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If you already completed your medical exam for a green card, one question keeps coming up: does your Form I-693 validity still hold, or do you need a new exam before USCIS decides your case?

Since June 11, 2025, USCIS no longer measures I-693 validity in years. Your exam stays valid only while the application you filed it with remains pending, whether that took six months or three years.

USCIS measures I-693 validity by your case status, not a fixed number of years

A Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023 stays valid only while the application you filed it with remains pending. Once that application is approved, withdrawn, or denied, that exam’s validity ends with it.

USCIS states it plainly in its policy alert: “a Form I-693 […] signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, is only valid while the application the Form I-693 was submitted with is pending. If the application a Form I-693 was submitted with is withdrawn or denied, that Form I-693 is no longer valid.”

The USCIS policy alert took effect immediately. It applies to every application pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025.

Every applicant for a green card completes this exam with a civil surgeon and reports it to USCIS on Form I-693. The form packages the exam with your immunization record, and USCIS checks it against its own green card vaccine requirements, a list that combines vaccines the law requires with additional ones the CDC adds through its immunization guidelines.

You may have read that Form I-693 is valid for four years. That was true only for decisions USCIS issued on or before September 30, 2021, under a temporary pandemic measure that expired years ago.

A denied or withdrawn I-485 means a new medical exam

If USCIS denies your I-485 or you withdraw it, the Form I-693 filed with it stops being valid that same day. There is no grace period and no partial credit for the exam you already completed.

Filing a new green card application later, even under the same category, means scheduling a new appointment with a civil surgeon. The exam does not carry over from the closed case, no matter how recently your civil surgeon signed it.

An I-693 signed before November 1, 2023 follows the old validity rule

The new pending case rule only reaches exams signed on or after November 1, 2023. If your civil surgeon signed yours earlier, the previous standard still applies: your I-693 counts for two years from the date of the signature.

That two year window comes from before the current policy, and it stands on its own regardless of when USCIS decides your case. The USCIS Policy Manual keeps that earlier standard on record for exams signed under it.

Filing I-693 with your I-485 is no longer optional

Since December 2, 2024, USCIS requires every applicant to file Form I-693 together with the I-485 form, not on a separate timeline.

Submitting the medical exam afterward, once a common approach, is no longer available under current policy. Applicants who schedule their civil surgeon appointment early avoid the scramble of gathering both forms at once.

The I-693 validity rule has shifted several times since 2021

USCIS temporarily stretched I-693 validity from two to four years in 2021, but only for decisions the agency issued on or before September 30 of that year. That measure was tied to pandemic delays, and it expired with those decisions.

USCIS then ended the 60 day signature window in March 2023, before setting the pending case standard for exams signed on or after November 1, 2023. The December 2024 requirement to file I-693 with I-485, and the June 2025 alert that ties validity to your case, both followed from there.

If you are unsure whether your Form I-693 is still valid, wondering what a denied I-485 means for your exam, or ready to file I-693 and I-485 together, our green card lawyer team can walk through your case with you.

Frequently asked questions about Form I-693 validity

Does my Form I-693 expire after a set number of years?

No. Since June 2025, USCIS ties I-693 validity to your pending application instead of a fixed number of years. Your exam remains valid as long as the case you filed it with is still open.

What happens to my I-693 if USCIS denies my green card application?

The I-693 tied to that application stops being valid on the day of the denial. Filing a new green card application later requires a new medical exam with a civil surgeon.

Can I still use an I-693 signed before November 2023?

Yes, under the earlier rule. An exam signed before November 1, 2023 stays valid for two years from the date of the signature, not tied to the status of your case.

Do I have to submit Form I-693 with my I-485?

Yes. Since December 2024, USCIS requires the two forms to be filed together rather than allowing the medical exam to follow later.

Where can I confirm the current requirements for Form I-693?

USCIS publishes the current guidance on Form I-693 validity on its own website, including the policy alert that took effect in June 2025 and the instructions attached to the form itself.

For someone facing trafficking circumstances, the core question is often the same: can I work legally, stay protected, and have a path to a stable future in the United States? The T visa benefits are designed to do exactly that by recognizing your experiences, offering work authorization, and providing a route to a green card for those who qualify. This guide explains how the program works, what evidence you may need, and how to begin with clear, trauma-informed guidance.

We understand this journey may feel overwhelming, and we are here to help as your compassionate advocates. We can assess eligibility, gather the right documentation, and navigate the process with you step by step. If you’re seeking dedicated support, contact us to discuss your case with a T visa lawyer who will listen, explain options, and tailor a plan to your strengths and needs.

What are the key T visa benefits?

Work authorization and deportation protection

The T visa benefits include protection from deportation while your case is being decided and work authorization for the principal applicant through a trauma-informed interim process. When relief is granted, you can work lawfully while your petition is resolved, giving you financial stability during a difficult time. Derivative family members may share in these protections as part of their status.

Interim relief and evidence standards

The program uses a bona fide determination to provide temporary relief during pendency. The evidence standard has been broadened to any credible evidence, including survivor testimony, expert opinions, medical records, and other supportive documentation. This trauma-informed approach recognizes how trauma can affect credibility and documentation, reducing barriers to relief.

Green card pathway and restrictions

For permanent residency, you may pursue a green card after meeting the required conditions, including cooperation with authorities and good moral character. The rule clarifies flexibility in absences and supports trauma-informed adjustments. The principal T-1 adjustment cap is limited, while derivatives remain uncapped, expanding family pathways to stability.

How does the path to a green card work for T visa holders?

Three-year presence and adjustment path

After meeting three years of continuous physical presence and cooperation with authorities, you may be eligible to apply for a green card. The approach emphasizes flexibility for certain absences and recognizes trauma-related barriers. If you qualify, you would pursue an I-485 to adjust status to lawful permanent resident, with derivatives following your lead.

Flexibility in travel and absences

Short trips or limited travel that do not disrupt your eligibility may be allowed under the rule’s presence framework. This flexibility helps you maintain family connections and essential activities while pursuing permanent status, rather than forcing you to choose between safety and stability.

Derivatives and family options

Derivatives, such as spouses and children under 21, can obtain T-2 and T-3 status with their own protections and potential access to a green card alongside the principal applicant. These family pathways are designed to support whole households rebuild their lives together.

Who qualifies for T visa benefits and what evidence is needed?

Qualifying trafficking and cooperation requirements

Qualifying for T visa benefits requires evidence of being a victim of severe trafficking and a reasonable opportunity to cooperate with law enforcement. The framework acknowledges complex cases, including survivors who may not initially report, and it allows for alternatives and supports that reflect real-world scenarios.

Evidence and documentation

Evidence standards are intentionally broad: credible testimonies, medical and psychological evaluations, police or court records, and other corroborating material may all be used. The goal is to reduce burdens that trauma creates and to ensure survivors can present their stories without being deterred by rigid requirements.

Trauma-informed adjudication and credible evidence considerations

Adjudicators apply a trauma-informed lens, recognizing how trauma affects memory and credibility. Survivors may benefit from expert assessments and supportive testimony that complements their narrative. This approach aims to improve access to relief without compromising safety and accountability.

In closing, the T visa benefits framework balances protection, work, and a pathway to lasting stability. If you think you may qualify, our team can help you assemble the right evidence, communicate with authorities, and file accurately to maximize your chances of success.

Frequently asked questions about the T visa benefits

How does a T visa provide work authorization and protection while my case is pending?

A T visa offers immediate protections while your case moves forward. As the principal applicant, you can get work authorization during the pending period and be protected from deportation while your claim is being decided. This trauma-informed approach recognizes what you’ve endured and helps you support yourself. Derivative family members may also receive similar protections, giving your household greater stability as you pursue relief.

What counts as credible evidence for a T visa, and how can documents like medical or therapy notes help?

Credible evidence for a T visa is broader than one statement. You can use survivor testimony, medical or psychological evaluations, police or court records, and other supportive documents. The process accepts many forms to reflect trauma and memory. Documentation from trusted professionals can strengthen your case, while your personal testimony remains central. Our trauma-informed approach helps you gather and present these materials without re-traumatization.

How can I move from a T visa to a green card, and what are typical timelines and requirements?

Turning a T visa into a green card typically requires three years of continuous presence in the United States and cooperation with authorities. After meeting these conditions, you may file an adjustment request (I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident. Derivatives, such as spouses and children, can follow with their own adjustments. Some absences are allowed, and our team can tailor a plan to your situation.

Can my family join me under T visa options, and what are their pathways?

Yes. The T visa allows family members to participate through derivative statuses called T-2 for spouses and T-3 for children under twenty-one. They receive protections of their own and may have a path to a green card alongside you. This keeps households together during recovery and rebuilding, reducing separation and enabling families to move forward with dignity and safety today.

What should I do if I think I qualify but feel overwhelmed or cannot tell my story easily?

If you feel overwhelmed, start by talking to an experienced, trauma-informed advocate who can listen and explain your options in clear language. We can assess eligibility, help gather documents, and map a step-by-step plan. You deserve safety and stability. With support, you can share your story at a pace that respects your healing while building a strong T visa case.