Green card applicants hoping to smooth their path through US immigration might soon have another hurdle to pass through. USCIS has announced that after June 11, 2025, it will require applicants applying for a green card to submit a new variant of the Form I‑693 medical exam. According to the most recent updates, all old medical forms will be no good regardless of the application being refused or withdrawn.

Under the latest USCIS guideline, a civil surgeon's I-693 form signed on or after November 1, 2023 is valid as long as the underlying immigration application is pending. The form is invalid/worthless if that application is withdrawn or turned down. This rule applies retroactively to pending or future applications filed on or after June 11.

Industry specialists say the change offers clarity but also brings an added level of planning for immigrants seeking to comply with changing US visa requirements.

“This is a clear signal from USCIS that the medical documentation must reflect the applicant’s current medical situation,” said a senior immigration consultant. “If somebody applied as recently as six months ago, they’ll need to re-submit everything, as well as a new medical form, for the second attempt.”

Earlier, Green card applicants had been allowed to reuse medical forms completed on or after Nov. 1, 2023, under a 2024 policy meant to cut down on delays and trips back to the doctor. That policy has now been reversed, with USCIS saying it was a matter of public health. The old standard was “overly broad” and endangered medical oversight over the immigration process, the agency said.

“For those candidates out of the U.A.E. or individuals who are looking to move to the U.S., they need to make sure they are up to date with all the requirements,” said another travel adviser. “You have to schedule everything perfectly, from US visa appointments to document preparation, now.”

The rule does not apply directly to US tourist visa holders or other non-immigrant US visa categories, however, applicants for US permanent resident status should consider the newly imposed medical requirements.

Other recent green card updates under the Trump administration include:

● Social media disclosures: A new proposal would require applicants to list their social media handles.
● Hold on asylum and refugee green cards: Processing paused for additional fraud and security checks.
● COVID-19 vaccine dropped: As of March 2025, no longer required for green card eligibility.
● Green card renewals extended: There is an automatic 36-month extension available for Form I-90 renewals.

Immigration consultants recommend getting ready ahead of time, especially when it comes to USCIS-approved medical exams. With appointments slots being scarce, timing is everything for those looking to navigate tighter US immigration barriers.

Anyone travelling to the US should visit the official USCIS website or consult an approved visa consultant for personalised guidance on the latest USCIS visa requirements.

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