When immigrating to the United States, applicants are often required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not pose a health risk to the public. Form I-693, officially known as the “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record,” is the document used to record the results of this examination. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Form I-693, including its purpose, requirements, and how to complete it.
The Purpose of Form I-693
The primary purpose of Form I-693 is to assess the health status of immigrants applying for adjustment of status, refugee or asylum status, or certain nonimmigrant visas. The medical examination is intended to identify any communicable diseases of public health significance and ensure that immigrants have received the required vaccinations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the United States. The examination is conducted by a designated civil surgeon approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What Medical Conditions Are They Concerned About?
When filing Form I-693, the designated civil surgeon conducting the medical examination is primarily assessing the applicant for medical conditions that may pose a risk to public health or safety. Specifically, the civil surgeon is looking for certain medical conditions and infectious diseases that are considered to be of public health significance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These medical conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Tuberculosis (TB) – Applicants will be tested for tuberculosis infection through a tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). A chest X-ray may be required if the initial test results are positive.
- Syphilis – Applicants will undergo testing for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
- HIV/AIDS – Applicants will be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Hepatitis B and C – Testing for hepatitis B and C viruses may be conducted to screen for these liver infections.
- Vaccination Status – The civil surgeon will verify that the applicant has received the required vaccinations as outlined by the U.S. vaccination guidelines, including vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and others.
- Other Communicable Diseases – The civil surgeon may also screen for other communicable diseases of public health significance, depending on the applicant’s medical history and risk factors.
It’s important to note that the medical examination conducted as part of Form I-693 is intended to identify and treat medical conditions that may affect the health and safety of the immigrant population in the United States. Applicants found to have certain medical conditions or infectious diseases may require treatment or follow-up care before being deemed admissible to the United States.
The Requirements for Form I-693
Before completing Form I-693, applicants must ensure they meet the following requirements:
- Schedule a medical examination with a designated civil surgeon authorized by USCIS.
- Provide a government-issued photo identification and any medical records or documentation of prior vaccinations.
- Pay the required fee for the medical examination, which varies depending on the civil surgeon and location.
Completing Form I-693
Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing Form I-693:
- Download the Form – Obtain the most recent version of Form I-693 from the USCIS website.
- Fill Out Part 1 – Complete Part 1 of the form, providing biographic information such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Attend the Medical Examination – Schedule an appointment with a designated civil surgeon and attend the medical examination as instructed.
- Civil Surgeon Completes Form – The civil surgeon will complete Parts 2-7 of Form I-693, including recording the results of the medical examination and verifying that the applicant has received the required vaccinations.
- Review and Sign – Review the completed Form I-693 for accuracy and sign where indicated.
- Submit to USCIS – Submit the completed Form I-693 to USCIS as instructed in the immigration application instructions or guidance provided by the civil surgeon.
Expected Form I-693 Costs
While Form I-693 itself is free to file with USCIS, applicants are typically responsible for covering the costs associated with the required medical examination conducted by a designated civil surgeon. The cost of the medical exam can vary depending on factors such as the location of the examination facility, the complexity of the examination, and any additional tests or vaccinations required.
On average, the cost of the medical exam for Form I-693 can range from $200 to $500 or more. This fee usually includes the cost of the medical consultation, physical examination, laboratory tests, and any necessary vaccinations. However, applicants should be aware that the actual cost may differ based on individual circumstances and the policies of the civil surgeon performing the examination.
Applicants need to inquire about the specific fees and payment methods accepted by the designated civil surgeon before scheduling the medical examination. Additionally, applicants should budget for any potential additional costs, such as follow-up appointments or treatments required to meet USCIS requirements.
Important Considerations
- Form I-693 must be submitted in a sealed envelope by the civil surgeon to USCIS. Opening the envelope or tampering with its contents may result in the rejection of the application.
- The medical examination must be conducted within one year before the submission of the immigration application to USCIS. Otherwise, the examination may need to be repeated.
- Applicants should carefully review the vaccination requirements specified by USCIS and ensure they have received all necessary vaccinations before the medical examination.
Form I-693 Medical Examination Explained
Form I-693 plays a crucial role in the immigration process for individuals seeking entry or adjustment of status in the United States. By providing a comprehensive overview of an applicant’s health status and vaccination history, the medical examination helps safeguard public health and ensure the well-being of immigrants and the broader community.
Understanding the requirements and procedures for completing Form I-693 is essential for a smooth immigration process. Applicants should consult with a designated civil surgeon and follow USCIS guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid delays in their immigration applications.