An expired or outdated immigration medical exam can stall your green card application at the worst possible time, adding unexpected costs and months of delay to an already stressful process. Under the current USCIS policy, a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is valid for the entire period the immigration benefit application it was submitted with is pending.
If the application a Form I-693 was submitted with is withdrawn or denied, that Form I-693 is no longer valid. That means getting the timing right on your exam is one of the most practical things you can do to protect your case. A Jamaica, Queens immigration medical exam provider at Rock Medical PC can help you complete your Form I-693 correctly and on schedule.
What Is Form I-693 and Why Does It Matter?
If you are applying to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident (also known as getting a Green Card), you use Form I-693 to establish that you are not inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds. The form documents the results of a medical exam performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, a physician specifically authorized by the federal government to conduct immigration health screenings.
The medical grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration laws cover communicable diseases of public health significance and failure to meet vaccination requirements, among other health matters. The civil surgeon is required to perform specific tests for tuberculosis and syphilis, along with evaluations for other conditions.
During the exam, you can generally expect the civil surgeon to review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, order required lab work, and verify your vaccination status. Under U.S. immigration laws, an applicant is required to receive vaccinations to prevent several diseases , including measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and others recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
For immigrant visa applicants examined by panel physicians abroad, CDC removed COVID‑19 vaccination from the technical instructions effective March 11, 2025. For applicants adjusting status inside the United States, USCIS has waived any requirement to document COVID‑19 vaccination on Form I‑693 as of January 22, 2025.
Effective December 2, 2024, you must submit Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693, with your Form I-485. This means the medical exam should be completed before you file your green card application, not after. Planning ahead and scheduling your exam early can help you avoid last-minute complications.
How Long Is the Immigration Medical Exam Valid?
The answer depends on when your civil surgeon signed your Form I-693. USCIS has changed its validity rules several times in recent years, and the most current policy took effect on June 11, 2025.
For exams signed on or after November 1, 2023, the rules are as follows:
- A Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the application the Form I-693 was submitted with is pending.
- If the Form I-693 application was submitted and then withdrawn or denied, that Form I-693 is no longer valid.
- If you submitted Form I-693 with your Form I-485 and then withdrew your Form I-485 or it was denied, you must submit a newly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon with any future application.
This represents a significant change from the previous policy. On April 4, 2024, USCIS updated the Policy Manual to provide that a Form I-693 signed on or after November 1, 2023, was valid indefinitely. USCIS has since determined that the April 4, 2024, policy was overly broad and could potentially threaten public health in the United States.
For exams signed before November 1, 2023, the Form I-693 remains valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signed the form. If you are working with an older exam, it is important to check whether it is still within that two-year window before submitting your application.
What Happens if Your Form I-693 Expires or Needs Updating?
Even when a Form I‑693 is still within its validity period, USCIS officers retain discretion to request additional evidence or a new or updated Form I‑693 if they believe the form may no longer reflect the applicant’s current medical condition or otherwise find the evidence insufficient. This means that long processing times on your I-485 could still result in a request for a new exam, regardless of which validity rule applies to your situation.
If your Form I-693 has expired or your application was denied and you need to refile, you will need to schedule a completely new immigration medical exam with a designated civil surgeon. Even if you completed Form I-693 not long ago, you may need to redo it if it was tied to a withdrawn or denied application. The new exam will follow the same process, including a physical examination, required blood work and lab tests, vaccination review, and completion of an updated Form I-693.
Bringing your previous vaccination records and any prior medical documentation to the new appointment can help streamline the process. Your civil surgeon can reference these records to avoid unnecessary repeat vaccinations and ensure the form is completed accurately.
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Taking a few steps before your appointment can help everything go smoothly. The following items are typically needed for your visit:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license
- Your vaccination records and any prior medical documentation
- Part 1 of Form I-693, completed with your personal information before the appointment but do not sign it until the civil surgeon instructs you to do so
- A list of any current medications or known medical conditions
Once the examination is complete, the civil surgeon will fill out the Form I-693, sign and seal it, and provide it to you in a sealed envelope. It is critical that you do not open this envelope. USCIS will return the form to you if it is not in a sealed envelope, or if the envelope has been opened or altered.
Immigration medical examinations for applicants inside the United States must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Not every doctor holds this designation, so confirming that your physician is an authorized civil surgeon before scheduling is essential. At Rock Medical PC in Jamaica, Queens, Dr. Farid Shahkoohi is a certified civil surgeon with over 30 years of medical experience, authorized to perform USCIS immigration medical exams and complete Form I-693.
Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam at Rock Medical PC
Staying current with USCIS requirements can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out alone. Rock Medical PC in Jamaica, Queens offers comprehensive immigration medical exams, including all required blood work, lab tests, vaccinations, and Form I-693 completion. Reach out to us to schedule your appointment and keep your green card application on track.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical or legal advice. USCIS policies may change, so consult with a qualified healthcare provider and immigration attorney about your individual needs.
