On September 29, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would be extending the temporary waiver of the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature on the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) be dated no more than 60 days before an applicant applies for the underlying immigration benefit.

In general, those applying for immigration benefits while in the United States must use Form I-693 to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under health-related grounds. Traditionally, USCIS considers a completed Form I-693 to retain its evidentiary value for two years after the date the civil surgeon signed, as long as the date of the civil surgeon’s signature is no more than 60 days before the applicant applied for the underlying immigration benefit. This is commonly referred to as the “60-day rule.” 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, USCIS has experienced delays in all aspects of operations. Applicants have also experienced difficulties beyond their control, including delays in completing the immigration medical examination. To address these issues, on December 9, 2021, USCIS announced a temporary waiver of the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant applies for the underlying immigration benefit. This was to remain in effect until September 30, 2022. 

As of September 29, 2022, USCIS is extending this temporary waiver through March 31, 2023, to further ease processing delays and associated difficulties in timely completing the immigration medical examination. This waiver applies to all Forms I-693 submitted with applications for underlying immigration benefits that have not been adjudicated, regardless of when the application was submitted or when the civil surgeon signed the Form I693.

We will continue to monitor any policy updates as USCIS announces them.