All foreigners who pursue the legal residence benefit from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are required to submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, before they adjust their status. Form I-693 is part of the admissibility determination that allows foreigners to remain in the U.S.
In essence, the immigration medical exam seeks to rule out certain conditions that would pose a risk to public health or cause a foreigner to become a public charge. Certain communicable diseases, such as leprosy, syphilis, and tuberculosis, can disqualify applicants if they’re in the active stages of these diseases. Severe schizophrenia and personality disorders, untreated drug addictions, and advanced terminal diseases can also be grounds for medical inadmissibility.
Choosing a Doctor for the Examination
Only civil surgeons authorized by the USCIS can complete Form I-693. If you’re applying for a visa or legal status from overseas, the U.S. Embassy will direct you to a panel physician registered with the Department of State. To find authorized doctors near you in the U.S., ask your San Diego immigration lawyer or visit the USCIS website.
You don’t have to bring a blank Form I-693 to the examination because civil surgeons keep stacks of these forms in their offices. If you’re abroad, however, the U.S. Embassy may provide you with a blank form with a code for internal tracking.
Preparing for the Examination & What You Should Expect
Medical and vaccination records will help the civil surgeon or panel physician complete the examination, so make sure to bring them along with current prescriptions and recent laboratory or imaging results. There’s no need for fasting or holding urine unless the doctor orders glucose testing.
The major aspects of the examination are:
- Physical screening
- Review of medical and vaccination records
- Tuberculosis (TB) testing
- Additional testing if required
The physical screening for Form I-693 is the type of health assessment many Americans know as a checkup. Your vital signs will be taken along with physical measurements. The doctor will then review your medical records and vaccination cards. In some cases, you may be asked to explain certain entries. TB testing may involve a subcutaneous tuberculin injection and measurement, a blood test, or a chest X-ray.
If the doctor orders additional laboratory or imaging tests, you’ll have to wait until the results are evaluated before the form can be signed. Otherwise, the doctor will sign it and place it in a sealed envelope. Don’t open the envelope or break its seal. It should be sealed when submitted. Although there are no filing fees associated with this form, you’ll have to pay for the examination, which in 2024 costs about $100 to $200. The information on Form I-693, which is valid permanently, will be shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for public health research.
When they need assistance with any issues relating to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, San Diego immigrants should reach out to the experienced attorneys at KS Visa Law. From green cards to family immigration to naturalization, we can address all your immigration-related needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
