This decision was made in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and based on advances in public health electronic notification. USCIS has determined that a Form I-693 medical exam's evidentiary value should no longer be limited to a certain period if it is properly completed and was signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023. USCIS officers have the discretion to request more evidence or a new or updated Form I-693 if they have reason to believe the applicant's medical condition has changed since the civil surgeon signed the Form I-693. They may also request a new medical exam if the Form I-693 submitted does not accurately reflect the applicant's medical condition and the applicant may be inadmissible on health-related grounds.

For medical examinations completed before November 1, 2023, the prior policy of a two-year validity period still applies. Before November 1, 2023, civil surgeons did not need to share or report certain information to the CDC electronically. USCIS has consulted with the CDC and determined that a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon before November 1, 2023, continues to retain evidentiary value for two years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature. 

This policy announcement is a welcome change. Because of long processing times, many of our clients were forced to obtain new medical examinations before the USCIS would approve their applications for permanent residency.

For more information, see the updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual.