Individuals with Employment-Based (EB) Adjustment of Status category are receiving notifications from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerning Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Generally,  these messages are a proactive call to action, urging applicants to promptly complete their Form I-693.

USCIS used a similar approach in August 2021, confirmed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). This year, as fiscal year 2023 draws to a close, USCIS is once again reaching out to individuals with employment-based adjustment of status petitions. USCIS is emphasizing the importance of submitting their medical exams before September 30, 2023. Given that getting a medical examination and available appointments can often take several weeks or even longer, USCIS is ensuring applicants are well-informed in advance.

Understanding the significance of Form I-693 is critical. Recipients should not overlook these messages, even if they have previously submitted a medical report during the initial filing process or in response to a prior request for evidence (RFE). A completed and sealed Form I-693 remains valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature, regardless of when the form is eventually submitted to USCIS. To ensure accuracy and completeness, it’s recommended to request a copy of the signed medical form that is being forwarded to USCIS.

An applicant proves eligibility to receive a green card on health grounds, free from any medical conditions rendering them inadmissible, if the following criteria are met:

• An immigration medical examination, conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon or a USCIS-approved doctor, adheres to legal guidelines. It is advisable to verify this information through the USCIS website.
• The current edition of Form I-693 is correctly and comprehensively filled out by both the civil surgeon and the applicant, as of the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
• The sealed medical report is duly submitted to USCIS.
• The Form verifies the applicant’s compliance with vaccination requirements and confirms their absence of Class A medical conditions. Class A conditions encompass instances of drug abuse or addiction, present or past physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior or a likelihood of recurring harmful behavior, and communicable diseases of significant public health concern.
• USCIS reaches a decision on the pending Adjustment of Status application no later than two years following the date of the civil surgeon’s signature on Form I-693.

If you have a pending Adjustment of Status application and previously submitted a medical report, it’s a good idea to double check the date when the civil surgeon signed your Form I-693. If it was more than two years ago and your case is still pending, you might need to submit a new medical report. If more than two years have gone by since filing and you’ve received communication from USCIS via text, phone, or email, it is a good idea to get a fresh medical evaluation.

Lastly, it’s important to note that direct communication from USCIS via text message, phone call, or email is exceedingly rare. We anticipate that these communications will not be a consistent practice. We recommend that applicants always consult their immigration attorney to verify the authenticity of any received messages. Remaining vigilant is crucial to prevent falling victim to potential scams.

Should you have inquiries regarding your employment-based visa or any other immigration-related matters, feel free to reach out to us. We are with you every step of the way.