There are 3 recent news related to the medical examination required by USCIS.

1. As of October 1, 2021, the Covid-19 vaccine will be required for medical examinations. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the vaccine for the general U.S. population, specifically for persons eligible for the vaccine. Therefore, the Covid-19 vaccine now meets the required vaccine criteria and becomes an additional requirement for eligible applicants. Applicants must provide the licensed physician with in-person evidence of completion of the entire vaccine series (1 or 2 doses depending on vaccine formulation) in addition to the other routinely required vaccinations.

2. Applicants for employment-based adjustment who receive an RFE requesting Form I-693 should respond to this request immediately via overnight mail or priority service. USCIS indicates that it has taken this action to limit the number of such visas that are not used annually.

3. Immigration temporarily changes medical examination requirement. Effective August 12, 2021, USCIS temporarily extends the validity of the Form I-693 from 2 years to 4 years. For Form I-485 adjustment decisions issued on or before September 30, 2021, USCIS may accept the Form I-693 if:

• The civilian physician’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485;
• No more than four years have passed since the civilian physician’s signature; and A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 was issued on or before September 30, 2021.
• Remember that although the medical examination is not required to be submitted with the adjustment application and can be taken on the day of the interview, in certain cases an interview is not required. If so, submitting the medical examination with the adjustment application may prevent USCIS from issuing an RFE (request for evidence) requesting the examination which would avoid delays in the approval of your process if the appointment is not required.

For more information on this topic you can visit: https://www.uscis.gov/es/i-693.