and making plans to make an application for a green card:
- Book your immigration medical tests near your Form I-485 filing date.
- Use just USCIS-assigned civil surgeons.
- Ensure your Form I-693 is completed and sealed accurately before submission.
Often, review USCIS’s official policies for the current updates before presenting.
