An extension of the Temporary Exemption from the 60-Day Rule for Civilian Physician Firms for Forms I-693 was announced this Thursday by the Citizenship and Immigration Services.
It should be remembered that those who apply for immigration benefits while in the United States must use Form I-693 to show that they are free from any condition that would make them inadmissible under health-related laws.
Normally, USCIS considers that a completed Form I-693 retains its evidentiary value for 2 years after the date of the civil surgeon’s signatureprovided that the date of the civil surgeon’s signature is not more than 60 days before the applicant submitted the application for the underlying immigration benefit. This is commonly known as the “60-day rule.”
Through a statement, USCIS details that, originally, the exemption would be in effect until September 30 of this yearbut with the extension will continue until March 31, 2023.
The purpose of this decision is to further reduce processing delays and possible difficulties in completing the immigration medical examination in a timely manner.
USCIS notes that this exemption applies to all Forms I-693 associated with applications for underlying immigration benefits that have not been adjudicated, regardless of when the application was filed with USCIS or when the civil surgeon signed the Form I-693.