The first thing you need to do when applying for a green card in the US is demonstrate that you satisfy the public health standards of U.S. immigration laws. For that, you’ll need to file Form I-693, or “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record”. We are going to walk you through what Form I-693 is, who needs it, how to file it, and how Law and Visas can make it hassle-free for you in this thorough guide.
What is Form I-693?
Form I-693 Medical exam report required for the purpose of green card (permanent residency) application in the U.S. Under the green card application, applicants are required to provide evidence that they do not have certain medical problems that would disqualify them from immigration to the U.S. This form helps U.S. Whether or not an applicant’s history or present condition makes him or her unfit for admission or citizenship is decided by USCIS.
For the majority of applicants for permanent residence (Form I-485), you will also need to file Form I-693 with the application. Please fill this out exactly so you do not get put off your green card process.
Who Needs to Fill Out Form I-693?
If you’re applying for a green card from outside the United States, then you probably need to fill out Form I-693. This application is to establish that you do not have any health condition which would prevent you from coming. They include infectious illnesses, substance abuse, or bodily or mental disorders that could be harmful.
Some people might not need to do this if they have already been medically examined before coming to the US. This is usually the case for those who have come into the U.S. under certain visa types like K-1 (fiancé(e)) or K-3 (spouse). If you already have a medical exam and are applying for an adjustment of status, you won’t have to take a second exam, but you’ll still need to bring in the vaccination records.
Health Criteria for Form I-693
USCIS does set requirements on how applicants can meet public health criteria (developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These include:
- Vaccinations: The applicant has to document that he/she is vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine is now mandatory as of 1 October 2021.
- Type A Diseases: Patients with specific diseases considered a public health threat are type A. These conditions include:
- Passive infections like gonorrhea, tuberculosis, and Hansen’s disease (leprosy).
- Lack of required vaccinations.
- Drug addiction or substance abuse.
- Disorders that are psychological or physical and that could lead to dangerous action.
- You can’t be admitted if you have a Class A condition without a waiver.
How to Complete Form I-693
To file Form I-693, you need to make an appointment with a licensed civil surgeon. A civil surgeon is a doctor that USCIS appointed to perform the medical examination. List of licensed civil surgeons on the USCIS website or seek recommendations.
Steps to Complete Form I-693:
Book Your Consultation: Search for a licensed civil surgeon and book an appointment for a medical exam. You can get them from USCIS or online.
Bring Those Documents You Need: When you come to your exam, bring along documents like:
- Documentation of identity (passport, driving license).
- Your vaccination records.
- Medical history – Anything that is related to your medical history.
- Evidence that you were given the COVID-19 vaccine (a copy of your vaccination card).
-Medical Exam: The civil surgeon will do the physical exam and examine you medically. The test may be further followed up depending on your age and fitness — for example, a chest X-ray for tuberculosis testing.
Get Your Officially Signed Form I-693: Once you have taken the exam, the civil surgeon will deliver your signed Form I-693 in an envelope. Please make sure the form is not open; USCIS will not process an open envelope. Then you’ll get a copy to keep for yourself.
Return Form I-693: You must bring with you the sealed envelope and Form I-693 when you send your green card (Form I-485). Either mail it with your first application or after you’ve filed Form I-485, or bring it to your green card interview.
Costs Associated with Form I-693
You don’t pay the filing fee for Form I-693 itself. But you have to reimburse the civil surgeon’s medical exam fee. Medical exams will cost between $100 and $500, the average is about $200. The price will depend on where you live and which tests you want.
Common Questions About Form I-693
1. What is the I-693 medical exam?
Form I-693: An I-693 document that is used to verify the health of an applicant for the green card application. It is filled out by a USCIS-licensed civil surgeon and contains details about your vaccines and medical conditions which would preclude you from the country.
2. What do I do about my medical examination?
First, you need to arrange for your medical examination with a civil surgeon, which you can do through the USCIS website. Then, the surgeon will perform all the necessary tests and issue you the required paperwork.
3. What documents should I bring to the medical exam?
Please bring your ID, vaccination history, any pertinent medical information, and proof of COVID-19 vaccine (if needed).
4. And after the exam – what happens?
After the civil surgeon has taken the exam, he or she will give you Form I-693 in a sealed envelope. You need to submit this envelope to USCIS along with your green card application or bring it with you to the interview.
5. Do refugees have to submit Form I-693?
Yes, refugees generally must file Form I-693 as part of the adjustment of status process unless they have had their medical examination and are classified as not having Class A ailments. They also need to be vaccinated (part of Part 10 of the form).
Form I-693 is part of the green card application. It helps USCIS verify if the applicant meets the public health standards of permanent residence. You may find the process confusing but if you have the right information you can do it.
Law and Visas is an Immigration lawyer whose main focus is to guide the candidates through the tricky immigration process. Whether you need support booking your medical exam or putting together the proper information.
