16 June 2025
As of June 11, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a critical update to its policy regarding the Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This change significantly impacts applicants pursuing adjustment of status and highlights the importance of staying up to date with immigration procedures. If you’re navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, the VKM Law Group—a trusted Immigration Attorney in New Jersey—is here to ensure you remain compliant and informed.
Under the new policy, any Form I-693 signed on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the immigration application it accompanies is pending. If that application is withdrawn or denied, the I-693 is no longer valid—even if it was previously accepted or properly filed.
This reverses a prior policy from April 4, 2024, which had allowed the same I-693 to be reused indefinitely for future immigration benefits. The updated guidance from June 2025 is now effective immediately, and applies to both pending applications and new filings.
Why Did USCIS Make This Change?
USCIS determined that the earlier, more lenient policy could risk public health. The idea of indefinite validity meant some applicants might submit outdated medical examinations that no longer reflected their current health status.
By limiting Form I-693’s use to only the application it was filed with, USCIS ensures:
- Timely health evaluations
- Accurate vaccination records
- Better public health protection
Who Is Affected?
This policy primarily affects applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. These individuals are generally required to submit Form I-693 to prove they are not inadmissible based on health-related grounds, such as communicable diseases, lack of vaccinations, or mental health issues with violent behavior.
Even those not typically required to submit a medical exam may be asked to provide Form I-693 at the discretion of USCIS, especially if there are indicators of a public health risk.
Real-World Implications for Applicants
Let’s say you submitted Form I-485 along with a valid Form I-693, but later withdrew your I-485 due to job changes or strategic immigration planning. Under the new rule, if you later submit a new I-485, you cannot reuse the original I-693. You’ll need to obtain a new immigration medical exam and submit a newly signed Form I-693.
This change makes timing and strategy crucial. A misstep could lead to delays, denials, or even starting the process over again, costing valuable time and money.
VKM Law Group: Your Partner in Complex Immigration Matters
At VKM Law Group, we understand how frequent immigration policy updates can overwhelm applicants and employers. Our team of experienced attorneys, led by seasoned professionals in U.S. immigration law, is here to help individuals and businesses ensure complete, timely, and compliant filings.
Whether you’re:
- A tech executive seeking to adjust the status of H-1B employees
- A healthcare professional sponsoring international medical staff
- A manufacturing manager dealing with L-1 or H-2B visa processes
Our attorneys ensure your team understands these updates and can strategically plan your immigration path with minimal risk.
How VKM Law Group Helps You Navigate This Update
- Strategic Filing Advice: We advise whether to file Form I-693 at the time of I-485 or later, based on your case.
- Civil Surgeon Referrals: We work with certified civil surgeons in New Jersey to streamline the medical exam process.
- Review of Previous Filings: Already filed a Form I-485 in the past? We’ll review if your I-693 is still valid under the new policy.
- Proactive Planning: Our lawyers will help you prepare backup documentation and schedule new medical exams, so you’re not caught off guard if your application is withdrawn or denied.
This latest USCIS policy shift underscores how rapidly immigration requirements can change—and how vital it is to have expert legal support by your side. The new rule around Form I-693 may appear as a minor administrative update, but it carries real consequences for those seeking permanent residency in the United States.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Let VKM Law Group, a leading Visa Attorney in USA, guide you through every step of your immigration journey. From timely filing to full compliance, we provide peace of mind when the stakes are highest.