I693 Medical Exams expiring

[It_takes_2 5]

A general tip for people AOSing. Check the processing times for your field office before getting the medical exam (I693) done. NYC is at 12-19 months for family-based AOS and 9-21.5 months for employment-based. I've had several clients get an RFE and have to pay for another exam because their first expired. 

 

The rule is that the exam must have been received by USCIS within one year of adjudication of the case. When received, the exam can't be older than a year old. Policy Alert - Validity of I-693

 

You can always get the exam done at a later date and submit at the interview,  reducing the chances you'll have to spend double on those not so cheap exams. 

 

[azblk 338]

1 hour ago, It_takes_2 said:

A general tip for people AOSing. Check the processing times for your field office before getting the medical exam (I693) done. NYC is at 12-19 months for family-based AOS and 9-21.5 months for employment-based. I've had several clients get an RFE and have to pay for another exam because their first expired. 

 

The rule is that the exam must have been received by USCIS within one year of adjudication of the case. When received, the exam can't be older than a year old. Policy Alert - Validity of I-693

 

You can always get the exam done at a later date and submit at the interview,  reducing the chances you'll have to spend double on those not so cheap exams. 

 

I understand what you are trying to say but you are saying it wrong.

The i-693 must be submitted to USCIS within one year of the examination and is valid for one year from the date of submission. So if you time it right,  you can extend its validity to almost 2 years. example below-

01/012018 - take medical exam.

12/20/2018 - submit to USCIS.

12/20/2019 - expires.

[It_takes_2 5]

On 5/18/2018 at 7:05 PM, azblk said:

I understand what you are trying to say but you are saying it wrong.

The i-693 must be submitted to USCIS within one year of the examination and is valid for one year from the date of submission. So if you time it right,  you can extend its validity to almost 2 years. example below-

01/012018 - take medical exam.

12/20/2018 - submit to USCIS.

12/20/2019 - expires.

Not wrong, you just stated it differently  

The main point is that if processing times in NY are 12-19.5 months, it doesn't matter if you took the exam and sent it the next day or waited 364 days before sending it. If USCIS decides your case on day 366 from when applied, you need to submit a new exam. 

 

To use your example:

01/01/2018 - take medical exam.

12/20/2018 - submit to USCIS.

12/20/2019 - expires.

12/21/2019 - USCIS officer adjudicates case, because long wait times in NY field office -> RFE for new exam because the one you sent expired the day before.

Edited May 22, 2018 by It_takes_2
adding example

[azblk 338]

28 minutes ago, It_takes_2 said:

Not wrong, you just stated it differently  

The main point is that if processing times in NY are 12-19.5 months, it doesn't matter if you took the exam and sent it the next day or waited 364 days before sending it. If USCIS decides your case on day 366 from when applied, you need to submit a new exam. 

 

To use your example:

01/01/2018 - take medical exam.

12/20/2018 - submit to USCIS.

12/20/2019 - expires.

12/21/2019 - USCIS officer adjudicates case, because long wait times in NY field office -> RFE for new exam because the one you sent expired the day before.

That is correct.  The problem is the USCIS does not explain this in proper English and thus a lot of people submit i-693 at the same time as the rest of the package. They need to recommend that medical is done after interview is scheduled, that way it is almost guaranteed to be unexpired at interview or approval.

[It_takes_2 5]

On 5/22/2018 at 3:09 PM, azblk said:

That is correct.  The problem is the USCIS does not explain this in proper English and thus a lot of people submit i-693 at the same time as the rest of the package. They need to recommend that medical is done after interview is scheduled, that way it is almost guaranteed to be unexpired at interview or approval.

Glad to see you agree with my tip  

 

I pointed it out because a lot of articles and how to's, and even practitioners, like were I work, have it on their checklist to send with the application. Possibly a holdover from when processing times were faster? A good reminder that it's always best to read the most updated instructions of an application. Surprisingly the wording is pretty clear on this one: "You are NOT required to submit Form I-693 at the time you file your adjustment application, but may do so if you wish....You may also submit Form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required. By waiting to submit Form I-693, you may avoid having to repeat the immigration medical examination."

[azblk 338]

20 minutes ago, It_takes_2 said:

Glad to see you agree with my tip  

 

I pointed it out because a lot of articles and how to's, and even practitioners, like were I work, have it on their checklist to send with the application. Possibly a holdover from when processing times were faster? A good reminder that it's always best to read the most updated instructions of an application. Surprisingly the wording is pretty clear on this one: "You are NOT required to submit Form I-693 at the time you file your adjustment application, but may do so if you wish....You may also submit Form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required. By waiting to submit Form I-693, you may avoid having to repeat the immigration medical examination."

Upto until about a year ago. The medical didn't expire so it did not matter. Then USCIS changed their policy to match a CDC recommendation.  The issues is they never properly informed the general public about the change and its repercussions.

[didiblue 20]

I agree with the initial post on this topic because I’m in NY and I sent my medical with my package and sat the interview this past Wednesday 05/23/18 my officer approved my I485 but He gave me a letter to bring a new medical to his office which I did right after my interview so I took it back that Friday 05/25/18 and he sent my approval through in less than a half an hour to be honest if I knew what I know now I’d probably wait until the interview because the letter they send you for your interview it states to bring your medical

unless you submitted it 

[bayfinest 27]

On 5/25/2018 at 9:57 AM, It_takes_2 said:

Glad to see you agree with my tip  

 

I pointed it out because a lot of articles and how to's, and even practitioners, like were I work, have it on their checklist to send with the application. Possibly a holdover from when processing times were faster? A good reminder that it's always best to read the most updated instructions of an application. Surprisingly the wording is pretty clear on this one: "You are NOT required to submit Form I-693 at the time you file your adjustment application, but may do so if you wish....You may also submit Form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required. By waiting to submit Form I-693, you may avoid having to repeat the immigration medical examination."

The best and precise explanation is always at the uscis updated general and special instruction. Its always to read carefully rather than hire your lawyer.