The USCIS Temporarily Extending Validity Period of Form I-693

Commencing August 12, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693 due to COVID-19 related delays in processing. This extension was put in place to ensure that applicants are able to complete the needed medical examinations required for immigration into the United States. Keep reading to learn more about this change.

If you have questions regarding this extension and how it might affect your immigration process or status, it is in your best interest to reach out to our experienced New York immigration lawyers to learn more.

What Is Form I-693?

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

If you are unsure about what Form I-693 is and if it applies to you, contact our firm today to learn more about it and to discuss your case.

Why Is This Extension Being Made?

This temporary extension has been made as a result of COVID-19 processing delays that have negatively impacted applicants’ ability to complete this required medical examination for immigration.

Before this shift, the USCIS views 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 course to help 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 proceed to make processing and resource allocation decisions to improve the speed of adjudications and restrain the potential for employment-based visa numbers to go unused.

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 about whether or not your Form I-693 is complete, our New York immigration lawyers at Katona & Associates, PLLC can assist you through this process.

Contact Our Firm

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.