Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination

Who Needs Form I-693?

Every green card applicant adjusting status inside the United States must submit Form I-693. This medical exam proves you are not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds, meaning you do not have communicable diseases of public health significance and are up to date on required vaccinations.

You cannot visit your regular family doctor for this exam. It must be completed by a doctor who has been officially certified by USCIS as a "civil surgeon."

When Do You File Form I-693?

You file Form I-693 when submitting your main Form I-485 adjustment of status package, or in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE) sent by USCIS later in the process.

USCIS recommends submitting the medical report with your initial I-485 package to avoid delays. Under current rules, an approved I-693 signed by a civil surgeon does not expire and remains valid indefinitely.

Where Do You File Form I-693?

The doctor will hand you the completed and signed Form I-693 inside a sealed envelope. You do not mail this form directly to USCIS.

Instead, you must mail the unopened sealed envelope to USCIS along with your paper I-485 package or your RFE response package. Opening the envelope will cause USCIS to reject the medical exam immediately.

Filing Fees & Processing Times

Filing Fee: USCIS does not charge a filing fee to process this form. However, you must pay the civil surgeon doctor for the medical exam itself, which ranges from $200 to $600 plus the cost of any missing vaccinations.

Processing Time: Most civil surgeons complete the paperwork and hand you the sealed envelope within 7 to 10 days after your visit, once lab test results are returned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Breaking the Envelope Seal: You must not open the envelope under any circumstances. If the envelope is torn, taped, or opened, USCIS will consider it invalid.
• Missing Required Vaccinations: Make sure you have all age-appropriate vaccinations (including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and the annual Influenza shot). Missing a shot will delay your paperwork.
• Uncertified Doctor: Always verify that the doctor is listed on the official USCIS "Find a Doctor" tool before booking your appointment.

What Happens After You File?

USCIS officers will review the sealed report to verify that you do not have health-related conditions that would prevent green card approval.

If there are no issues, they will file the medical report in your case folder. If there are missing details, they will mail you a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to return to the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions