Form I-693, Explained
INFORMATION ABOUT U.S. IMMIGRATION FORM I-693 (REPORT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND VACCINATION RECORD)
What is Form I-693?
Form I-693, officially titled “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record,” is required for anyone applying for a green card from within the United States. This form is essential to prove that the applicant is not inadmissible on public health grounds.
Processing Times
Form I-693 must be signed by an authorized civil surgeon no more than two years before filing Form I-485, “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.” Typically, Form I-693 is filed together with Form I-485. The processing time for Form I-485 can vary greatly, ranging from 6 months to 4 years, depending on the circumstances.
Cost
There is no charge for filing Form I-693. However, applicants need to pay for the medical exam, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, with the average being around $200.
Eligibility
When applying for lawful permanent residence from within the United States, applicants must meet the public health grounds of inadmissibility outlined in section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Therefore, most green card applicants filing Form I-485 will also need to file Form I-693 to meet the following public health criteria:
U.S. Immigration Medical Exam Public Health Criteria
- A civil surgeon authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must examine the applicant, following U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations.
- Form I-693 must be completed by both the applicant and the civil surgeon.
- Form I-693 must be signed by the civil surgeon within two years of filing Form I-485.
- Form I-693 must show that the applicant has received the required vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Form I-693 must indicate that the applicant does not have a Class A medical condition.
- USCIS must make a decision within two years of the civil surgeon signing Form I-693.
Failure to satisfy these public health criteria could result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) or outright denial of the green card application. Certain green card applicants, such as those adjusting status from a K-1 visa, will not be required to undergo a new medical exam as they have already been examined prior to entering the United States.
As of October 1, 2021, anyone required to complete Form I-693 will need to get a COVID-19 vaccine series and bring proof of vaccination to their appointment with the civil surgeon.
Class A Medical Conditions
Class A medical condition is defined as follows:
- A communicable disease deemed significant by HHS, including:
- Gonorrhea
- Hansen’s disease
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- A lack of vaccines for preventable diseases
- A “physical or mental disorder” which may result in dangerous behavior
- Addiction to drugs
Locate Your USCIS Immigration Doctor
Find a certified USCIS immigration doctor near you to complete the necessary medical examination for your immigration application.
How to File Form I-693
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with a Civil Surgeon
To begin, make an appointment with an authorized civil surgeon. Before attending the appointment, complete the first part of Form I-693, titled “Information About You.” Remember, you must wait until your appointment to sign the form.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Appointment
Bring all pertinent medical records and proof of vaccinations, including evidence of a full COVID-19 vaccine series (either 2 doses of Moderna, 2 doses of Pfizer, or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson). You may need to attend more than one exam.
Step 3: Attend Your Medical Exam
During your appointment, the civil surgeon will complete the medical exam. At the end of the exam, the doctor will give you the original Form I-693 in a sealed envelope and a copy for your records. Ensure the form remains in the sealed envelope, as USCIS will return it if opened. Both you and the civil surgeon must sign the form; an unsigned form will be denied.
Step 4: Submit Form I-693
If you are applying for adjustment of status, submit Form I-693 (in the sealed envelope) in one of the following ways:
- Mail: Submit it with your green card application (Form I-485).
- Mail: Send it after submitting your green card application (Form I-485).
- In Person: Bring it to your interview (if required).
USCIS recommends filing Form I-693 simultaneously with Form I-485 to avoid delays and prevent requests for further evidence.
Submitting for Other Reasons
If you need to submit Form I-693 for reasons other than a green card application, follow the specific instructions provided by USCIS.
Avoid Delays with Proper Filing
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Form I-693 FAQs
Form I-693 is an important document required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the immigration process for certain applicants. The form must be completed by a designated doctor or civil surgeon, and reveals information about the applicant’s health status that can help USCIS determine the applicant’s eligibility for a green card.
Form I-693 is usually required when applying for permanent residency, but it may also be requested in other circumstances such as asylum or refugee cases. Those who are applying for any form of immigration benefit should consult with an immigration attorney to determine whether they need to complete Form I-693.
To schedule a medical exam, applicants must locate a doctor or clinic designated by USCIS. This list can be found on the USCIS website or through an online search. Appointments for the i-693 medical exam must be scheduled with a civil surgeon, who is authorized to complete Form I-693 and certify that it was administered properly.
Applicants will need to bring several items to their medical exam appointment, such as proof of identity, a list of current medications, any relevant medical records, and payment for the exam fee. In some cases, applicants may also be required to have chest x-rays taken at the time of the exam.
The cost of the I-693 medical exam varies depending on where you live and your specific needs. The exam fee typically ranges from $100 to $500, but may be more or less in some areas. It is important to keep in mind that any additional tests or services required will add to the overall cost.
Once the medical exam is completed and all the necessary documentation has been signed, the doctor or civil surgeon will give you a sealed envelope containing your results. This envelope should be sent directly to USCIS with your immigration application or petition.
In general, yes. But if the doctor found no Class A medical conditions, you’ll only need to fulfill the vaccination requirements — Part 10 of Form I-693. If the overseas doctor found a Class A condition, then you’ll need to complete the entire application and examination.
If you’ve already received a medical exam prior to entering the United States, and you are a:
- K-1 fiancé(e)
- K-3 spouse
- K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e)
- K-4 child of a K-3 spouse
- V-1 spouse
- V-2 child of a V-1 spouse
- Or V-3 child of an unmarried V-2 holder
You do not need to attend another medical examination. You’ll need to be sure, however, that you file Form I-485 no more than one year after the initial exam.
No matter what, you will need to provide evidence showing you’ve fulfilled the vaccine requirements. Failing this, you will need to complete Part 10 of Form I-693, which means you’ll need to see an authorized civil surgeon.
Note: if the overseas doctor found a Class A medical condition, then you will need to attend another exam — unless you’ve received a “waiver of inadmissibility.”You can find designated civil surgeons on the USCIS website. To be absolutely certain, you can ask the doctor at the appointment to confirm that they are indeed an authorized physician.