In a noteworthy announcement on September 29, 2022, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the temporary waiver regarding the validity of the civil surgeon’s signature on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This extension is now effective through March 31, 2023, and is applicable to all Form I-693s pending adjudication, irrespective of the date of filing or the date the form was signed by the civil surgeon.
Understanding the “60-day Rule”
Traditionally, a completed Form I-693 maintains its validity for two years after being signed by a civil surgeon. However, this is contingent upon the associated immigration application being filed within 60 days of the form’s signing – a stipulation commonly referred to as the “60-day rule.”
Scope of the Temporary Waiver
This recently announced waiver is significant in its scope, applying to all Form I-693s submitted with immigration benefit applications that are yet to be adjudicated. This includes applications filed before or after the announcement, and regardless of when the Form I-693 was signed.
This extension is a crucial development for applicants, ensuring that their medical examination reports remain valid despite potential delays in processing. It alleviates the concern of applicants about the possible expiration of their Form I-693 due to extended USCIS processing times.
The USCIS’s decision to extend this waiver reflects an understanding of the current processing challenges and a commitment to facilitating the immigration process. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed about such updates to ensure compliance and smooth progression of their immigration applications.
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