Form I-693: What It Is and How to File in 2026

Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is the official document used to determine whether a Green Card applicant meets the required health standards for permanent residency. If you’re applying for a Green Card through an adjustment of status, this form is required and a critical part of your application. You can fill in some parts of the form yourself, but it isn’t complete until after your exam with a doctor approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What is Form I-693?

Form I-693 demonstrates that you do not have any communicable diseases and are up to date on required vaccinations. When you apply for permanent residence in the United States, you must meet specific “health-related grounds of admissibility.” In other words, immigration law allows USCIS to deny you a Green Card for medical reasons.

Who needs Form I-693?

You must submit Form I-693 if you’re filing for lawful permanent residence (a Green Card) through adjustment of status and you undergo a medical exam. Refugees and individuals applying for asylum who need to provide proof of a medical exam will also use Form I-693.

What is Form I-693 used for?

Form I-693 documents that you are not inadmissible to the U.S. for public health reasons. Specifically, it confirms that:

• You do not have a Class A communicable disease of public health significance. Examples include gonorrhea, syphilis, tuberculosis, and leprosy (Hansen’s disease).
• You have received all required vaccinations, or you qualify for a waiver.
• You do not have drug abuse or addiction issues.
• You do not have a physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior.

Instructions for filing Form I-693

Step 1. Gather medical records and proof of appointments

Before scheduling your appointment, make sure you have:

• Vaccination records
• A government-issued photo ID
• Prior test results and records of past or ongoing medical treatment, if relevant

Step 2. Fill out the form

You can fill out certain sections of Form I-693 before the medical exam: Part 1 (Information about you) and Part 2 (Your contact information and signature). However, do not sign the form until the doctor tells you to.

Fill out Part 3 if you worked with an interpreter.

Fill out Part 4 if you had someone prepare the forms for you (for example, a parent completing the form for a child or an attorney).

Do not fill out any other sections. The civil surgeon will complete the rest of the form after your medical examination.

Step 3. Schedule a medical appointment with an approved doctor

Your immigration medical exam must be conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Make sure to bring your medical records, immunization records, and necessary payment to your exam.

Step 4. The doctor completes the form

After your exam, the civil surgeon will:

• Complete all required medical findings
• Administer any necessary vaccinations
• Sign and date the form

Then they’ll place the completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope. Do not open it. You may also receive a copy for your records—keep it in a safe place.

When do you submit Form I-693?

If you’re applying for permanent residence status from within the U.S., the Vaccination Record is typically filed with USCIS along with your Form I-485 packet. Do not open this envelope. USCIS will reject the form if the seal is broken.

Tips for completing and submitting Form I-693

If USCIS determines your medical form is incomplete or improperly prepared, they may issue a Request for Evidence, which can significantly delay your Green Card case. Use the following tips to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Only use black ink to complete I-693 forms.
• Make sure to use the current version of the form.
• Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by the civil surgeon.
• Remember to bring your vaccination records to the medical exam.
• Don’t open the sealed envelope with the completed form.

How to find Form I-693 doctors near you

If you are applying from inside the U.S., you will need to see a civil surgeon who is authorized by USCIS. You can find one using the official Find a Civil Surgeon tool on the USCIS website.

To verify a doctor’s status:

• Confirm they appear in the USCIS search results
• Ask the office directly whether they are currently designated as a civil surgeon

If you are applying for a Green Card from outside the U.S., you will need to see a panel physician who files a different medical form with the Department of State, such as Form DS-2054, rather than submitting Form I-693 to USCIS. Your local embassy or consulate can help you schedule an appointment with an approved doctor.

Complete Form I-693 with confidence

Form I-693 is not the most complicated form in the Green Card process, but any unnecessary mistakes related to your medical exam could lead to months of delays. If you’re concerned about how a medical condition could affect your visa application, play it safe and speak with an experienced immigration attorney to understand your options and minimize risks.

👉 Request a free consultation with Manifest Law’s experienced immigration lawyers now.

Form I-693 FAQs

How long is Form I-693 valid once signed?

A Form I-693 properly completed on or after Nov. 1, 2023, is valid as long as the Green Card application it accompanies remains pending. If the application is withdrawn or denied, the accompanying I-693 will no longer be valid.

How much does the I-693 exam cost?

The cost of the medical exam varies by doctor and based on any tests or vaccinations you need, but most applicants can expect to pay between $150 and $500. Your insurance may help cover the costs, so you may want to look for a civil surgeon who is covered under your health insurance. There is no filing fee for Form I-693 itself.

What medical tests are done for I-693 forms?

The doctor could examine at least your eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes and skin. This is not a comprehensive physical exam. Any additional tests, blood work, or vaccinations will depend on your health needs. In some situations, an X-ray exam of your chest might be ordered. 

What can cause you to fail an immigration medical exam?

You may be found inadmissible and won’t be able to receive a completed Form I-693 if you have a Class A medical condition, such as certain communicable diseases of public health significance, untreated syphilis or gonorrhea, active tuberculosis, or a physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior.