How Should Immigration Attorneys Plan Around Form I-693 Validity?
Quick Answer
Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature, provided USCIS receives the I-485 within that window. Attorneys should schedule exams close to the anticipated I-485 filing date and monitor cases where long processing times could cause the form to expire before adjudication.
Understanding the I-693 Validity Window
Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature. USCIS must receive the Form I-485 within that 2-year window for the I-693 to be considered valid. If the I-485 is received after the 2-year window, USCIS will issue an RFE requesting a new examination.
It is important to note that the validity window runs from the civil surgeon's signature date — not the date of the examination or the date the form was picked up. Attorneys should track this date carefully.
Planning for Cases With Long Processing Times
For cases expected to have long processing times — such as employment-based cases with retrogressed priority dates, or cases involving complex medical findings — there is a risk that Form I-693 will expire before the case is adjudicated.
In these situations, attorneys should consider waiting to schedule the exam until closer to the anticipated I-485 filing date. If the form expires while the case is pending, USCIS will issue an RFE requesting a new examination.
What to Do If the Case Is Delayed After Filing
If the I-485 has been filed and the case is delayed beyond the 2-year validity window, USCIS will typically issue an RFE requesting a new Form I-693. This is not uncommon in cases with long processing times.
When this happens, schedule a new examination promptly and respond to the RFE with the new Form I-693. The new form will have its own 2-year validity window from the new civil surgeon signature date.
Tracking Validity Dates in Your Practice
Attorneys who handle high volumes of adjustment of status cases should implement a system for tracking Form I-693 validity dates. A simple calendar reminder set for 18 months after the civil surgeon's signature date can alert attorneys to cases where the form may be approaching expiration.
This is particularly important for cases with retrogressed priority dates, where the I-485 may not be filed for months or years after the exam is completed.
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