The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a key policy update affecting immigrants applying for a Green Card through the adjustment of status process. The change concerns the validity of Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, which is required to demonstrate that applicants are not inadmissible on health-related grounds.
As of June 11, 2025, USCIS will only consider a Form I-693 valid if it is attached to an active Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If the I-485 application is withdrawn or denied, the associated I-693 will be considered invalid, even if it was signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023.
This marks a shift from USCIS’s earlier guidance issued on April 4, 2024, which stated that a properly completed I-693 would be valid indefinitely. The agency has since determined that this broad validity period may compromise public health, as it could allow outdated medical information to be used in future applications.
The revised policy ensures that medical exams remain current and reflect applicants’ most recent health status, particularly when filing for adjustment of status. Going forward, individuals who reapply for a Green Card after a withdrawal or denial must submit a new Form I-693, signed by a civil surgeon.
COVID-19 Vaccination No Longer Required
In a related update, as of January 20, 2025, USCIS officers will no longer issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) for missing COVID-19 vaccination documentation. This follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which, on March 11, 2025, removed the COVID-19 vaccine from the list of required immunizations for immigration medical exams.
Until the revised Form I-693 is issued, civil surgeons are instructed to either cross out the COVID-19 section or write “N/A.” If all other vaccination criteria are met, they may mark the applicant as having completed all required vaccinations.
What Immigrants Need to Know
Form I-693 is no longer valid once an associated I-485 is withdrawn or denied.
A new medical exam is required for each new Green Card application.
COVID-19 vaccination proof is no longer needed as of January 20, 2025.
These updates apply to all applications filed or pending on or after June 11, 2025.
Immigrants navigating the Green Card process should consult the updated USCIS Policy Manual or seek legal assistance to ensure compliance with the latest immigration requirements. Staying informed of evolving immigration policies is crucial for a smooth and timely application process.
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