Are you in the process of applying for permanent residency or adjusting your status in the United States? In this blog post, we’ll explain what the Form I-693 is and why it’s important, and how you can submit it correctly to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
What is Form I-693? Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is a document required by USCIS for all applicants applying for permanent residency or adjusting their status in the United States. This form is used to verify that the applicant does not have any medical conditions that could make them inadmissible to the US. A civil surgeon authorized by USCIS must complete and sign the Form I-693 after conducting a medical examination of the applicant.
Why is Form I-693 Important? The USCIS requires the Form I-693 to ensure that applicants are not a threat to public health or national security. This form is essential to ensure that you can complete the immigration process and become a permanent resident of the United States. If you do not submit a properly completed Form I-693, your application for permanent residency or adjustment of status will be considered deficient and could delay the processing of your case.
USCIS has recently announced a change in protocol that could affect even already-filed applications. Green card applications submitted without a completed Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, will receive a Request For Evidence (RFE). This means that USCIS will ask for the medical examination results, which could delay the process. This change will also affect already-filed applications.
If you are in the process of filing for a green card or have already filed, it is essential to ensure that you have completed the medical examination and submitted the Form I-693. If you have not yet completed the medical examination, we strongly encourage you to do so now. You can submit the completed Form I-693 with your green card application or wait for a Request For Evidence from USCIS. However, waiting for the RFE could delay the process and potentially prolong your separation from your loved ones.
If you already filed your application, you may have received a Courtesy Letter Request from USCIS indicating that your Form I-485 is deficient due to the absence of a completed and signed I-693. This means you need to get your medical exam done and mailed to USCIS. Prior to this change, USCIS didn’t require you to submit the medical exam at the same time as your application for green card. Instead, they would send out a letter reminding you to bring it to the interview and clearly instructing not to mail the medical exam. This new request of mailing the medical exam is a change in protocol.
How to Submit Form I-693 Correctly? To submit Form I-693 correctly, you should follow these steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a designated civil surgeon authorized by USCIS to conduct medical examinations.
- The civil surgeon will conduct a medical examination and complete the Form I-693.
- The civil surgeon will place the completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope and give it to you. Do not open the envelope or you will have to start the process over again.
- Include the sealed envelope containing the original Form I-693, the medical exam results, and a copy of the Courtesy Letter Request when submitting your application for permanent residency or adjustment of status.
Conclusion: Submitting Form I-693 correctly is critical to avoid any delays or rejections in the processing of your application for permanent residency or adjustment of status. If you need assistance with the immigration process, we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule a free first consultation, and we’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
