MyDreamVisa - Form I-693: How to Obtain and Pass Your Medical Exam (2024)

What is the Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

How to Complete and File Form I-693

When To Schedule the Exam

What vaccines do you need for Form I-693

Fees

Tips for a Successful Medical Exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When applying for adjustment of status to obtain lawful permanent residency, applicants typically must complete Form I-693, also known as the “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record” to demonstrate their admissibility to the United States concerning public health. The purpose of this medical examination is to ensure that immigrants do not pose a risk to public health in the United States.

The purpose of the medical exam is to screen for certain health conditions, including:

• Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance: Conditions such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
• Vaccination Requirements: Verification that you have received certain vaccinations, including those for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and more.
• Physical or Mental Disorders: Conditions associated with harmful behavior that could pose a threat to others.
• Drug Abuse or Addiction: Screening for current drug abuse or addiction.

The first step in obtaining your medical exam is to find an authorized doctor, either a civil surgeon or a panel physician, depending on where you’re applying from.

If you’re applying from inside the U.S. (Adjustment Of Status):

• Find a USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon: The medical exam must be conducted by a civil surgeon approved by USCIS.
• Use the USCIS Website: Visit the USCIS “Find a Doctor” page to access a searchable database of designated civil surgeons.
• Enter Your Location: Input your city, state, or ZIP code in the search bar to find civil surgeons nearby.
• Review and Choose: Browse through the list of local civil surgeons provided by USCIS, noting their contact information and locations.
• Schedule Your Appointment: Contact the selected civil surgeon’s office to set up your medical examination. Confirm their ability to complete Form I-693 and inquire about the fees.

If You’re Applying from Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):

• Panel Physician Required: Your medical exam must be performed by a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State.
• Wait for Your Appointment Letter: After you receive your interview appointment letter from the U.S. embassy or consulate, you’ll be directed to an authorized panel physician.
• Follow Consular Instructions: Use the instructions provided by the consulate to schedule your medical exam, typically scheduled shortly before your visa interview

Before your medical exam, make sure you are well-prepared:

• Gather Required Documents: Bring a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport), your vaccination records, and any previous medical records that might be relevant.
• Get Vaccination Records: If you have incomplete vaccination records, you may need to obtain certain vaccines before the exam. The civil surgeon can administer vaccines, but it’s often more convenient and cost-effective to complete them beforehand.
• Know Your Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any significant illnesses, surgeries, or current medications.
• Form I-693: Print out and bring the most recent edition of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to your immigration medical examination appointment. Complete Part 1 of Form I-693 but do not sign the form until the civil surgeon instructs you to.

During the exam, the civil surgeon will conduct a series of tests, which will include:

• Mental and physical examination
• Medical history and immunization or vaccine record review
• Drug and alcohol screening
• Testing for various illnesses and diseases

Once the civil surgeon has completed Form I-693, the applicant will receive a copy of the form in a sealed envelope. It’s important not to open this envelope, as USCIS requires the form to be submitted in its sealed state.

You must submit the sealed envelope to USCIS as part of the immigration application package as explained in the Form I-693 instructions. Remember, do not break the seal or open this envelope.

If you’re applying from the US, you can:

• Schedule and complete your medical exam before submitting your green card application. Include the unopened exam report with your application package. This approach helps streamline the process and reduces the likelihood of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE).
• Schedule your medical exam after submitting your green card application. In this case, you can send the exam results to USCIS after filing Form I-485, either in response to an RFE or by bringing the sealed report to your green card interview.

If you’re applying from outside the US:

• Wait for Your Interview Appointment Letter: Do not schedule your medical exam until you receive your green card interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC). The State Department clearly instructs not to schedule the medical exam until you have received this appointment letter.
• Schedule Promptly: Once you have your appointment letter, locate the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for instructions on authorized doctors. Schedule your exam with a designated doctor, informing them that it is for immigration purposes. Booking your appointment as soon as you receive your interview date ensures that your medical examination results are ready for your immigration interview, in line with NVC instructions.