When applying for a U.S. green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485), one crucial requirement is the submission of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form confirms that an applicant does not have any health-related grounds of inadmissibility as outlined by U.S. immigration law. But once the I-693 is completed and submitted, many applicants naturally wonder: How long does it take for USCIS to approve it?
At Immigration Medical Exam Center, we understand how vital timing is in the immigration process. Delays can affect job opportunities, family reunification, or travel plans. So, in this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into what happens after submitting Form I-693, how long approval might take, and what factors can influence the timeline.
Understanding the Role of Form I-693
Form I-693 is a vital document used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether an individual poses any public health risk. It must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and includes:
- A physical examination
- Review of medical history
- Vaccination assessment
- Testing for communicable diseases
- Mental health evaluation
The I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature, provided it is submitted to USCIS within 60 days of signing.
When Is Form I-693 Submitted?
There are two main ways to submit Form I-693:
- Concurrent Submission with I-485: You can submit the medical exam form along with your I-485 application.
- Later Submission After RFE (Request for Evidence): USCIS may issue an RFE requesting Form I-693 if it wasn’t included with the original I-485 filing or if the previously submitted form expired.
If you’re submitting after an RFE, this often occurs in the later stages of the green card process, signaling that your case is close to final adjudication.
What Happens After Submitting Form I-693?
After Form I-693 is submitted, USCIS follows a series of steps:
1. Receipt and Intake
If you send Form I-693 in response to an RFE, USCIS will first acknowledge receipt. However, they do not always send a separate receipt notice specifically for Form I-693.
2. Document Review
A USCIS officer will review the form to ensure:
- It was properly completed and signed by a designated civil surgeon
- The applicant meets all vaccination requirements
- There are no medical grounds of inadmissibility
3. Case Adjudication
Once the I-693 is deemed complete and acceptable, the officer continues the review of the overall I-485 application. If all other elements (background checks, interviews, eligibility criteria) are satisfied, the officer can approve the green card application.
How Long Does It Take to Approve I-693 After Submission?
The answer depends on several factors, but here are general timelines:
Typical Timeline After I-693 Submission
- 2 to 6 Weeks: In many cases, USCIS completes review of the I-693 form within a few weeks of receiving it, especially if it was requested via RFE.
- 1 to 3 Months: If the form was submitted proactively or alongside other case materials, the review might take longer due to overall processing times for the I-485.
- Expedited Cases: Some employment-based or urgent family-based green card applications may be prioritized, leading to quicker adjudication—sometimes within a few weeks of submitting Form I-693.
Delays Can Occur If:
- The form is incomplete or missing required information
- The civil surgeon’s signature is older than 60 days at time of submission
- There are concerns or flags in the medical results (e.g., untreated medical conditions or incomplete vaccination)
- Background checks or security screenings are still pending
Key Factors That Influence I-693 Approval Timeline
1. Submission Method
- Proactive Submission: Sending the I-693 at the beginning of the I-485 process may mean it’s reviewed much later—only when the rest of your case is being evaluated.
- RFE Response: If USCIS requests the I-693 late in the process, approval may follow shortly after submission—assuming no issues arise.
2. Field Office Backlogs
Some USCIS field offices are slower than others due to regional workloads. If your green card application is being processed at a busy office, it might take longer even after I-693 submission.
3. Interview Waiver
USCIS may waive the adjustment of status interview for certain applicants. In such cases, if the I-693 form is already in the file and complete, approval can come quickly—sometimes within weeks.
4. Case Type
- Family-Based Green Cards: These might take longer due to stricter scrutiny or quotas.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: These often move faster, especially if interviews are waived and the applicant has already passed security checks.
What If You Haven’t Heard Back After Submitting I-693?
If more than 60 days have passed since you submitted your I-693 and you haven’t received any communication from USCIS, consider the following steps:
✅ Check Your USCIS Case Status
Visit USCIS.gov and enter your receipt number. Updates such as “Case Was Updated to Show All Correspondence Was Received” or “Case is Ready to Be Scheduled for an Interview” indicate progress.
✅ Call USCIS Customer Service
You can call 1-800-375-5283 to inquire about the status of your case, particularly if your case is outside normal processing times.
✅ Submit an Online Case Inquiry
If your case is delayed beyond typical timelines, USCIS allows you to submit a service request online for a status update.
Can I Expedite My Case After Submitting I-693?
While the I-693 itself cannot be expedited, you can request expedited processing of your Form I-485 under certain criteria:
- Severe financial loss
- Urgent humanitarian reasons
- Nonprofit organization purposes
- U.S. government interests
To request an expedite, call USCIS or submit a formal request with supporting documentation.
Tips to Ensure Fast Processing of I-693
To avoid unnecessary delays:
- Use a USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon: Always schedule your medical exam with a certified provider like Immigration Medical Exam Center.
- Submit Within 60 Days: Ensure your civil surgeon signs Form I-693 no more than 60 days before submission to USCIS.
- Double-Check the Form: Make sure it is properly filled out and signed by both you and the doctor.
- Keep a Copy: Always keep a copy of your completed I-693 for your records.
- Respond Quickly to RFE: If USCIS requests your I-693, send it as soon as possible to keep your case moving.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no fixed timeline for how long after submitting Form I-693 your application will be approved, most cases are resolved within a few weeks to a few months—especially when the I-693 is submitted in response to a USCIS request. Proper preparation, working with a qualified civil surgeon, and timely response to USCIS correspondence can greatly improve your chances of a smooth and speedy process.
At Immigration Medical Exam Center, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of your immigration medical exam with accuracy, compliance, and care. If you’re preparing for your I-693 or need to submit the form quickly in response to an RFE, we’re here to help.
Contact Immigration Medical Exam Center Today
Schedule your USCIS medical exam with a certified civil surgeon and get your I-693 completed efficiently and correctly the first time.
