Effective June 11, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its policy regarding the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693). This update has significant implications for applicants pursuing permanent residency or any other immigration benefit that requires a health-related admissibility assessment.
What Changed?
Previously, a Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, was considered valid indefinitely and could be reused for future immigration benefits. The new policy now limits the validity of Form I-693 to the specific immigration benefit application with which it is filed.
If an application is denied or withdrawn, the associated Form I-693 becomes invalid. Any future immigration benefit request will now require the submission of a new and updated Form I-693, regardless of the date it was previously completed.
Why the Change?
The earlier policy, while administratively efficient, posed public health risks. USCIS determined that allowing previously submitted Form I-693 documents to carry over into new applications could mean using outdated medical information or overlooking necessary follow-up treatments—particularly for communicable diseases like tuberculosis.
This policy shift supports public safety by ensuring that:
- Medical exams reflect current health conditions
- Civil surgeons can maintain accurate reporting to local and federal health agencies
- Public health vulnerabilities are minimized
Who Is Affected?
This change applies to all Form I-693 submissions that are part of immigration benefit applications filed or pending on or after June 11, 2025. While applicants who filed under the earlier policy between November 1, 2023, and June 10, 2025 may be impacted, USCIS expects such instances to be limited and manageable.
Additionally, this update does not alter the obligations under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). All applicants must still demonstrate that they are not inadmissible under health-related grounds. The revised policy does not create new rights or obligations; rather, it clarifies how admissibility evidence should be presented and maintained.
Final Takeaway
Going forward, applicants must ensure that Form I-693 is submitted with each individual benefit request. This change will streamline USCIS processing, reduce Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and protect broader public health interests.
For any foreign nationals, adjustment of status applicants, or investors in the U.S., it is essential to consult with legal counsel to confirm your medical documentation aligns with this updated USCIS policy. At Ahluwalia Law Offices, we continue to guide our clients through these evolving regulatory landscapes with care and precision.
This blog post is based on the official USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-08 dated June 11, 2025. Always refer to the USCIS Policy Manual for the most current guidance.
