Jan 3 2013

USCIS Temporarily Extends Civil Surgeon Endorsement Validity Period

A new policy memorandum from USCIS has temporarily extended the validity of civil surgeon endorsements on Form I-693, the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, for adjustments of status and temporary residence applicants. A civil surgeon’s endorsement on Form I-693 is a requirement and is filed with Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and Form I-687, the Application for Status as a Temporary Resident.

The civil surgeon’s endorsement is generally valid for a period of one year. The other two forms (I-485 and I-686), however, may remain pending for more than one year. A December 29, 2011, policy memorandum from USCIS extended the validity period of the endorsement until the related adjustment of status or temporary residence application was adjudicated. This policy was in effect until January 1, 2013. This new policy memorandum further temporarily extends the validity period of civil surgeon endorsements.