The Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) is one of the most important documents in your residency application. While it is completed by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon, the responsibility for its accuracy starts with you.
To help you avoid delays or rejections, here is everything you need to know, from your first appointment to the final sealed envelope.
1. Preparation: What the Applicant Must Do
Before the medical exam even begins, you are responsible for the personal data on the form. Accuracy here is vital—if the information doesn’t match your official ID, the Civil Surgeon will have to make formal corrections, which can slow down the process.
- The Waiting Game: You will fill out your personal details, but do not sign the form yet. You must sign only when the Civil Surgeon tells you to, usually after all medical tests are completed.
- Age Requirements: If you are 14 or older, you must sign the form yourself. For children under 14, a parent or legal guardian handles the signature.
- Header Details: Double-check that your name and A-Number (if you have one) are written at the top of pages 2 through 5.
2. The Medical Assessment: What Happens During the Exam
The “Worksheet” section (pages 2-5) is the heart of the medical exam. The Civil Surgeon will evaluate your health through four main lenses:
- Communicable Diseases: Screening for public health concerns like Tuberculosis and Syphilis.
- Mental & Physical Health: An assessment to ensure there are no disorders associated with harmful behavior.
- Drug Testing: A review regarding drug abuse or addiction.
- General Health: A check for any other significant medical conditions.
Note on Referrals: If the Civil Surgeon finds something that needs a specialist’s eyes, they will fill out the “Referral” sections. You must complete these follow-ups before the I-693 can be finalized.
3. Finalizing the Document: The Doctor’s Responsibility
Once the health checks and vaccinations are cleared, the Civil Surgeon takes the lead to close out the file:
- The “Testing Age”: Your age on the day the doctor signs the form is recorded as your official age for the exam.
- The Signature: The doctor must provide an original, hand-written signature. Stamps are generally not permitted for the final certification.
- The Summary: The doctor will fill out a “Summary of Medical Examination” to give USCIS a quick snapshot of your health status.
4. The Final Step: The Sealed Envelope
This is the most critical part of the entire process. Once the form is finished:
- Check for Completion: Ensure every box is filled and all results are attached.
- The Seal: The Civil Surgeon will place the original form and supporting documents into an envelope and seal it. 3. DO NOT OPEN: If you open the envelope, USCIS will reject the form immediately.
- Your Records: The doctor must give you a full copy of the signed form for your own files. The doctor will also keep a copy for their records.