U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its policy regarding submitting Form I-693, “Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.”
Important:
As of January 22, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required for your immigration medical exam. Form I-693 requirements have been updated. Learn about US Immigration Vaccination Requirements.
What’s New?
- You must now submit your medical examination results (Form I-693) at the same time as your green card application (Form I-485)
- If you submit your green card application without the medical exam results, USCIS may reject it
- This change affects both complete medical exams and vaccination-only record
Why Did USCIS Make This Change?
USCIS said the policy update aims to simplify and speed up the application process by reducing the number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) it issues during the adjustment of status process. The change affects all applicants required to submit medical examination documentation.
Who Does This Affect?
This new rule affects you if:
- You’re planning to file a new green card application (Form I-485)
- You need to submit medical examination results as part of your application
Planning Your Application
Before you submit your green card application, make sure to:
- Schedule your medical exam with an approved doctor (called a civil surgeon)
- Complete the exam and get all required vaccines
- Get Form I-693 properly completed and signed
- Submit the sealed Form I-693 envelope together with your Form I-485
Important:
This update affects when you submit your paperwork, not the medical exam requirements themselves. The medical requirements remain unchanged—only the timing for submitting the results has been updated.
Special Cases
Some applicants can use previous medical exams:
- Refugees: Can usually use their original medical exam if it didn’t show serious health issues
- Asylee family members: Can use overseas exam results if applying within one year
- K visa holders (fiancés) and V visa holders: Can use previous exam if applying within one year
- Afghan nationals under Operation Allies Welcome: Can use previous exams done overseas or at U.S. government facilities
Boundless helps you build a tailored visa plan for every step of the green card process, from forms to your immigration interview. Get started today!.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t open the sealed envelope containing your medical exam results
- Make sure your doctor is approved by USCIS (called a civil surgeon)
- Keep copies of all your medical and vaccination records
- Plan ahead to have your medical exam completed before filing your green card application
Next Steps
- Find an approved doctor near you (you can find a list of approved doctors on the USCIS website)
- Schedule and complete your medical exam
- Gather all other required documents for your green card application
- Submit everything together
Need More Information?
- Visit the USCIS website for a list of approved doctors
- Check the USCIS Policy Manual for detailed requirements
- Consult with an immigration lawyer if you have questions about your specific case