Will USCIS automatically notify me if my Form I-693 is about to expire?

No. USCIS will not proactively notify you that your Form I-693 is approaching expiration. It is your responsibility to track the validity period and take action if necessary. Monitor your case status through the USCIS online case status tool and consult your immigration attorney.

Can I submit a new Form I-693 proactively before receiving an RFE?

Yes. You can proactively submit a new Form I-693 to USCIS before your current form expires or before receiving an RFE. Consult your immigration attorney for guidance on how to properly submit supplemental evidence to USCIS for your pending case.

Does the 2-year validity period restart if I submit a new Form I-693?

Yes. A new Form I-693 has its own 2-year validity period starting from the date the civil surgeon signs the new form. Submitting a new form effectively resets the clock on your medical examination validity.

What if my case is pending at a USCIS field office — does the same expiration rule apply?

Yes. The 2-year validity rule applies regardless of which USCIS office is processing your case. Whether your case is at a service center or a field office, an expired Form I-693 will need to be replaced before USCIS can approve your application.

How long does it take to get a new Form I-693 if mine expires?

At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we typically offer appointments within a few days. The entire examination process usually takes one to two visits, depending on whether any additional testing is required. Contact our office as soon as you know you need a new examination to ensure timely completion.

Form I-6935 min read readUpdated January 2025

What If My Form I-693 Expires Before USCIS Decides My Case?

Quick Answer

If your Form I-693 expires before USCIS adjudicates your case, USCIS may request a new medical examination. The validity period is generally 2 years from the civil surgeon's signature date. If you are concerned about expiration, contact your immigration attorney and our office to discuss your options.

Schedule Your Exam Call Us

Understanding Form I-693 Expiration

Form I-693 has a validity period of 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. If USCIS has not adjudicated your case within this 2-year window, your Form I-693 will expire. An expired Form I-693 cannot be used to support your application — USCIS will require a new, valid form before they can approve your case. This is an important consideration for applicants whose cases are taking longer than expected to process.

How USCIS Handles Expired Forms

When USCIS is ready to adjudicate your case and determines that your Form I-693 has expired, they will typically issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to submit a new, updated medical examination. The RFE will specify a deadline for your response. You must schedule a new immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit the new sealed Form I-693 within the RFE deadline.

Monitoring Your Form I-693 Validity

It is your responsibility — and your immigration attorney's responsibility — to monitor the validity of your Form I-693 throughout the adjudication process. Keep a copy of your Form I-693 and note the civil surgeon's signature date. Count forward 2 years from that date to determine when your form will expire. If your case is approaching the expiration date without a decision, consult your immigration attorney about whether to proactively schedule a new examination.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Immigration Medical Examination

Schedule Your Appointment

Ready to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?

Our USCIS-designated civil surgeons are ready to help. Book your appointment online or call us today.

Schedule Online Call Us