Form I-693 Overview: Navigating the Medical Examination for US Immigrants

Form I-693 is a critical document in the United States immigration process, serving as a report for medical examinations and vaccinations. It is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine applicants’ health admissibility.

Purpose and Use

Form I-693, officially titled the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is used to assess whether an individual seeking immigration benefits meets the health-related requirements for admissibility to the United States. The form records the results of a medical exam, which includes screenings for various conditions and vaccinations that align with public health requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for submitting Form I-693, applicants must be applying for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident or other specified immigration benefits. Applicants must undergo a medical examination performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The contents of the medical examination include:

• Medical History Review: The civil surgeon will assess the applicant’s medical history.
• Physical Examination: The applicant must undergo a comprehensive physical examination.
• Vaccinations: Applicants must prove that they have received all vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Tuberculosis and Other Infectious Diseases Screening: Tests are conducted to identify infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, as per updated CDC guidelines.
• Mental Health Evaluation: An assessment is performed to evaluate the applicant’s mental health.

When filling out Form I-693, it is essential to provide accurate personal information, vaccination records, and the results of the medical examination. Each section must be completed meticulously to comply with USCIS requirements.

Personal Information

The applicant must ensure to fill out their full legal name, including the family name (last name), and current physical address. This section also requires details like the Alien Registration Number, date of birth, and other identifying information.

Vaccination Record

USCIS mandates certain vaccinations for applicants. The civil surgeon will document the applicant’s vaccination history, ensuring it meets the standards set forth by public health regulations.

Results of Medical Examination

A designated civil surgeon performs the examination and records results on Form I-693. This part of the form captures key findings, including tests for communicable diseases and a mental health evaluation. All results are recorded accurately to reflect the applicant’s health status.

The medical examination for immigration purposes is a crucial step to determine an applicant’s admissibility on health-related grounds. It is conducted by designated medical professionals and encompasses specific tests, with predefined validity periods for the results.

Designated Civil Surgeons

Civil surgeons are specially designated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct the medical exams required for immigrant visa applicants. These professionals must adhere to the updated health-related protocols as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Applicants must schedule appointments with a civil surgeon who is officially recognized by the USCIS to ensure the examination is valid.

Required Tests

The examination includes several mandatory tests aimed at identifying communicable diseases or conditions that may render the applicant inadmissible. These typically include:

• Tests for Tuberculosis: Per CDC’s guidelines, applicants should undergo screening.
• Syphilis Testing: Generally required for applicants aged 15 and above, or younger if risk factors are present.
• Vaccination Status: Assessment against a list of required vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and others as per the current immunization schedule.
• Physical Examination: Comprehensive physical assessment covering a range of health criteria.

Validity of Results

The results of Form I-693 must be submitted within a specific timeframe to remain valid. The completed form with the test results should be signed by the civil surgeon no more than 60 days before the applicant submits the application for an immigration benefit. Once submitted, the form and its results are typically valid for a period of two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature. Applicants must consider these timelines carefully to avoid the need for re-examination.

In preparing for lawful permanent residency in the United States, an individual must carefully handle the filing and submission of Form I-693 to demonstrate they meet health-related admissibility requirements.

Where to File

The completed Form I-693 must be submitted directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It should not be mailed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or any public health department. The form is typically filed alongside the applicant’s Form I-485, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

When to Submit

Form I-693 should be submitted as soon as possible after completing the medical examination, ideally concurrently with the Form I-485. If not filed with Form I-485, it can be requested by USCIS at a later date or brought to an interview if required. However, it is beneficial to submit it with the I-485 packet to avoid delays.

Fee Information

No separate fee is required when submitting Form I-693 as part of an adjustment of status application. Any required fees are encompassed within the Form I-485 application fee. Costs associated with completing the medical examination with a designated civil surgeon are not included in the USCIS filing fees and must be paid separately by the applicant.

Once Form I-693 has been submitted, the applicant should be aware of the types of notifications they might receive from USCIS and understand the various outcomes that could result from their submission.

USCIS Notifications

After the applicant submits Form I-693, they can typically expect to receive a confirmation notice from USCIS acknowledging the receipt of the form. USCIS may also issue requests for additional evidence (RFE) if there’s a need to clarify certain aspects of the application or if the form was incomplete.

Possible Outcomes

The outcome of the Form I-693 submission can lead to either:

• Approval: If the medical examination is satisfactory and meets all the health-related standards for immigration, this can help pave the way for the applicant to obtain lawful permanent resident status.
• Additional Steps: In some cases, the applicant might need to undergo additional medical tests or vaccinations. A follow-up with a civil surgeon may be required, which could delay the final decision.

Form I-693 is subject to periodic revisions to align with public health requirements and immigration policies. Renewal processes ensure the form retains its validity and relevance over time.

Updating Vaccinations

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates that applicants complete certain vaccinations to be eligible for lawful permanent residency. Vaccination requirements may change based on:

• Current public health directives
• Recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Applicants must ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date at the time of their medical examination. The medical professional, or civil surgeon, conducting the exam will update Form I-693 with the applicant’s latest vaccination records.

Reportable Conditions Changes

The list of reportable medical conditions can evolve due to changing public health landscapes. It includes conditions that:

• Are communicable
• May pose a public health threat
• Affect the applicant’s immigration eligibility

Any revisions to these conditions are reflected on the Form I-693, and medical examiners will note the presence or absence of such conditions in their report. Applicants must comply with any treatment plans for conditions deemed inadmissible to maintain eligibility.

The legal considerations for Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, are critical to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and maintain the integrity of the immigration process.

Confidentiality of Records

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes confidentiality seriously. All medical records submitted through Form I-693 are protected under U.S. privacy laws. These records are not disclosed to third parties unless authorized by the applicant or required by law. The civil surgeon must handle medical findings with care, ensuring that the applicant’s sensitive information remains secure throughout the process.

Applicant’s Rights and Obligations

An applicant is responsible for providing accurate and truthful information on their Form I-693. They are obligated to complete the necessary medical examination with a designated civil surgeon and ensure all vaccination requirements are met. The applicant must not open the sealed envelope containing the completed Form I-693; instead, it should be submitted directly to USCIS. Any tampering with the envelope or alterations to the form could lead to delays or denial of the application for residency based on legal grounds of deception or misrepresentation.