USCIS Extension of Validity of Medical Certifications

In light of continued lengthy adjudications in connection with some adjustment of status and temporary residence applications, USCIS has further extended its policy permitting medical examination results to remain valid until the underlying application has been adjudicated. USCIS regulations normally limit the validity of medical examinations to one year.

A medical examination is required for most I-145 adjustment of status and I-687 temporary resident applications. The medical examination must be conducted by a USCIS designated civil surgeon, whose Form I-693 medical examination endorsement is generally valid for only one year.

However, in a December 2012 policy memo, USCIS extended the one-year medical examination validity period with respect to a pending application until that application could be adjudicated. Although this policy had been set to expire on September 30, 2013, USCIS has now further extended it until May 31, 2014.

The extended medical examination validity policy is limited to those applications where the physician has not identified a Class A or Class B medical condition. These conditions would include active tuberculosis, syphilis, physical or mental disorders, and drug abuse or addictions, among others.