When you’re in the process of applying for a green card (lawful permanent residence) in the United States, the I-693 Form —Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record—plays a critical role. Conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, this medical examination ensures that applicants meet the health-related standards required under U.S. immigration law.
But what exactly happens after the I-693 Form is submitted? This question is common among applicants who have completed their medical exam and are anxiously awaiting the next steps. In this detailed blog post, the Immigration Medical Exam Center walks you through what to expect once your I-693 Form has been officially turned in.
1. Confirmation of Submission
The first thing to note is that the I-693 Form can be submitted in two ways:
- With the initial green card application (Form I-485)
- After receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS
If you submitted the I-693 with your I-485 application, USCIS will consider your medical exam part of the initial review process. If you submitted it in response to an RFE, you should receive a confirmation from USCIS acknowledging receipt of the requested evidence.
Always keep a copy of your tracking information if you mailed the form yourself, and ask for a receipt or delivery confirmation if your attorney or service provider handled the mailing.
2. USCIS Processing Time Begins
Once USCIS receives your I-693 Form, it becomes part of your adjustment of status application file. USCIS does not process the I-693 separately—it is reviewed as part of your I-485 green card case.
Timelines can vary, but here’s what typically happens next:
- Initial Processing: The medical form is scanned and uploaded into the applicant’s digital case file.
- Internal Review: A USCIS officer checks that the form is properly completed, signed by a civil surgeon, and that all required vaccinations and test results are included.
- Assessment for Inadmissibility: The officer reviews the results to determine if the applicant is inadmissible on health-related grounds.
This process usually takes several weeks, depending on USCIS workload and your local field office’s processing times.
3. Case Status Updates
After submission, it’s important to regularly check the status of your green card case via the USCIS Case Status Online Tool. While the I-693 Form itself won’t always trigger a visible status change, here are some common updates to look for:
- “Request for Evidence Was Received” – if you submitted the I-693 after an RFE
- “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed by USCIS” – your file is under internal review
- “Interview Was Scheduled” – a key next step, often following medical review
- “New Card Is Being Produced” – final approval phase
If you notice that your case status hasn’t changed for an extended period (usually more than 90 days), it’s okay to reach out to USCIS for clarification or file a case inquiry.
For many applicants, the next step after I-693 submission is the green card interview. USCIS often schedules interviews to verify the applicant’s identity, confirm eligibility, and review supporting documentation—including the I-693 medical form.
4. Possibility of a Green Card Interview
Here’s what happens during the interview in relation to your I-693:
- The USCIS officer will review your medical exam to ensure all required tests and vaccinations were completed.
- If any part of the form is missing or incorrect, the officer might issue a new RFE or request a new medical examination.
- If your I-693 was submitted more than 2 years ago or wasn’t signed by the civil surgeon within 60 days of submission, USCIS may ask for an updated form.
To avoid delays, always ensure your I-693 meets the most recent guidelines and is properly filled out by a USCIS-authorized doctor, like the professionals at Immigration Medical Exam Center.
5. Approval or Additional Requests
Following the medical review and possibly an interview, USCIS will either:
- Approve your application if everything, including the I-693 Form, is in order
- Issue a further RFE if they need updated or corrected medical documentation
- Deny the application if the applicant is found inadmissible on medical grounds (though this is rare and often preventable)
In most cases, if your medical exam was completed accurately, and you have no conditions of public health concern, your application will move forward without issue.
6. Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility: What USCIS Looks For
After the I-693 is submitted, USCIS examines it for any conditions that might disqualify an applicant. These include:
- Communicable diseases of public health significance (e.g., tuberculosis)
- Lack of required vaccinations
- Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior
- Drug abuse or addiction
If any of these are present, USCIS may deny the application unless a waiver is granted. Most medical issues can be prevented or resolved with proper preparation and guidance from an experienced civil surgeon.
At the Immigration Medical Exam Center, we ensure that each applicant receives accurate tests, vaccinations, and documentation to minimize the risk of delays or denials.
7. How Long Does It Take After I-693 Submission?
There’s no fixed timeline, but here’s a general idea:
- If filed with I-485: Processing can take 8 to 14 months, depending on the service center.
- If filed after RFE: Expect updates within 30 to 90 days.
- If an interview is scheduled: You will receive notice at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
Keep in mind that each immigration case is unique. Factors such as location, background checks, document accuracy, and USCIS backlog can affect the timeline.
8. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Post-I-693 Process
To avoid unnecessary delays after submitting your I-693 Form, consider the following tips:
- Ensure the civil surgeon uses the latest version of Form I-693
- Make sure it’s signed no more than 60 days before submission
- Double-check for completeness and accuracy
- Keep a copy of the sealed envelope for your records
- Track delivery if sending by mail
- Respond to any RFE promptly and thoroughly
- Monitor your USCIS case status regularly
9. Why Choose Immigration Medical Exam Center?
At Immigration Medical Exam Center, we specialize in immigration-related medical services, ensuring that:
- All requirements are met for Form I-693
- You receive guidance on vaccines and medical history
- You get timely service to help move your green card process forward
- Your documents are completed with precision, reducing chances of RFEs or delays
Our certified civil surgeons have experience working closely with USCIS guidelines and requirements. We ensure that your medical exam is accurate, timely, and compliant.
Conclusion
Submitting your I-693 medical form is a major milestone in your green card journey, but it’s not the final step. Once received by USCIS, your form is reviewed alongside your application to determine medical admissibility. With proper documentation, a clean bill of health, and guidance from a qualified medical provider, you can move forward with confidence.
If you’re preparing for your immigration medical exam or need help completing Form I-693 correctly, contact the professionals at Immigration Medical Exam Center. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—because your future in the U.S. deserves expert care and support.
