In response to the processing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the USCIS announced that it is temporarily waiving the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) no more than 60 days before an application seeking an immigration benefit is submitted. This policy change will be in effect until September 30, 2022, for those applications that have not yet been adjudicated.

Since the USCIS office closures in 2020, applicants have experienced extreme processing delays. USCIS has recognized that these delays are beyond an applicant’s control. Therefore, the new policy change will allow applicants to submit their applications with a completed Form I-693 regardless of whether the civil surgeon signed the medical exam more than 60 days before. These applicants will not need to provide another medical examination as long as the completed Form I-693 is accurate.