Quick summary
#The following aliens applying for adjustment of status must submit a partial Form I-693 (Parts ) Applicant completed vaccination requirements or may be eligible for blanket waivers as indicated above, as described in the Form DS-260 guide.
IR-1: IR-1 Immigrant Visa (Spouse of US Citizen)
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-693?)
#By ensuring that all medical and vaccination requirements are met and properly documented, applicants can facilitate a smoother adjustment of status process, as described in the U.S. Visa Photo Requirements guide. For related guidance, see the F-1 Student Visa Checklist page.
First page of I-693 form
Source: I-693 PDF
Context and workflow
#Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS confirming submission.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for I-693 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
- Supporting document for adjustment of status applications.
- Part of the evidence package submitted to USCIS.
- May be required for certain nonimmigrant visa holders adjusting status.
- I-693 is commonly filed alongside Form I-485.
Who uses it
The following aliens applying for adjustment of status may need to submit a partial Form I-693 (Parts ) Applicant completed vaccination requirements or may be eligible for blanket waivers as indicated above.
When it is used
- IR-1: IR-1 Immigrant Visa (Spouse of US Citizen)
- CR-1: CR-1 Conditional Resident Visa (Spouse)
- EB-1: EB-1 Employment-Based First Preference
- When applying for IR-1 — I-693 is typically required as part of the application
- When filing I-693 alongside I-485 (Medical exam required for adjustment of status)
- After filing I-693 — I-589 may be the next step (Required if asylum is granted and adjusting status)
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-693 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form unsealed.
- Failing to sign the form in the presence of the civil surgeon.
- Ensure form edition is current
What it asks for (What does Form I-693 ask for?)
#- Biographical information about the applicant
- Medical examination results
- Vaccination records
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Applicants who require a vaccination assessment must submit Part 10 with Parts 1-5 and Part 7 of Form I-693.
- The certification must include the translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information
- Finally, you must require the applicant to sign the Applicant’s Certification in Part 2
- The original or stamped signature of the physician on staff at the health department must be present in Part 7
- Health departments must also place either the official stamp or raised seal, whichever is customarily used, in Part 7
What you need (What do you need for Form I-693?)
#- A copy of the vaccination record must be given to the applicant.
- The current edition of I-693
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Copy of your filed or approved I-485 (Medical exam required for adjustment of status)
Checklist (What is the Form I-693 checklist?)
#- Download the current I-693 and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-693 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of I-693
- Confirm photos are unmounted and unretouched per USCIS specifications
- Ensure that all necessary fields on the form are both signed and dated.
- Ensure that Form I-693 is signed and dated before submission, along with all necessary supporting documents.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-693. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-693 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Application for Asylum and for Withholding.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
Submit application
Form I-693 by mail with your Form I-485, to the location specified for your Form I-485 (see the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485)
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see IR-1 Immigrant Visa (Spouse of US.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-693 have?)
#Part 8. Civil Surgeon Worksheet and Part
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting Form I-693 that is not in a sealed envelope
- Not signing the form in the presence of the civil surgeon
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a signature
- USCIS verifies this section.
Part 8. Civil Surgeon Worksheet , Item Number
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting Form I-693 that is not in a sealed envelope
- Not signing the form in the presence of the civil surgeon
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a signature
- USCIS verifies this section.
Part 11. Additional Information
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting Form I-693 that is not in a sealed envelope
- Not signing the form in the presence of the civil surgeon
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a signature
- USCIS verifies this section.
Strategy tips
#Common mistakes (What mistakes are common with Form I-693?)
#- Submitting Form I-693 that is not in a sealed envelope
- Not signing the form in the presence of the civil surgeon
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a signature
- Not presenting a valid government-issued photo ID during the examination
- Not completing all required parts of the form
- Using a doctor who is not a designated civil surgeon.
- Failing to include vaccination records.
- Incomplete medical history information.
Examples (What are examples for Form I-693?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Strong application: A family-based applicant includes a properly sealed Form I-693 with their adjustment of status application, leading to smooth processing.
- An applicant in the IR-1 category files I-693 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-693?)
#- Some applicants assume that once they submit Form I-693, they no longer need to provide any additional medical documentation; however, further documentation may be required depending on individual circumstances.
- I-693 has more than one fee component (e.g. Filing Fee and Biometrics Services Fee); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for I-693 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- I-693 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Submitting the form unsealed.”
- Submitting I-693 is the start of the process — applicants should expect follow-up steps such as “Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS confirming submission.”
- Filing I-693 is not the same as approval — adjudicators independently review eligibility, evidence, and admissibility before deciding the case.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-693, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents
The case was approved within the standard timeline
Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Filed together: Medical exam required for adjustment of status
- Unlike Form I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal: Next step after approval: Required if asylum is granted and adjusting status (Medical pathway)
Why it matters
#What happens after you submit
#- Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS confirming submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature) if required.
- USCIS reviews the form along with other submitted documents.
- Receive notice of action regarding the application status.
- If approved, proceed with next stage forms or receive the adjustment of status decision.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-693 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form I-693.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form I-693.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form I-693.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.