What Changed with the copyright Medical Exam?
If you are in the process of applying for a copyright or planning to do so, there is a new rule you need to be aware of. As of June 11, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed how long your immigration medical exam stays valid. The form in question? Form I-693 – Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
Under the updated rule, your I-693 form is now considered valid while your I-485 (your copyright application) is pending. If your application is withdrawn, denied, or closed for any reason, that medical exam is tossed out. Yes, you will need to schedule a new medical exam and submit a fresh form.
So, what does that mean for you? Let’s show you how our Houston doctor at Apex Urgent Care Clinic can help you stay one step ahead.
Why Did USCIS Change the Rules?
You are not alone if you are wondering, “Why now?” USCIS wants to ensure that immigration medical exams reflect current health conditions and vaccinations. This new policy helps prevent applicants from using older exams when their application process starts again or gets delayed by months (or even years). In a way, it keeps things current, but it also creates a challenge for you if you are not careful with your timeline.
What Is Form I-693?
Think of Form I-693 as your medical clearance for a copyright. It confirms that you do not have any health conditions that would make you inadmissible to the United States. It includes checks for tuberculosis, syphilis, vaccination status, and others.
To complete the form, you need to book an appointment with a designated civil surgeon, and our team at Apex Urgent Care Clinic in Houston will help. The exam includes a physical checkup, lab tests, and a review of vaccination records.
When Do You Need to Submit the Medical Exam?
Here is where it gets tricky. Even if your I-693 was signed last month, it will not be accepted for a new copyright application. It must align with a pending I-485. Your medical exam must be done and submitted while your I-485 is active and pending. That means:
- If your I-485 is rejected, closed, or withdrawn, the I-693 becomes invalid
- If you want to reapply, you need to start the medical process again
What Happens if You Already Had Your Medical Exam Done?
If your Form I-693 was signed before November 1, 2023, good news: it is still valid for two years from the date it was signed. But if it was signed on or after that date, this new rule applies.
You might need a new one—even if yours is still “within two years”—if your I-485 was closed or withdrawn. Talk about confusing, right? That is why our Houston doctor is here to guide you through it.
How Can Apex Urgent Care Clinic Help You?
We know immigration medical exams are not just a box to check—they are the last hurdle before your copyright is approved. At Apex Urgent Care Clinic, we offer:
- Same-day appointments for immigration physicals
- Certified civil surgeons in Houston
- Vaccination updates on-site
- Quick processing and support with your I-693 form
We also double-check your I-485 status so you do not waste money on a medical exam that may become invalid.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are preparing for your copyright interview or thinking about submitting your I-485, do not delay your medical exam. Also, do not rush it before your copyright application is officially pending. Timing matters now more than ever.
Still unsure when to schedule it? Let our Houston doctor help you plan so you do not repeat the process.
Finally: This copyright Medical Rule Matters—Act Smart!
The USCIS is stricter, but with the right information and help, you can navigate it. Your immigration journey is too important to leave to chance.
Ready to book your immigration physical in Houston? Contact Apex Urgent Care Clinic today—we are here to make it simple, fast, and fully compliant.