For immigrants who wish to be approved for a green card, they will need to complete the form I-693 green card medical exam. This is one of the critical steps involved in obtaining a green card, especially if your future goal is to become a U.S. citizen. Like any other step of the immigration process, there are many requirements and timelines you need to be aware of before you get started. Keep reading to find out what form I-693 is, the immigration medical requirements, and the importance of finding an I-693 civil surgeon.
What is Form I-693 and Why is it Required?
Form I-693 is a green card medical exam used to determine your eligibility for a green card based on your health. Its ultimate purpose is to ensure public safety and health by not allowing immigrants into the United States that could pose a risk to U.S. citizens. Here are some examples of what the medical exam will screen for:
- Communicable diseases
- Drug abuse or addiction
- Vaccination status
- Physical and mental disorders with harmful behavior
The exam itself is relatively straightforward and includes a review of your medical history and verifies any of your applicable vaccinations. A physical examination will also be done, and a designated civil surgeon must complete the form for it to be valid.
When you go to submit your green card application, I-693 will be one of the documents you need to include.
How to Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon What to Expect During the Exam
For many immigrants, immigration medical requirements can feel overwhelming, and the exam itself can feel intimidating. However, this is a relatively straightforward process and doesn’t require much work on your part.
Here are the steps you need to take to prepare for the examination:
- Choose a civil surgeon: You need to go to the USCIS-designated civil surgeon list on the USCIS website with all of the approved surgeons to choose one for your examination. If you fail to do this and simply use an ordinary surgeon or doctor, the form will not be valid.
- Collect medical records: Before your examination, you need to get access to any relevant medical records to verify your vaccination status.
- Examination fee: Before moving forward with the examination, you need to be prepared to pay the fee. This will vary depending on the types of tests required and the surgeon you choose.
When you go to your actual examination, the civil surgeon will review your medical history to evaluate past and current health issues. They will also do a basic physical examination, much like the type of examination you would get at a normal doctor. In some instances, you may need to go through a tuberculosis screening or additional testing, depending on your medical history and the results of your physical examination.
Required Vaccinations For Green Card Holders
One of the most important elements of a green card medical exam is to determine whether or not you meet the vaccination status for green card holders. The United States has certain laws around vaccinations to ensure immigrants coming to the U.S. do not pose a risk to others. Because of this, you may need to get certain vaccinations before applying for a green card, as well as locate proof of what vaccinations you have already had.
Here are all of the required vaccinations for immigrants applying for a green card:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Polio
- Rubella
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
- Pertussis
Keep in mind that other vaccinations may also be required if they are recommended by the advisory committee for immunization practices. You may also be required to get other types of vaccinations depending on where you are immigrating from, your medical history, and any current medical conditions you have.
When and How to Submit Form I-693
Once you have gone through the green card vaccination medical exam, the civil surgeon will give you a sealed envelope that contains the results of your examination. You need to send this envelope directly to the USCIS along with your green card application. Keep in mind that if the envelope is opened, the USCIS will return it.
When you are submitting this form, you will often submit it in combination with form I-485, otherwise known as the application to obtain a green card. You will need to file both forms together and pay both filing fees.
The wait time for approval varies significantly, averaging between six months to four years, depending on your personal situation and how busy the USCIS is.
To guarantee as smooth a process as possible, you need to take the additional step of hiring an immigration attorney. They will help you with the entire process, including finding a civil surgeon, completing your green card application, and filing all of the necessary forms.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Do you need help with the USCIS medical exam so that you can get your green card? Contact us today at U.S. Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 to speak with an immigration attorney about your situation. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
FAQ:
Can I submit the I-693 after filing my green card application?
No, the USCIS requires that you submit your medical examination results at the same time you submit your green card application. If you fail to do this, your application will most likely be denied, or at best, it will be significantly delayed.
What happens if I don’t meet the vaccination requirements?
If you do not meet the vaccination requirements for form I-693, your green card application will not be complete and will be rejected. If you cannot meet the requirements due to cultural, moral, or religious reasons, the civil surgeon can mark this on the form, but you will still be found to be inadmissible. You will then need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.
How long is the Form I-693 valid?
As of April 4, 2024, the USCIS policy manual has been updated so that any form I-693 that was completed and signed by a civil surgeon is valid indefinitely if it was signed on or after November 1, 2023.
