Two Important Updates Regarding Your Medical Exam

Clients Report Being Contacted Directly by USCIS to Prepare to Provide Medical Exams

Applicants for adjustment of status have reported receiving phone calls, text messages, or emails from USCIS regarding their medical exams. In particular, USCIS is informing clients that they intend to request a medical exam (Form I-693) and is encouraging applicants to obtain their medical exam in advance. The reason for this is that USCIS hopes to adjudicate certain cases before September 30, 2021, and they are encouraging applicants to be prepared to submit their medical exams in time for their applications to be adjudicated by the deadline. USCIS is informing clients that they should expect to receive a “Request for Evidence,” instructing them to provide a medical exam. Given that a medical exam can take several weeks or longer to obtain, USCIS hopes that this will allow applicants the necessary time to submit their medical exams by September 30^th.

Please note that, USCIS is only communicating with applicants for the purpose of informing applicants that they will have to provide a medical exam. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a USCIS officer and they request personal information or request that you make a payment, then it is likely a scam. In general, if the caller requests that you provide them with anything, whether it is information or money, then you should be very suspicious.

Finally, please note that it is usually extremely rare for USCIS to contact someone by phone or email. We do not expect this process to continue indefinitely, and we encourage our clients to always remain vigilant to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. If you receive a call or message from USCIS and are not sure if it is authentic, or have any questions in general please contact your attorney immediately.

Validity Of Medical Exams Extended to Four Years

For the same reason, USCIS has also extended the validity of Medical Exams from two years to four years for any adjustment of status application that is adjudicated on or before September 30, 2021. Under normal circumstances, a medical exam is valid for two years after it is submitted, which means that if your case pends longer than two years, you will likely be asked to submit a new medical exam. However, that timeframe has now been extended to four years. Furthermore, even if USCIS requests that you submit a new medical exam, you may not be required to do so. For now, a medical exam is valid if it meets the following criteria:

• The civil surgeon’s signature on Form I-693 is dated no more than 60 days before your form I-485 was filed;
• No more than 4 years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature; and
• The decision on Form I-485 is issued on or before September 30, 2021.

USCIS has not indicated whether they plan to continue this policy after September 30, 2021. Should you have any questions about your immigration case, or medical exams in particular, do not hesitate to contact our office at (312) 427-6163.