New USCIS Requirement: Form I-485 Applications Must Include Form I-693
As of December 2, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) filings to include a completed Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). Applications submitted without Form I-693 may be rejected. Below, we outline the key aspects of this new rule and what applicants need to know.
Purpose of the New Rule
Adjustment of status applicants are required to complete a medical examination and any necessary vaccinations to demonstrate they do not have health-related conditions that make them inadmissible. A USCIS-authorized civil surgeon must complete and sign Form I-693 to document these results.
In the past, applicants often submitted Form I-485 first and provided Form I-693 later, either in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE) or at USCIS’s request. This practice led to delays in processing and increased administrative burdens.
To streamline application reviews and reduce delays caused by RFEs, USCIS now mandates that Form I-485 and Form I-693 be submitted together.
Who Does This Affect?
This requirement applies to all individuals filing Form I-485. Key points to keep in mind:
- Full Form I-693 Submission:
Most applicants must provide a complete Form I-693, showing that they have completed the required medical examination and vaccinations. - Partial Form I-693 (Vaccination Record Only):
In limited cases, applicants may only need to submit the vaccination record section of Form I-693. - Form Completion and Signature:
The form must be completed and signed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon to meet the filing requirements.
What Happens If You Don’t Include Form I-693?
Applications submitted without Form I-693 will likely be rejected outright. Unlike previous policies, USCIS will no longer send RFEs to request missing medical forms. This underscores the importance of submitting a complete application package upfront.
Steps to Prepare for the New Requirement
To ensure your application is complete:
- Schedule a Medical Exam Early:
Find a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon to perform your medical exam and complete Form I-693. Scheduling early ensures you’ll have everything ready when it’s time to file. - Double-Check Your Application Package:
Confirm that both Form I-485 and Form I-693 are properly completed, signed, and included when submitting your application.
This new USCIS filing requirement places greater emphasis on preparing a complete application package but is intended to streamline the review process and reduce delays.
If you are planning to file Form I-485, we strongly recommend preparing Form I-693 in advance to ensure your application meets the new standards. If you have questions about the updated requirements or need assistance with your application, our office is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.
For more information, visit the USCIS website . Additional information on the immigration benefits that require an immigration medical examination and vaccinations, and whether a civil surgeon or panel physician should conduct the immigration medical examination is available in Vol. 8, Part B, Chapter 3 – Applicability of Medical Examination and Vaccination Requirement of the USCIS Policy Manual.