Step-by-Step Guide to the I-693 Medical Examination Process

You’ve scheduled your appointment, but do you really know what happens during an immigration medical exam? Missing even one step could delay your application more than you expect. Comprehending the Step-by-Step Guide to the I-693 Medical Examination Process can help you avoid common mistakes and move forward with confidence. The process may seem simple—but a few details can make all the difference.

Schedule Immigration medical exam I-693 in Brooklyn, NY.

TL;DR:

The I-693 medical examination is a required immigration health screening completed by an authorized physician to assess medical history, conduct exams, test for diseases, and verify vaccinations. Applicants must accurately complete Form I-693, attend the exam, and submit it in a sealed envelope. Following each step carefully helps avoid delays and ensures compliance with immigration health requirements.

What is the I-693 medical examination process?

The I-693 medical examination process is a required health screening for certain individuals applying for immigration benefits in the United States, especially those seeking adjustment of status. Its purpose is to determine whether an applicant has any medical conditions that could affect eligibility under health-related immigration requirements. These guidelines are based on U.S. immigration law and public health regulations designed to protect both individual and community health.

The process centers on completing Form I-693, which documents the results of a medical evaluation performed by a government-authorized physician. The examination typically includes a review of the applicant’s medical history, a physical exam, testing for certain communicable diseases, and a review of vaccination records. All findings are recorded on the form and later submitted as part of the immigration application.

To ensure accuracy and authenticity, the form must be properly completed, signed by both the applicant and the physician, and placed in a sealed envelope before submission. This sealed document serves as official proof that the applicant meets the required health standards and does not pose a public health risk during the immigration process.

Completing the required I-693 form with accurate personal information

Before the medical exam, applicants must complete the sections of Form I-693 that include their personal information. This step ensures the form matches the immigration application and avoids delays.

Requirements include:

• Providing accurate and consistent details (name, date of birth, case information)
• Completing all required sections clearly and legibly
• Signing the form to confirm the information is truthful
  

After the exam, the physician completes the medical sections and signs the form to certify the results.

Scheduling an appointment with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon

Once the form is started, the next step is scheduling an appointment with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Only authorized physicians can perform this exam to ensure standardized procedures.

During scheduling, applicants should be prepared to:

• Confirm the physician is currently authorized
• Bring identification, vaccination records, and medical history
• Schedule the visit close to application filing to keep results valid
  

This preparation helps ensure a smooth and accurate evaluation.

Attending the medical examination and required tests

During the appointment, the physician performs a comprehensive health evaluation. This step focuses on identifying any conditions relevant to immigration health requirements.

The exam typically includes:

• Review of medical history (past illnesses, treatments, conditions)
• A physical examination
• Laboratory tests or screenings for communicable diseases
  

If needed, additional testing or referrals may be required before the physician completes and signs the report.

Receiving vaccination review and necessary immunizations

Vaccination review is an essential part of the process. The physician checks whether the applicant meets required immunization standards.

Step	What Happens
Record Review	Existing vaccination records are evaluated
Missing Vaccines	Required vaccines may be administered or scheduled
Immunity Check	Lab evidence of immunity may be accepted
Documentation	All vaccines are recorded on Form I-693

Submitting the sealed I-693 form with the immigration application

After the medical examination and vaccination review are completed, the physician finalizes Form I-693 by signing and certifying the results. The completed form is then placed in a sealed envelope, which must remain unopened to preserve its validity and authenticity.

The applicant is responsible for submitting this sealed form to the appropriate immigration authority as part of their application or when requested during the process. Maintaining the integrity of the sealed document is essential, as an opened or improperly completed form may lead to delays, requests for additional evidence, or the need to repeat the medical examination.

Key Takeaways. 

1. The I-693 exam is a required health screening for immigration.
   It is used to determine if an applicant meets health-related eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law. The exam helps ensure applicants do not pose a public health risk. Results are documented on Form I-693 and submitted with the application.
   
2. Accurate completion of Form I-693 is essential.
   Applicants must provide correct personal information, complete all sections, and sign the form. The physician later fills out the medical portion and certifies the results. Errors or missing details can lead to delays or additional requests.
   
3. The exam must be performed by an authorized physician.
   Applicants need to schedule with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon and bring required documents like identification and vaccination records. Proper scheduling helps ensure the results remain valid during the immigration process.
   
4. The medical exam includes evaluation, tests, and vaccination review.
   The process involves a medical history review, physical exam, and tests for communicable diseases. Vaccination records are checked, and missing immunizations may be given or scheduled. All findings are recorded on the official form.
   
5. Submitting the sealed form correctly is critical.
   After completion, the form is placed in a sealed envelope that must remain unopened. The applicant submits it with their immigration application as proof of compliance. An unsealed or incorrect form may require repeating the exam or delay processing.
   

FAQs: 

What do they check for immigration medical?

 The exam includes a review of medical history, a physical examination, testing for certain communicable diseases, and verification of vaccination status to ensure the applicant meets health requirements.

What medical conditions are causes for visa rejection in the USA?

 Conditions that fall under health-related grounds of inadmissibility, particularly certain communicable diseases or issues that pose a public health risk, may affect eligibility.

What are the things that would make you fail an immigration medical exam?

 An applicant may not meet requirements if they have specific medical conditions of concern, incomplete vaccination records, or require further evaluation that has not been completed.

What can make you fail a medical test?

 Factors may include positive results for certain diseases, missing required immunizations, or incomplete or inaccurate medical documentation that does not meet immigration standards.

Sources. 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2025, July 8). Vaccination requirements. https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirements

LegalClarity Team. (2025, December 17). Form I-693 medical exam requirements and submission rules. LegalClarity. https://legalclarity.org/form-i-693-medical-exam-requirements-and-submission-rules/