USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeons Signing Medicals
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced a significant change to its policy regarding Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Previously, civil surgeons were required to sign Form I-693 no more than 60 days before an individual applied for an underlying immigration benefit, such as Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This requirement, since December 9, 2021, has been subject to a temporary waiver. USCIS has now decided to remove this requirement altogether, allowing for a more streamlined immigration process.
Background: 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeons
The 60-day rule was initially implemented with the intention of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for updated Forms I-693. However, it has become apparent that these efficiencies were not realized in practice. Instead, the rule has caused confusion among applicants, civil surgeons, USCIS officers, federal partners, and other stakeholders, leading to the issuance of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for otherwise valid Forms I-693.
New Policy Update: 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeons
With this policy change, USCIS, going forward will be able to adjudicate application with immigration medical examinations that would have previously been deemed invalid due to the 60-day rule. This means that, instead of issuing RFEs for Form I-693 signed more than 60 days prior to the filing of the I-485, but otherwise valid, USCIS can accept these Forms I-693 for adjudicative purposes for up to two years after the date the civil surgeon signed the form.
Impact on Applicants and Civil Surgeons:
For applicants, this policy change means they will no longer need to worry about meeting the strict 60-day timeframe from the day the civil surgeon’s signed Form I-693 and the submission of their underlying application for an immigration benefit. This will allow applicants more flexibility in scheduling their medical examinations and preparing their applications.
Civil surgeons will also benefit from this change, as they will no longer be restricted to signing Form I-693 within the 60-day window before an underlying application is filed. This will provide them with increased flexibility in scheduling and conducting immigration medical examinations.
Conclusion:
The removal of the 60-day rule for civil surgeons signing Form I-693 is a positive step toward a more efficient and streamlined immigration process. By reducing confusion and unnecessary RFEs, USCIS can better focus on adjudicating cases in a timely manner. This policy change is expected to benefit applicants, civil surgeons, USCIS officers, federal partners, and other stakeholders by simplifying the medical examination process and providing greater flexibility for all parties involved.