What is Form I-693?
Anyone applying for a green card from within the United States will need to prove that they are not inadmissible on public health grounds. To do this, applicants will need to file Form I-693 (officially called “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record”).
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of Form I-693:
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Processing Times
Form I-693 should be signed by an authorized civil surgeon no more than two years prior to filing Form I-485 (officially called “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status”).
Generally speaking, Form I-693 is filed together with I-485. The processing time of I-485 can vary greatly — anywhere from 6 months to 4 years — depending on the circumstances.
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Cost
While there’s no charge for filing Form I-693, the applicant will need to pay for the medical exam itself. These rates can range anywhere from $100 to $500, but on average, applicants can expect to pay about $200.
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Eligibility
When applying for lawful permanent residence from within the United States, applicants may be required to 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 in order to meet the public health criteria, which are as follows.
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 the applicant and 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 show that the applicant does not have a Class A medical condition (see below).
- USCIS must make a decision within 2 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 an outright denial of the green card application. Certain green card applicants — such as those adjusting status from the K-1 visa — will not be required to undergo a medical exam, as they have already been examined prior to entering the United States.
A 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
Note: 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.
How to File
To file Form I-693, the applicant must first make an appointment with an authorized civil surgeon. Prior to attending the appointment, the person seeking a green card should complete the first part of Form I-693, titled “Information About You.” They must wait until their appointment to sign the form.
The applicant should make sure to bring all pertinent medical records and proof of vaccinations to their first appointment. They should be sure to bring evidence of having received a full COVID-19 vaccine series — either 2 doses of Moderna, 2 doses of Pfizer, or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson. They may need to attend more than one exam.
At the end of your medical exam appointment, the doctor will give you the original Form I-693 in a sealed envelope and a copy for your records. It’s important that the form is in a sealed envelope, otherwise, USCIS will return it. Remember, the applicant must sign the form as well. An unsigned form will be denied.
If applying for adjustment of status, the applicant will need to submit Form I-693 (in the sealed envelope) in one of the following ways:
- In the mail, with the green card application (Form I-485)
- In the mail, after the green card application (Form I-485) has been submitted
- In person, at the interview (if required)
USCIS recommends filing Form I-693 simultaneously with Form I-485. This could help prevent delays, as USCIS will not have to send requests for further evidence to obtain Form I-693.
If submitting Form I-693 for reasons other than a green card application, the applicant should follow the instructions provided by USCIS.
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Form I-693 FAQs
What is the I-693 medical exam form?
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.
Who needs to take the I-693 medical exam?
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.
How do I schedule a medical exam?
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.
What do I need to bring to my medical exam?
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.
How much does the I-693 medical exam cost?
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.
What happens after I complete the I-693 medical exam?
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.
If I’m a refugee who has already received a medical exam prior to entering the United States, do I need to file Form I-693 as a part of the adjustment of status process?
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 I’m a K or V visa holder applying for adjustment of status, do I need to receive a medical 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.”
Where can I find an authorized physician?
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.