Does Form I-693 Expire After I File My I-485?
Quick Answer
Yes, Form I-693 can expire even after you have filed your I-485. The form is valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. If USCIS has not adjudicated your case before the form expires, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to submit a new, updated medical examination.
The Two-Year Validity Window
Form I-693 is valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs the certification. This validity period does not pause or reset when you file your I-485. If your case is pending for more than two years after the civil surgeon signed the form, the form will expire and USCIS may require a new examination. This is particularly relevant for applicants in visa backlogs or those with complex cases that take years to adjudicate.
USCIS Must Receive the Form Within the Validity Period
In addition to the two-year validity rule, USCIS policy requires that the form be submitted no later than 60 days after the civil surgeon signs it. If you submit the form within 60 days and USCIS receives it while it is still valid, the form is considered properly submitted. However, if USCIS has not made a decision on your case before the two-year validity period ends, they may still request a new examination.
What Happens When the Form Expires During Adjudication?
If your Form I-693 expires while your I-485 is pending, USCIS will typically issue an RFE requesting a new, updated medical examination. You must respond to the RFE within the specified timeframe — usually 87 days — by scheduling a new examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submitting the new sealed form. Failure to respond to the RFE can result in denial of your I-485.
How to Monitor Your Form's Validity
Track the civil surgeon's signature date on your copy of Form I-693 and mark the two-year expiration date on your calendar. Monitor USCIS processing times for your case type and priority date. If your case is approaching the two-year mark without a decision, consult your immigration attorney about whether to proactively schedule a new examination. Being proactive can prevent delays caused by an RFE.
Special Situations: Long-Pending Cases
Applicants in visa preference categories with significant backlogs — such as certain employment-based or family-based categories — may wait many years for their priority date to become current. In these cases, it is common for Form I-693 to expire multiple times before the case is adjudicated. Each time the form expires and USCIS requests a new examination, the applicant must repeat the entire process. Planning your examination timing carefully can minimize the number of times you need to repeat the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Our USCIS-designated civil surgeon is ready to help. Book your appointment online or call us today.
Continue Your Journey
What would you like to do next?
Keep learning
Browse All 363+ Questions
Explore every category — vaccinations, TB testing, Form I-693, pricing, appointment preparation, and more.
Check pricing
All-Inclusive Flat-Fee Pricing
One flat fee covers everything. No surprise charges. See exactly what you'll pay before you book.
More questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about the exam process and Form I-693.
Ready to book?
Book Online 24/7
Choose your appointment time. Instant confirmation. Same-day appointments frequently available.