Should I Wait for My Priority Date Before Getting Form I-693?
Quick Answer
Yes, in most cases you should wait until your priority date is current — or close to current — before scheduling your immigration medical examination. Form I-693 is only valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date. If you schedule your examination too early, the form may expire before your priority date becomes current and you can file your I-485.
Understanding Priority Dates and Visa Availability
For many family-based and employment-based green card categories, the number of visas available each year is limited. USCIS uses a priority date system to manage the queue of applicants. Your priority date is typically the date your immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140) was filed. You can only file Form I-485 when your priority date is current — meaning a visa is available for your category and country of birth. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows which priority dates are current.
The Risk of Scheduling Too Early
Form I-693 is valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. If you schedule your examination while your priority date is still years away from becoming current, the form will expire before you can use it. You will then need to repeat the entire examination process — at additional cost — when your priority date finally becomes current. For applicants in categories with long backlogs, scheduling the examination too early can result in multiple unnecessary examinations.
Recommended Timing
The ideal time to schedule your immigration medical examination is when your priority date is current or within approximately 6 to 12 months of becoming current. This gives you enough time to complete the examination, receive all test results, and have the form ready when you file your I-485, while minimizing the risk that the form will expire before your case is adjudicated. Monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly and consult your immigration attorney about the right time to schedule.
Concurrent Filing Categories
Some applicants are eligible to file Form I-485 concurrently with their immigrant petition — meaning they do not need to wait for a priority date. This is common for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses and unmarried children under 21) and for certain employment-based categories when a visa is immediately available. If you are eligible for concurrent filing, you can schedule your examination at any time before or shortly after filing your I-485.
What to Do If Your Form Expires While Waiting
If you scheduled your examination before your priority date became current and the form has now expired, you will need to schedule a new examination. Contact our office to schedule a new appointment. When scheduling, try to time the new examination so that the form will be valid when your priority date becomes current and you can file your I-485. Our staff can help you think through the timing.
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