Everything you need to know about I-693 Forms

What is an I-693 form?

An I-693 Form is a medical examination form required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete your application to be a permanent resident in the United States.

Only a certified USCIS medical examiner should conduct your medical examination and fill out your I-693 form. This exam is documented through the I-693 form and must be completed before permanent resident applications for individuals entering the United States.

The results of I-693 medical exams are confidential and only used for immigration purposes. However, if the law requires your immigration USCIS medical examiner to provide your results to public health authorities, especially if it means you are putting the public at risk.

How do I find USCIS-approved physicians?

You can find a USCIS-approved physician, sometimes referred to as ‘designated civil surgeons,’ with the help of the USCIS “Find a Doctor” website. You can enter your zip code and more to find a USCIS-approved doctor near you.

What happens during my USCIS medical exam?

The physical exam begins with an in-depth medical history review, checking previous surgeries or procedures and other pertinent information. The physician will conduct a mental status examination to evaluate behaviors such as mood, cognition, and affect.

Following the medical history review, the immigration doctor will examine the body’s major organ systems for signs of monitored diseases and conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets the regulations for the USCIS medical exam to evaluate the health of aliens applying for entry into the United States. This evaluation includes both a physical and mental assessment.

What happens after my USCIS i693 form medical exam?

After completing your medical examination, the civil surgeon or medical examiner must give you, the applicant, the completed I-693 form in a sealed envelope.

Once in your possession, it’s your responsibility to submit the form. It cannot be submitted by a medical provider or healthcare clinic/center on your behalf.

Please do not accept your I-693 form if it is not in a sealed envelope. The USCIS will not accept your document in an open or altered envelope. So be sure that it remains sealed when filing your I-693 form.