If you’re applying for a green card or certain other immigration benefits in the U.S., you’ll need to complete a medical examination using Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This exam is a critical step to prove that you are not inadmissible on public health grounds.
As of June 11, 2025, the rules have changed, and it’s more important than ever to understand what this medical exam involves, how to find the right doctor, and what you need to know about Form I-693’s new one-use-only policy.
What Is the USCIS Medical Exam?
The medical exam is a health screening conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, a doctor approved to complete the required immigration health forms. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that applicants do not have any medical conditions that would make them inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration law.
The exam includes:
- A physical and mental health evaluation
- Testing for communicable diseases like tuberculosis and syphilis
- Review and update of vaccination records (certain vaccines are required)
- Screening for drug and alcohol abuse or addiction
- Assessment of mental health history or disorders
The results are recorded on Form I-693, which must be signed by the civil surgeon and submitted in a sealed envelope to USCIS.
What Changed in 2025?
On June 11, 2025, USCIS updated its policy regarding Form I-693:
Form I-693 is now valid for one immigration benefit application only.
Previously, if your green card or immigration application was denied or withdrawn, and your I-693 was still within the valid two-year period, you could often reuse it for a new application. That’s no longer the case.
Here’s what the new policy means:
- If your immigration case is denied or withdrawn, your medical exam is no longer valid for a future application.
- You will need to schedule a new medical exam and submit a new Form I-693 with your next application.
- This policy applies to all I-693 forms signed on or after November 1, 2023.
- Forms signed before November 1, 2023, remain valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
Who’s Affected?
This policy affects most applicants filing for:
- Adjustment of Status (green card applicants inside the U.S.)
- Certain humanitarian programs
- Other immigration benefits requiring a medical clearance
If you submitted a previous application and it didn’t go through, you’ll need to start fresh with a new medical exam for any new case.
How to Find a USCIS-Approved Doctor (Civil Surgeon)
Not just any doctor can perform this exam. You must go to a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Here’s how to find one:
✅ Step 1: Use the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator
Visit the official USCIS tool:
https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor
Simply enter your ZIP code to see a list of authorized doctors in your area, along with contact details.
✅ Step 2: Call Ahead and Ask Questions
Before booking, call the doctor’s office and ask:
- What is the total cost (including lab work and vaccines)?
- What forms of ID and vaccination records you need to bring
- Whether they provide the completed I-693 in a sealed envelope (required by USCIS)
Some clinics offer same-day appointments, but many require advanced scheduling, so plan ahead!
Helpful Tips Before Your Appointment
✔️ Bring Your Vaccine Records – This helps avoid duplicate vaccinations.
✔️ Don’t Open the Envelope – USCIS requires the I-693 to be submitted sealed.
✔️ Keep a Copy – Ask the doctor for a copy for your personal records.
What Happens After the Exam?
Once your exam is completed, the civil surgeon will give you:
- A sealed envelope containing your Form I-693 (do NOT open this)
- A copy for your records
Why the Policy Changed
According to USCIS, allowing reused or outdated medical exams could pose a public health risk. By requiring a new exam for each immigration application, USCIS aims to ensure every applicant is screened with the most current health information.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Avoid Delays
At Heitz Immigration Law, we’ve seen firsthand how delays or mistakes with Form I-693 can cause unnecessary setbacks in the green card process. With the new one-use policy in effect, it’s even more crucial to complete the medical exam correctly and at the right time.
If you’re unsure when or how to schedule your USCIS medical exam, or need guidance with your entire green card application, we’re here to help.
📅 Schedule a FREE Case Evasluation with us today and let’s walk through the process together.
