What If My Form I-693 Expires Before USCIS Decides My Case?
Quick Answer
For forms signed on or after November 1, 2023, Form I-693 does not automatically expire while the application it was submitted with is pending. USCIS may still request a new examination if it believes your medical condition has changed. Consult your immigration attorney for guidance on your specific case.
How Form I-693 Validity Works During Adjudication
Under USCIS Policy Manual Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 4 (effective June 11, 2025), a Form I-693 signed on or after November 1, 2023 is generally valid for the specific application it was submitted with, for as long as that application remains pending. The form does not automatically expire two years after the civil surgeon's signature while the case is pending. For forms signed before November 1, 2023, the prior 2-year validity period from the signature date still applies — consult your immigration attorney if your form was signed before that date.
When USCIS May Request a New Examination
For forms signed on or after November 1, 2023, USCIS will not automatically require a new examination simply because time has passed while the case is pending. However, USCIS retains discretion to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for a new, updated medical examination if it believes the applicant's medical condition may have changed. If you receive such an RFE, you must schedule a new appointment with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit the new sealed Form I-693 within the RFE deadline.
Monitoring Your Form I-693 Status
Keep a copy of your Form I-693 and note the civil surgeon's signature date. For forms signed on or after November 1, 2023, the form remains valid while your application is pending — but you should monitor your case status and consult your immigration attorney if USCIS issues an RFE or if your application is at risk of denial or withdrawal. For forms signed before November 1, 2023, count forward 2 years from the signature date to determine when the form's evidentiary value ends.
Proactively Scheduling a New Examination
In some cases, it may be advisable to proactively schedule a new immigration medical examination before your Form I-693 expires, rather than waiting for an RFE. This is particularly true if your case has been pending for an extended period and you believe a decision is not imminent. Discuss this strategy with your immigration attorney. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we can help you plan the timing of a new examination to ensure continuous coverage.
Special Circumstances and USCIS Policy
During periods of unusually high processing times — such as during the COVID-19 pandemic — USCIS has sometimes issued special policy guidance extending the validity of Form I-693 or waiving the requirement for a new examination in certain circumstances. These special policies are temporary and case-specific. Always check current USCIS policy and consult your immigration attorney to understand the rules that apply to your specific situation.
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