By Shuyuan Tian, Esq.

Are you applying for a green card in the United States? You'll need to complete Form I-693, the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This critical form is your proof that you meet the health standards required for U.S. entry, ensuring you are not inadmissible on medical grounds.

Key Points About Form I-693:

Completion by a Designated Civil Surgeon: Only a doctor authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) and listed on their website can perform this exam. Find a civil surgeon near you at www.uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon.

Permanent Validity Post-November 2023: Any Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon after November 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used for future immigration applications.

What to Bring to Your Examination: Ensure you have a government-issued photo ID, a list of your current medications, vaccination records, and if applicable, proof of your COVID-19 vaccination. It is also helpful to bring a current edition of Form I-693, downloadable from USCIS Form I-693 at https://www.uscis.gov/i-693

Examination Process: 

During your visit, the civil surgeon will conduct tests for communicable diseases, screen for physical and mental disorders, drug addiction, and abuse, and confirm your vaccination status. Post-exam, your Form I-693 will be sealed in an envelope—importantly, do not open this envelope, as USCIS will reject any tampered documents.

Submission and Validity:

You can submit the sealed Form I-693 with your green card application or later as requested by USCIS. USCIS announced on April 4, 2024, that any Form I-693 that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds. A Form I-693 signed before November 1, 2023, remains valid for two years from the date of signing.

For applicants outside the United States seeking an immigrant visa, note that a different procedure applies. You will undergo a medical exam by a Department of State panel physician, not requiring Form I-693.

Fees for the medical exam vary by physician. It's advisable to research and compare rates before booking your appointment.

We encourage you to contact our immigration attorneys at 607-584-5792 or info@lgtlegal.com, if you have any questions related to FORM I-693.