Essential Tips for Completing Form USCIS in Healthcare Settings
- Вулкан слоты онлайн на деньги с выводом денег
- May 6, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Navigating the immigration process can feel overwhelming, and the USCIS Form I-693 medical examination is one of those critical steps that often raises questions and concerns. Whether you're adjusting your status, applying for a green card, or pursuing permanent residency, this required health screening is a mandatory part of your journey to living permanently in the United States.
Understanding what the Form I-693 involves, how to find a qualified civil surgeon, what vaccinations you'll need, and how to avoid common mistakes can significantly reduce stress and prevent costly delays in your application.
This guide provides essential tips to help you complete your I-693 medical examination with confidence, ensuring this crucial step moves you closer to achieving your immigration goals without unnecessary setbacks or expenses.
Table Of Contents:
What is Form I-693 and Why Is It So Important?
Form I-693 is officially called the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Think of it as a health report card for your U.S. immigration application. Its main job is to show U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are medically admissible to the United States.
This means you do not have certain conditions that could create public health issues or require extensive health care. The government has specific health-related grounds for inadmissibility it screens for. Passing this exam is a required step for anyone applying for an immigration benefit like a green card from within the United States.
You cannot just go to your regular family doctor to get this done. The form must be completed and signed by a special doctor approved by USCIS. This medical professional is known as a civil surgeon.
Finding the Right Doctor: Your First Big Step
Your very first task is to locate a designated civil surgeon. This is not just any doctor who practices in the U.S. They must be on the official USCIS list to perform this specific immigration medical examination.
The best way to find one is by using the official USCIS Find a Doctor tool. You just type in your zip code, and it will give you a list of approved physicians near you. Do not confuse a civil surgeon with a panel physician, who conducts medical examinations for applicants outside the U.S.
Prices for the I-693 exam can be very different from one clinic to another. The filing fee for most immigration forms is set by USCIS, but this is not the case for the medical exam. We highly recommend calling a few clinics on the list to ask about their prices and what the fee includes, as some local health departments may offer lower-cost services.
Before Your Appointment: Gathering Your Documents
Being prepared for your appointment will make everything go much smoother. You will need to bring several important items with you, such as:
A valid, government-issued photo ID. This could be your passport or a driver's license.
Your complete vaccination and immunization records. Bring whatever you have, even if it's from your home country.
The latest version of Form I-693. You should print it out and fill out Part 1 with your information, but do not sign it.
Your health insurance card. Be aware that most civil surgeons do not accept insurance for immigration medical examinations.
Payment for the exam fee. Ask the clinic beforehand what forms of payment they accept, like cash or credit cards.
A list of any current health conditions you are being treated for.
Copies of any previous chest x-rays if you have a history of a positive tuberculosis skin test.
Smart Tips for Completing USCIS Form I-693
Getting through the Form I-693 process is all about following the rules carefully. A small mistake can cause big headaches later on, like getting a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the service center. An RFE will delay your green card application, sometimes by many months.
Fill Out Part 1 Yourself, But Don't Sign
You, the applicant, are responsible for filling out the top part of the form, which is Part 1. This includes your name, address, A-Number, and other personal details. Use black ink and write as clearly as you can.
Do not sign the form yet. There is a spot for your signature in Part 1, but you must leave it blank. You will sign the form at the clinic, in front of the civil surgeon, who needs to witness your signature to verify your identity.
Signing it at home is one of the most common errors people make. If you provide a signed form instead of an unsigned form at your appointment, it is invalid, and you will have to start over. It seems like a tiny detail, but it can stop your application in its tracks.
Get Tested
The designated civil surgeon is tasked with checking for specific medical conditions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a standard examination, not an intensely invasive procedure.
The doctor will perform a basic physical exam and review your medical history. They will also look for signs of specific communicable diseases of public health significance. This includes things like tuberculosis and syphilis, which need specific tests as part of the health processing.
You should expect to have blood drawn for a syphilis test if you are 15 or older. A tuberculosis test is also required. This is usually done with a blood test called an IGRA test, following the official tuberculosis technical instructions.
Vaccinations: What You Need
The vaccination part often confuses people the most. The U.S. has a specific list of required immunizations for immigrants. The CDC sets these vaccination requirements.
You must show proof that you are protected against diseases like mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), polio, tetanus, varicella, hepatitis B, and influenza during flu season (typically October 1st to March 31st). Each vaccination requirement must be met based on your age.
This is why bringing your vaccination records is so important. If you can prove you have already had the required shots, you will not have to get them again. This can save you a lot of money because each vaccine adds to the total cost of the exam. The CDC publishes a full list of technical instructions that civil surgeons must follow.
Be Honest
When the doctor asks you about your medical history, be completely honest. This includes questions about mental health, past illnesses, and any history of substance use. It might feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary.
Hiding a condition is a bad idea. If USCIS finds out later that you were not truthful, it could put your entire immigration case in jeopardy. The doctors are there to report facts, not to judge you.
For example, if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, the doctor will note it and assess your current condition. Being upfront allows them to document everything so that you have a properly completed form. Trying to conceal something can be interpreted as fraud.
I-693 forms completed onsite. Fast turnaround.
After the Medical Exam: The Sealed Envelope
Once the exam is finished and all the test results are in, the civil surgeon will complete their sections of Form I-693. They will certify the results and place the completed form into an envelope. Then, they will seal the envelope.
You will be given this sealed envelope. Whatever you do, DO NOT open it. The seal proves to USCIS that the form has not been tampered with since the civil surgeon signed it. The USCIS policy is very strict on this point.
If you open the envelope, USCIS will reject the form. You will have to go back to the civil surgeon, pay for another visit, and get a new sealed envelope. Always ask the doctor's office for a full copy of the completed Form I-693 for your own records before they seal the official one, so you can review it for any errors.
When and How to Submit Form I-693
You have a couple of options for submitting your completed Form I-693. The choice depends on your specific situation. Understanding the timing is also critical because the form has an expiration date.
The first option is to file your Form I-693 at the same time as your green card application, which is Form I-485. This is called concurrent filing. This can help speed up your case because the medical records are already in your file when an officer reviews it.
The second option is to wait and bring the sealed envelope with you to your green card interview. This is also very common. A civil surgeon's signature on Form I-693 is valid for two years, as long as the form was signed no more than 60 days before you submitted your I-485 application. You should follow the instructions from the USCIS office requesting the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the I-693 process.
How much does the Form I-693 exam cost?
The cost varies widely by location and clinic. There is no standard fee, so you should call several civil surgeons to compare prices. The total cost usually includes the physical exam, lab tests for tuberculosis and syphilis, administrative fees for paperwork, and the cost of any required vaccines you need.
What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant, you can still complete most of the medical examination. However, certain vaccines, like the MMR vaccine, are not recommended during pregnancy. The civil surgeon will note this on the form, and you may need to follow up after your pregnancy to complete the vaccination requirement.
Can I use my health insurance for the exam?
Most civil surgeons do not accept health insurance for the immigration medical exam. This is because the exam is for an administrative purpose, not to treat a medical condition. You should plan to pay for all costs out-of-pocket.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make the same simple mistakes, which unfortunately lead to delays. Knowing these common pitfalls can help you steer clear of them.
Using a non-designated doctor. Only a USCIS-approved civil surgeon can complete Form I-693.
Signing the form at home. Remember to sign only when the civil surgeon tells you to.
Forgetting your vaccination records. This will likely lead to paying for more shots.
Opening the sealed envelope. Keep it sealed and submit it directly to USCIS.
Submitting an expired form. Pay close attention to the 60-day and two-year validity rules.
Conclusion
Completing your Form I-693 is a big step on your way to getting a green card. It can seem intimidating, but you can get through it without any issues. By now, you should have a much clearer picture of what you need to do.
Just remember the main points: find a real civil surgeon, gather all your documents, and be totally honest during your exam. And once you have that sealed envelope, protect it and do not open it.
I-693 forms completed onsite. Fast turnaround.
Comments