USCIS lifts 60-day rule for medical exam form

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has eliminated the 60-day rule for civil surgeon signatures on Form I-693, the immigration medical exam results form, simplifying the process for green card applicants. 

Why it matters

Form I-693 must be completed by a qualified physician when an immigrant applies for lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Removing the 60-day rule allows applicants to submit their medical exam results form up to two years after the civil surgeon signed it, offering more flexibility and reducing the risk of rejection by USCIS.

Background

Previously, applicants needed to have a civil surgeon sign Form I-693 within 60 days of submitting their green card application or risk receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE). This requirement placed an additional burden on immigrants and increased the likelihood of delays in their application process.

Impact on applicants

The change gives applicants more time to find a qualified physician to sign off on their medical examinations and reduces delays caused by resubmitting documents if their form was submitted more than 60 days after the civil surgeon's signature. USCIS acknowledged in a press release that the 60-day rule did not achieve its intended goals of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for updated Forms I-693.