When Is Form I-693 Submitted
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: 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: 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: 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 Delays Can Occur If: Key Factors That Influence I-693 Approval Timeline 1. Submission Method 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 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: 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: 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.
