Indefinite Validity Of Medical Proof: US Immigration Update

A medical examination report is a mandatory requirement to obtain a green card in the US. The USCIS (United States Citizenship And Immigration Services) announced that Form I-693 will have indefinite validity and there is no need for its renewal, for some immigrants. 

The I-693 is the medical examination form that proves you are of sound health and fit to move to the US. Now, this form, fully completed and signed by a civil surgeon, will have indefinite validity and will not need to be renewed. It will permanently serve as evidence of the applicant being a good fit for immigration on health-related matters. 

This new mandate is valid for applicants whose I-683 forms were issued and signed on or after November 1, 2023. 

Submitting this form is a mandatory procedure as it establishes that the candidate is not inadmissible to the US for health-related reasons. 

USCIS Statement

“In consultation with the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, and based on advances in public health electronic notification, USCIS has determined that Form I-693’s evidentiary value should no longer be limited to a certain period if it is properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023,” the USCIS released a statement that said so. 

Additionally, USCIS authorities that deal with the medical requirements will now have the right to ask for additional evidence or evaluations. They can also ask for a newly filled Form I-693 by the applicant if they suspect any inaccuracies or misinformation in the application form. 

Applications Before November 1, 2023

This new policy on the form I-693 does not apply to individuals whose medical examinations were done before November 1, 2023. For these individuals, their medical examinations have evidentiary values for 3 years only. 

For the medical examination records submitted by Operation Allies Welcome Parolees, their I-693 forms have evidentiary value for 3 years. After 3 years, they will be declared invalid and inadmissible. 

These laws are set forth based on the policies and reviews of the CDC and USCIS respectively. 

Conclusion 

If you give your medical examination now, it will be considered valid from the date the civil surgeon signs it and will be approved as evidentiary value. You will not have to go through the medical process again in any scenario as it holds unlimited value. You will not be considered inadmissible on health grounds. However, if your medical records show any problems or illnesses, you will be declared inadmissible. 

If the officer in charge of your application finds any discrepancies or suspects foul play or simply wants to reconfirm certain details, they have the right to ask for extra or supplementary documentation from you. They also have the right to ask you to submit a new form I-693, if they have the grounds for it. 

It is necessary to be compliant and follow the rules. Be honest in the form I-693 and any other forms you fill for immigration purposes, otherwise, you might be permanently debarred from applying for a visa ever again!

If you are trying to know deeply about the validity of medical proof in the US, TerraTern is here to update you right now!