USCIS Enforces New Medical Exam Rule Effective June 11, 2025

Key Takeaways

• USCIS rule effective June 11, 2025, limits Form I-693 validity to pending green card applications only.
• Applicants must submit Form I-693 with Form I-485 and use 01/20/25 edition after July 3, 2025.
• New medical exam required if green card application is denied or withdrawn before reapplying.

On June 11, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major change to the medical exam requirements for people applying for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸. This new rule, which took effect immediately, changes how long the immigration medical exam (Form I-693) is valid and when applicants must get a new one. The update affects anyone with a pending green card application (Form I-485) or anyone who files after June 11, 2025. The goal, according to USCIS, is to protect public health by making sure all applicants have up-to-date medical checks.

Let’s break down what this means, why it matters, who is affected, and what steps applicants need to take under the new policy.

What Changed and Why?

USCIS now says that Form I-693, the immigration medical exam, is only valid while your green card application is pending. If your application is denied or you withdraw it, your medical exam is no longer valid. If you want to reapply, you must get a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693.

This is a big shift from the previous policy, which started on April 4, 2024. Under that rule, a properly completed Form I-693 could be used indefinitely for future applications. USCIS now believes that allowing old medical exams could put public health at risk, since medical conditions can change over time. The agency explained, “By limiting the validity period to only the current immigration benefit application or request, we ensure that aliens get timely and proper medical examinations and treatment, which safeguards public health.”

Who Is Affected by the New Rule?

• All green card applicants (those filing Form I-485) with cases pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025
• Applicants whose Form I-693 was signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023
• Anyone who has to reapply after a denial or withdrawal—they must get a new medical exam

USCIS says the number of people who will need to redo their medical exams is small, since most applicants do not have to reapply after a denial or withdrawal. Still, for those who are affected, the new rule means extra steps and costs.

How Does the New Policy Work?

Here’s a step-by-step look at the process under the new rule:

1. Schedule a Medical Exam: Find a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon and schedule your immigration medical exam.
2. Complete Form I-693: After your exam, the civil surgeon fills out and signs Form I-693.
3. Submit With Your Application: Include the completed Form I-693 with your Form I-485 green card application when you file. This has been required since December 2, 2024.
4. While Your Application Is Pending: Your Form I-693 is valid only while your green card application is being reviewed.
5. If Your Application Is Denied or Withdrawn: Your Form I-693 is no longer valid. If you want to reapply, you must get a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693.
6. Form Edition Requirement: Starting July 3, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-693 will be accepted. Make sure you use the correct version, which you can find on the official USCIS Form I-693 page.

Why Did USCIS Make This Change?

USCIS says the main reason is to protect public health. Medical exams are meant to make sure people applying for a green card do not have certain diseases or health conditions that could be a risk to others in the United States 🇺🇸. If someone uses an old medical exam, it might not show new health problems that have developed since the exam was done.

The agency also said the previous policy, which allowed indefinite use of Form I-693, was too broad and could lead to outdated health information being used in immigration decisions.

What Are the Practical Effects for Applicants?

Increased Costs and Burden

• If your green card application is denied or withdrawn, you must pay for a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693 if you reapply.
• Medical exams can be expensive, and finding an appointment with a civil surgeon can take time.
• This adds extra steps and costs for people who need to reapply.

Timeliness of Medical Exams

• Applicants should schedule their medical exam close to the time they file their green card application.
• If the exam is done too early, it might expire or become invalid if there are delays or problems with the application.

Possible Delays

• If you have to redo your medical exam, your new application could be delayed while you wait for an appointment and for the civil surgeon to complete the paperwork.

Minimal Impact for Most Applicants

• USCIS believes most people will not be affected, since most green card applications are not denied or withdrawn.

What Do Stakeholders Say?

USCIS (Government Perspective):
USCIS says the new rule is needed to make sure all green card applicants have recent medical exams, which helps protect public health. The agency believes this is a reasonable step to keep everyone safe.

Applicants (Individual Perspective):
People applying for a green card may worry about extra costs, delays, and the need to repeat medical exams if their application is denied or withdrawn. This can be especially hard for families, people with limited money, or those who face other barriers.

Immigration Attorneys and Advocacy Groups:
Lawyers and groups that help immigrants may argue that the new rule creates extra hurdles for people trying to get legal status. They may say it is unfair to make people pay for another medical exam if their first application is denied for reasons not related to health.

Public Health Experts:
Health professionals are likely to support the rule, since it means all applicants are checked for health problems close to the time they apply. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and keeps health information up to date.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this policy change is part of a larger trend of tightening health standards in immigration, reflecting ongoing debates about how to balance public health with the needs of immigrants.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

• Before April 4, 2024: Form I-693 had a limited validity period. Applicants sometimes had to redo their medical exams if their application took too long.
• April 4, 2024: USCIS changed the rule to allow indefinite validity for properly completed Form I-693. This made things easier for applicants, but some worried it could lead to outdated health checks.
• June 11, 2025: USCIS reversed the 2024 policy, saying it was too broad and could risk public health. Now, Form I-693 is only valid while the green card application is pending.

This back-and-forth shows how immigration policies can change quickly, often in response to new concerns or changing priorities.

Key Dates and Details

• Effective Date of New Rule: June 11, 2025
• Form I-693 Edition Requirement: Starting July 3, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition will be accepted
• Applies To: All green card applications pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025
• Form I-693 Must Be Submitted: At the time of filing Form I-485 (since December 2, 2024)
• USCIS Discretion: USCIS can still ask for a new medical exam if there are public health concerns, even if not strictly required

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new medical exam if my application is denied or withdrawn?
Yes. If your green card application is denied or you withdraw it, your old Form I-693 is no longer valid. You must get a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693 if you reapply.

When does the new policy take effect?
The new rule applies to all cases pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025.

Which edition of Form I-693 should I use?
Starting July 3, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition will be accepted. Always check the official USCIS Form I-693 page for the latest version.

How does this affect processing times?
If you need a new medical exam after a denial or withdrawal, your new application could be delayed while you schedule and complete the exam.

Summary Table: What’s Different Now?

What Should Applicants Do Now?

If you are planning to apply for a green card, here are some steps to help you avoid problems under the new rule:

• Schedule your medical exam close to your application date. Don’t do it too early, or it might expire.
• Make sure your civil surgeon uses the correct edition of Form I-693. Starting July 3, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition will be accepted.
• Submit your Form I-693 with your Form I-485 application. This is now required.
• If your application is denied or withdrawn, plan for extra time and costs. You’ll need a new medical exam and a new Form I-693 if you want to reapply.
• Stay informed. Check the USCIS website for updates and official announcements.

Implications for Different Groups

For Immigrants and Families:
This rule means you need to be careful about timing your medical exam and be ready for extra costs if you have to reapply. Families with children or elderly members may face higher costs if multiple people need new exams.

For Employers and Sponsors:
If you are helping an employee or family member apply for a green card, be aware of the new timing and paperwork rules. Delays or mistakes could mean extra costs and longer wait times.

For Immigration Attorneys:
Lawyers will need to advise clients about the new requirements and help them plan for possible extra steps if their application is denied or withdrawn.

For Civil Surgeons:
Doctors who perform immigration medical exams should make sure they are using the correct edition of Form I-693 and understand the new rules about validity.

Looking Ahead: Will There Be More Changes?

USCIS says it will keep an eye on how the new rule works and may make more changes if needed. Immigration advocacy groups may push for exceptions or changes, especially for people who face special hardships. The requirement to use the new edition of Form I-693 starting July 3, 2025, shows that immigration forms and rules can change often.

Where to Get More Information

• USCIS Official Website
• Form I-693 Official Page
• USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-08 (PDF)
• USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283

Key Takeaways

• Form I-693 is now valid only while your green card application is pending.
• If your application is denied or withdrawn, you must get a new medical exam for any new application.
• Starting July 3, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-693 will be accepted.
• USCIS says the change is to protect public health, but it may mean extra costs and delays for some applicants.
• Stay updated by checking the official USCIS website and talking to an immigration attorney if you have questions.

This policy change highlights the importance of staying up to date with immigration rules and being prepared for possible changes in the process. By planning ahead and following the new requirements, applicants can avoid unnecessary delays and make sure their green card application moves forward smoothly.

Learn Today

USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration and naturalization processes.
Form I-693 → Official immigration medical exam form completed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon.
Form I-485 → Application to adjust status to lawful permanent resident, commonly known as the green card application.
Civil Surgeon → A doctor authorized by USCIS to conduct immigration medical exams and complete Form I-693.
Validity Period → The allowed timeframe during which the Form I-693 medical exam remains acceptable for application processing.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS changed medical exam rules on June 11, 2025, limiting Form I-693 validity to pending green card cases. Applicants must submit updated medical exams with their Form I-485 using the 01/20/25 edition starting July 3, 2025. New exams are required after denial or withdrawal.
— By VisaVerge.com