Understanding the Indefinite Validity of Form I-693 in U.S. Immigration
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a big change for people applying to live in the U.S. Now, if you complete a health check form called Form I-693 with a doctor approved by the government (called a civil surgeon) on or after November 1, 2023, this form will be good forever. Before, these forms could only be used for a limited time.
The reason for this change is thanks to improvements in how health information is shared electronically. The USCIS worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and decided that if a Form I-693 is filled out correctly and signed by the right doctor, there’s no need for it to have an expiration date.
However, USCIS workers can still ask for more information or a new form if they think someone’s health situation has changed or if the form doesn’t seem right. They want to make sure everyone coming to live in the U.S. is healthy and won’t be turned away for health reasons.
If someone had their health check before November 1, 2023, the old rules apply. This means the form is only good for two years from when the doctor signed it. But, there’s an exception for a group called Operation Allies Welcome parolees; their forms are good for three years.
This update is meant to make things easier and faster for people moving to the U.S. It also shows how better technology is helping us keep track of health information more efficiently.
For anyone going through this process, you can find more details in the USCIS Policy Manual. This change is all about making the immigration process smoother and keeping up with new health technology.
