All applicants filing for adjustment of status for immigration purposes are required to take on the Immigration Medical Examination. The details of the examination and details of the applicant are filed in a form called the I-693 form. The I-693 form has to be completed by a USCIS Civil Surgeon – the examination has to establish the fact that the applicant is not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds.

FILING THE I-693 FORM

Once the Green card or visa applicant appears for the Immigration Medical Exam, takes the physical, mental and other tests including vaccinations the USCIS Civil Surgeon fills up the I-693 form and hands it over to the applicant in a sealed cover. If the envelope is not sealed then the visa applicant should not accept the form. USCIS will return the cover back to the applicant if the cover is found open or in an unsealed condition.

It is the responsibility of the visa applicant to submit the Form I-693 to USCIS; it is not the responsibility of the USCIS Civil Surgeon’s.

The Immigration Medical Exam is not normally required for non-immigrant visas, although a consular officer or immigration officer at the port of entry may request an exam if he or she has reasons to suspect that a risky health condition exists.