What is the I-693 medical examination?

What is the I-693 medical examination?

An I-693  immigration medical examinationis a required part of the application process to become a permanent resident of the United States. The exam is also called a green card medical exam or an I-693 medical exam. 

These medical exams are completed by a specially authorized doctor, also called a civil surgeon, who is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

These exams consist of a physical and mental evaluation, drug and alcohol screening, a review of an applicant for Adjustment of Status medical history and vaccination requirements, and tests for several communicable diseases. The tests may involve a blood test and a chest x-ray. 

The purpose of the exam is to determine if an applicant for Adjustment of Status has any medical conditions or exhibit harmful behaviors that are grounds of inadmissibility for your immigrant visa for entrance to the United States. Please read more details about the I-693 medical exam here.

Successfully completing an Adjustment of Status application towards permanent residence can be a confusing process, but here at Great City Medical, we are here to help! We have a certified civil surgeon on staff to perform these exams and help answer your questions.

If you’ve already received your I-693 medical exam and have questions about what the next steps are in the application process, read more below!

How long is the I-693 medical examination valid for USCIS?

The validity period for the immigration medical exam is two years after the date that you receive a civil surgeon’s signature on your I-693 form. (Remember, please do NOT sign your form yourself until your exam is complete and you are in the presence of your civil surgeon.) If the two-year period lapses before your application is processed, you will be required to complete the medical exam again.

After the exam, your Form I-693, including a report of medical examination and vaccination record will be in a sealed envelope to prevent tampering or modification. If you hang on to the form for a while before submitting it, be sure to keep it safe so that it does not become open or damaged and, therefore, invalid. It is USCIS policy to return any damaged, opened, or modified forms and you will have to receive a new one if you are not careful.

When should I submit Form I-693 to USCIS?

You have two options for when to submit your Form I-693 to USCIS. 

The first option is to submit your Form I-693 at the same time when you submit your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.   Filing Form I-693 and Form I-485 at the same time may eliminate the need for USCIS to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to obtain your Form I-693. This may also help avoid adjudication delays if USCIS decides that you do not need to be interviewed.

The second option is to submit your Form I-693 after you file your Form I-485 (as long as the date of the civil surgeon’s signature is no more than 60 days before the application is filed). You may also submit Form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required.

If you have further questions about your green card application, green card interview, and the validity period of forms, you may wish to contact an immigration lawyer to help you understand the relevant immigration law and policy guidance and to successfully complete the entire application process. You may also contact USCIS for more help.

While our professionals at Great City Medical are more than happy to help answer any questions on health-related grounds, we are not immigration attorneys and can only help with our piece of the process! It is recommended to have an attorney review your entire application before submission.

What does I-693 deficiency notice mean?

If you received an I-693 deficiency notice (RFE), do not worry because this is not a big deal! The deficiency notice just means that you need to submit your signed and completed Form I -693. 

Contact us about your I-693 medical exam today

At Great City Medical, we are happy to help with your Form I-693. We make it easy to schedule and complete your I-693 medical examination with us, right on-site in NYC. 

Call us today to schedule an appointment with our civil surgeon to complete your I-693 medical examination!