Understanding Form I-693

What is Form I-693?

Form I-693(“Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record”) acts as a medical examination report of the individual applying for immigration. The U.S. Citizenship and immigration services require this examination to ensure that the applicant seeking immigration is medically sound per the standards. It is assumed that the examination results are confidential and only used by USCIS for immigration purposes. 

Who Needs to Complete Form I-693? 

Here’s a list of who needs  to complete Form I-693:

1. Applicants Filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) for applying to adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) within the United States are required to show what is their medical status; therefore, they must submit Form I-693 as part of their application.
2. Refugees and asylees applying for adjustment of status to permanent status who have been in the U.S. for one year are required to complete Form I-693.
3. Some of the visa applicants are required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to submit Form I-693 if specific medical documentation is necessary.
4. Individuals with certain medical conditions requiring special documentation or a waiver are mandated to complete Form I-693 as part of their immigration process.

What are the steps to file Form I-693?

The following are the steps to file:

1. You’re supposed to contact a doctor who is a civil surgeon by USCIS. 
2. You’re required to fill out the part 1 information about you in the form, and it is to be kept in mind that you are not supposed to sign the form until the surgeon tells you to because it is to be done in the presence of a civil surgeon.
3. You will have a medical examination appointment and follow-up examinations as required.
4. Ensure you carry all your medical and vaccination records in your initial appointment.
5. After the medical examination is completed, the civil surgeon will give you the completed form I-693 in a sealed envelope for you to submit to USCIS. He will also give you a copy for your records. It is important to note that you have to accept the envelope only if it is sealed because USCIS will not accept the envelope if it is broken or tampered with.
6. Once you have the completed Form I-693 in the sealed envelope, submit it to USCIS. Form I-693 remains valid for two years from the civil surgeon’s signature date.
7. There are no costs associated with Form I-693. However, the applicant is required to pay the medical examination fees by himself, which can range from $100 to $500.

What details need to be filled in the Applicant portion of form I-693? 

The applicant only needs to complete certain parts of the form and the civil surgeon or other medical professionals will fill out the rest :

Part 1: Information About You

This part is all about your basic information such as:

1. Full Name
2. Physical Address
3. Gender
4. Date of Birth
5. City/Town/Village/Country of Birth:

Part 2: Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

Part 3: Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature (if applicable)

By carefully completing these sections, you’ll help ensure that your medical examination and Form I-693 submission go smoothly.

Why is the I-693 Required?

Form I-693, is required to ensure that individuals seeking to immigrate or adjust their status meet specific health standards. 

Key Reasons for the I-693 Examination:

1. Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance:
   The Form I-693 examination helps to identify and prevent any immigrant with a communicable disease that could pose a public health risk, such as tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 
2. Vaccination Status:
   When you visit the medical examination for the first appointment, you’re supposed to bring all the proof of vaccination as U.S. immigration law requires proof of vaccination for certain diseases. The I-693 form helps ensure applicants have received vaccinations for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and others as mandated by law. 
3. Mental Disorders with Harmful Behavior:
   The medical examination also ensures that the applicant is mentally stable and is not subject to any harmful behavior because this can lead to an unsafe environment in the country. 
4. Drug Abuse or Addiction:
   The Medical examination includes screening for drug abuse or addiction, which may lead to an individual’s inability to live independently or may pose a risk to the safety of others. 

How do you find a Designated Civil Surgeon for your I-693 Form?

You need to find a designated civil surgeon authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so that he can do your medical examination. This ensures that your medical exam meets the required health and vaccination standards.

1. Visit the USCIS Website: Start by going to the official USCIS website. 
2. Locate the “Find a Doctor” tab that helps you locate authorized civil surgeons. This tool is specifically designed for people needing to complete their medical examination for immigration purposes.
3. Enter Your Address: On the “Find a Doctor” page, you’ll see a search bar where you can enter your address details, such as city or state, and click the “Search” button. The tool will then provide a list of civil surgeons located near you.
4. Review the List: When you go to the website and click on” search” then a list of the surgeons authorized by the USCIS with their names, addresses, and phone numbers will be provided to you. 
5. Schedule an Appointment: Select the surgeon near your location and contact their office to schedule your appointment for a medical examination.
6. Ask About Costs: Before you finalize your appointment, it’s important to ask about the costs of the medical examination. The fees can differ based on the civil surgeon’s practice and any additional tests or vaccinations that may be required. 

It is advised that you carry all your medical records of the vaccination or any other relevant health document, which will help ease the process.

What are the Mandatory Vaccinations for Green Card Applicants?

As part of the Form I-693 medical examination process for U.S. immigration, applicants must meet certain vaccination requirements set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here’s a list of the mandatory vaccinations:

1. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two doses of MMR vaccine are required, and it should be in such a manner that the first dose should be given on or after your 1st birthday and the 2nd dose should be administered at least after 28 days of the first vaccine.

2. Polio: An inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) or, in some cases, an oral polio vaccine (OPV) is required.

3. Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids: The primary series of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids are required and also a booster dose within the last 10 years is mandatory

4. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A single dose of the Tdap vaccine.

5. Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): It is required for children under 5 years of age.

6. Hepatitis A: Required for children aged 12 months to 18 years.

7. Hepatitis B: All applicants must receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.

8. Rotavirus: Required for infants aged 6 to 32 weeks.

9. Meningococcal Disease: Required for applicants aged 2 months to 55 years.

10. Varicella (Chickenpox): Applicants who do not have proof of immunity from a previous infection or vaccination must receive the varicella vaccine.

11. Pneumococcal Disease

12. Seasonal Influenza

Who Is Inadmissible Under Form I-693?

Under Form I-693, an applicant can be subjected to the “Class A condition” or “Class B condition”. The former is conclusive evidence of inadmissibility; however, on the other hand, the latter does not necessarily mean that the applicant is inadmissible.

Class A Conditions include

(a) Communicable disease

(b) Failure to present vaccine documents against the disease where it is compulsory. 

(c) Present or past physical or mental disorder

(d) Drug abuse

Class B conditions include; 

(a) Unable to take care of himself/herself 

(b)Require additional medical care

Who Is Exempt From Filing USCIS Form I-693?

Some people don’t need to file USCIS Form I-693, knowing whether you need to file Form I-693 can help you avoid delays in your immigration process.

Refugees and Asylees Seeking Permanent Residence

Refugees: If you are a refugee and had a medical exam before you came to the U.S., you usually don’t need to file Form I-693 when you apply to become a permanent resident. However, you might need to show proof of your vaccinations.

Asylees: If you were granted asylum and had a medical exam as part of your asylum application, you likely don’t need to file Form I-693 when you apply to adjust your status to permanent resident. But, like refugees, you may still need to submit your vaccination records.

K and V Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

Suppose you entered the U.S. with a K visa (for fiancé(e)s or spouses of U.S. citizens) or a V visa (for certain spouses and children of U.S. permanent residents). In that case, you may not need to file Form I-693 if you had a medical exam as part of your visa process and it was done less than a year before you applied for a green card.

Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs)

If you’re a minor who is applying for legal status in the U.S. as a special immigrant juvenile, you might not need to file Form I-693 if you already had a medical exam as part of your initial application process.

What is the validity of Form I-693 as per the 2024 USCIS update? 

As of April 4, 2024, Form I-693, doesn’t expire if a civil surgeon signed it on or after November 1, 2023, meaning you can use it for your immigration process at any time in the future to show that you meet the health requirements for admissibility. 

However, even though the form doesn’t expire, USCIS officers might still ask for a new form or additional information if they think your health condition might have changed since the form was completed or if they believe it isn’t accurate. This ensures that the information is still current and correct.

Conclusion

When it comes to your immigration journey, accuracy is key. Filing Form I-485 and Form I-693 can simplify the process, but providing accurate information on these forms is crucial. Mistakes or false information can lead to serious consequences, including delays or penalties.

Form I-693 is especially important as it ensures that health standards are met for all individuals applying to live in the United States. This form needs to be completed carefully, with both you and the civil surgeon responsible for providing the correct information. 

FileRight is here to help you with accuracy and other details. With our error-checking software and expert support, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your immigration process on track. Don’t let the complexities of immigration forms hold you back. Trust FileRight to guide you every step of the way, making your application process smoother and stress-free.