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How to Prepare for the I-693 Medical Exam: A Complete Guide

How to Prepare for the I-693 Medical Exam: A Complete Guide

If you are applying for a U.S. green card or adjustment of status through family or employment, one of the important steps you will need to complete is the I-693 medical exam. This exam is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether you meet the health-related standards for immigration. The I-693 medical exam is a critical component of your immigration process, so understanding the requirements and how to prepare for it can help streamline your application and avoid delays.

In this complete guide, we will walk you through what the I-693 medical exam entails, why it’s necessary, how to prepare, and what to expect during your visit to a civil surgeon.

What is the I-693 Medical Exam?

The I-693 medical exam is a medical examination conducted by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon as part of the immigration process. It ensures that applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card status) are free from certain medical conditions that could make them inadmissible to the United States. The medical examination is used to screen for communicable diseases, vaccination requirements, and any physical or mental health conditions that could pose a risk to public health or safety.

The results of the I-693 medical exam are then documented on Form I-693, which must be submitted to USCIS as part of your immigration application package.

Why is the I-693 Medical Exam Necessary?

The I-693 medical exam serves several key purposes in the immigration process:

  1. Public Health Protection: The exam screens for diseases that may pose a public health risk, such as tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, and gonorrhea.
  2. Vaccination Compliance: The medical exam ensures that you have received the required vaccinations. Applicants must be up-to-date on vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, varicella (chickenpox), and others, depending on your age and health history.
  3. Evaluation of Physical and Mental Health: The civil surgeon will check for any physical or mental conditions that could impact your ability to live safely and healthily in the U.S. Conditions that could make you inadmissible include severe mental health disorders or substance abuse issues.

By completing the medical exam, you are demonstrating that you meet the health requirements for lawful entry into the U.S. It is important to remember that the I-693 medical exam is only one part of the overall green card process, but it must be completed before you can finalize your application.

Who Needs the I-693 Medical Exam?

The I-693 medical exam is required for individuals applying for:

  • Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): If you are applying to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) while in the U.S.
  • Immigrant Visa Applicants: If you are applying for a green card through consular processing outside the U.S.
  • Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Holders: Some visa categories, such as K-1 (fiancé) visa holders, also require an I-693 medical exam as part of the green card process.

The medical exam is not required for individuals applying for a visa under the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, refugee status, or other specific immigration statuses.

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