USCIS Now Requires Form I-693 to Be Submitted with Form I-485 for Certain Applicants¶

What Has Changed?¶

As of December 2, 2024, USCIS requires certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, together with their Form I-485. Failure to include Form I-693 may result in the rejection of your Form I-485 application.

This change aims to streamline the adjudication process for adjustment of status applications by reducing the number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued before making a final decision on Form I-485.

For more details, you can read the full USCIS press release here.

What Is Form I-693?¶

Form I-693 is a critical document used to report the results of an immigration medical examination. It verifies that applicants meet the health-related requirements for admissibility, including:

• Completing required vaccinations.
• Confirming that the applicant is free from any health conditions that could render them inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.

The form must be properly completed and signed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to be valid.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?¶

1. New Filing Requirement

If USCIS requires you to submit Form I-693, you must now include it with your Form I-485 application. Submitting the forms separately or omitting Form I-693 may lead to the rejection of your adjustment of status application.

2. Streamlined Process

This requirement reduces delays caused by RFEs, helping USCIS adjudicate applications more efficiently. By filing both forms together, you avoid potential processing delays and ensure your application is complete.

Key Steps to Meet This Requirement¶

1. Schedule Your Immigration Medical Examination:

   • Locate a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to perform the exam.
   • Bring all required vaccination records and any relevant medical history to your appointment.

2. Ensure Form I-693 Is Complete:

   • The civil surgeon must complete, sign, and seal the form properly.
   • Do not break the seal on the envelope provided by the civil surgeon, as USCIS requires it to remain sealed.

3. Submit Form I-693 with Form I-485:

   • Include the sealed Form I-693 envelope in the same package as your Form I-485.
   • Double-check the updated Form I-485 instructions to confirm all filing requirements are met.

Additional Information¶

For more details on the immigration medical examination and vaccination requirements, consult the USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 8, Part B, Chapter 3. It includes guidance on:

• Immigration benefits requiring a medical examination.
• When a civil surgeon or panel physician should conduct the examination.
• Applicability of medical examination and vaccination requirements.

You can also review the official USCIS press release for more details.

How Certling Can Help¶

At Certling, we understand that submitting a complete and accurate application is crucial to avoiding delays. If your immigration process requires translations of vaccination records or other medical documents, our certified translation services are recognized by USCIS. We provide:

• Quick Turnaround Times: Expedite your application process with translations delivered in as little as 24 hours.
• USCIS-Compliant Translations: Ensure your documents meet USCIS standards with translations that include certified statements.
• Transparent Pricing: Pay only for the words you need translated, saving you money.

Contact Certling today to get started on your certified translation needs and ensure your application is error-free and ready for submission.

Conclusion

The new USCIS requirement to submit Form I-693 with Form I-485 emphasizes the importance of a complete and accurate application. By adhering to these updated guidelines and preparing in advance, you can avoid unnecessary delays or rejections in your adjustment of status application. With Certling’s expertise, you can confidently submit all required